Hello,

I just bought my bike a few months ago, its my first bike. Its a 2003 harley sportster xl custom. Two problems that maybe be separate or the same cause. Has a carb.

It hates getting gas. Evey time I put gas in it, it stalls multiple times before running right.

Also now it has black smoke out the pipes, stalls even without gas fill up, and generally runs rough. Had it in neutral when I got home and parked, and super low idle to point of stalling with smoke.

Any suggestions? Don't have a couple hundred dollars at the moment to take it into the shop. Please help!

 

Black smoke is an indicator of "too rich" condition. It sounds like the needle in the carb is dirty, worn out, or the float is adjusted improperly. I would pull the carb and clean/rebuild it.

 

Melman is saying good stuff...

The carb needs a good going over.

 

Thank you for the replies!

One more bit of information that may or may not change the situation.

I talked to the previous owner today. Apparently on one of their last rides they left the choke on during a 10 minute ride.

Also the throttle **** had to be readjusted.

Does this still indicate the carb?

 

What pipes?

 

screaming eagles

 

Search = "how to read spark plugs", "how to adjust carb" and for sure get a manual and clean that carb out. Betcha it's all varnished up inside.