Need starting options/ideas - 1977 WR360

Fine spline can slip and wreck the spine on the kicker. I fitted a decompression release to my 78 390 auto to protect the spine after ruining 2 kickers.Also helps protect the sprang on the crankshaft first gear auto clutch drum.

The head on my 360 has one spark plug hole (the '74 WR250 has 2 but that kicks lots easier). If I want a compression release, are there heads available with two holes for that motor or do I take this one to a machine shop somewhere and get it tapped? I live on the eastern shore of Maryland but am willing to travel or ship stuff to get it into the hands of someone that's familiar with Huskys.

All the advice has been great. The pics posted above are so helpful. Thanks

Here is a link to 75-77 360 head with the added hole for a compression release.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/372205741262?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649


Marty

Marty-

Thanks. Just bought it. I really appreciate it (and all the other help).

John

Ok. The internet is amazing, and the help here is awesome. I just got from Marty a head set up for a compression release and a kick start lever. Thanks.

Everready posted a motoplat repair service has any one used it what was the price and were you satisfied thanks
Tom

Yes. Vance Smith has been rebuilding Motoplats for years, I dont know anyone who was not satisfied. I personally wont waste any money on a 40 year old Motoplat, but those that have used his service are very happy.

Not to high jack the thread.....I have a 78 390. Completely rebuilt with new electronic ignition and new mikuni. If it's warm I can start it on the second or third kick. If it's cold, its a nightmare to start. I buddy of mine told me to lean the bike over, almost to the ground, until the fuel pisses out the carb overflow tube. Doing that is the only way it will start cold, and I have to go through that procedure at least twice and kick it many many times. A friend I race with that has the same bike told me he drops the bike in third gear and rolls it back and forth with the throttle open. I tried it but didn't work for me. And yes, kicking the bike is a chore. I'm 6' 2'' and still need something to step up on, or as RUWFO said, lean the bike over at a sharp angle and kick.

fuel on , choke on, 2 or 3 gear rock back and forth listening for the clug clug piston sound at least 20 times some take 30, this really takes a lot of effort on your part but it does work.
I personally am thinking of the electrex ignition swap to make things as should be. Every one that has made the swap seems to love the results.

This is how I do it also.

Do you have to do this with a new upgraded ignition tho?

Yes, it helps charge the cylinder with enough fuel to start, much like a Bing does with the tickler button.

The 360 head with a hole for a compression release is on its way. I've been looking at some threads, and it looks like folks recommend the Vulcan compression release. Anybody have one? Is that what I should get?

When trail riding a Vintage Big Bore Bike You should always try to lead the pack, and then you are the one who picks the spots to stop and BS. Your buddy's will always think You are stopping at the top of the Hill to get the best view, not so that You can re start the Bike.

The Husky rock works cold, I have skid marks all over my shop from doing it. Frustrating to not know if it will start on the trail, my 76' 360 has the stock kick lever, very awkward as mentioned. All around blast to ride but a sum beach to get going

Next time I will try the husky rock as explained...

On the wr430 found the compression release didnt pull enough fuel when starting cold, heres what i do, fuel on, choke on, lean bike over to 45 dgrees til fuel overflows through carb vent tubes, slowly kick through stroke a couple of times (no comp release) engage comp release and kick hard ,starts easy.

Not with an auto!!

I always thought the early reed valve might have something to do with being hard starting

Compression release adapter.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=compression release adapter

Compression release.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=compression release