My old FLHTC is very difficult to start in really cold weather. I think that the choke isn't coming all the way closed. I have a 1988 FLHTC but, I put a CV carb on it. The CV came with the cable attached already. It's not a problem except when it's really cold. I love this carb but, an S&S is better for cold weather starting.

 

Did you adjust the idle mixture or increase the slow jet size?

 

CV is fine if its set up properly. Choke rarely gives problems but if you have a 42 idle jet you might find things difficult.....when did you last change spark plugs?

 

Not really the CV is a better carb. Something is not right with the install.

 

It feels to me like the choke isn't closing all the way. It will usually start. One time I ran the bettery down trying to start it. I put the charger on it and once I had a good charge it fired up. Since that time it has started but, it usually takes a couple of tries.

I have a 1988 with the Hitachi starter. It seems to turn over a little slower that the reduction gear starters. That may play a role. Anyway, I have discovered that when starting in cold weather, after sitting a few days, I need to crack the throttle a little while cranking. It will usually start up on the second try. BTW, it was cold natured with the butterfly carb too. Just as bad or worse.

The spark plugs are HD and I replaced them last summer.

I had a 1991 Heritage with hot coils, ignition, S&S carb, etc.. It started easy all the time. I rode out one morning at 14 degrees. It started right up.

I went with the CV over the S&S because I felt that it would do better when riding from the beach to the mountains. The S&S was too rich in the mountains so it didn't idle well.

My idle screw is as open as I can make it. I think my mixtures are good. I messed with them with the assistance of the guy (who's name I can't remember, Dale maybe?) at Killer Cycle.

Although I can start the bike I think the HD battery is coming close to the end of it's natural life. I have always been happy with HD branded batteries and plan to keep using them.

 

A failing battery can cause bad starting. Also, try using ngk iridium plugs. A 1988 bike that starts second go doesn't actually have a starting problem though.

 

Also double check you ignition timing setup...badly setup it can make starting a real pain.

 

yes ngk irdiums fire the 1200 right up on the coldest days with little choke index to exhaust valve fire max power

 

Anyone know off the top of your head the NGK part number for the iridium plug? I have the standard HD plugs in there now but, they are probably like the bottom of the line Champions.

 

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