just installed a 40 mm cv carb on my 1981 fas and now have a problem getting it to idle i think i may have to go to electronic ignition, any thoughts?

should have said 1981 FXS

 

Repost your question down in the "shovelhead" section for a better answer but that shovel ought to run with either stock or electronic ignition regardless.

and welcome to the forum


carl

 

thanks first time on forum did not realize there was a separate section

 

Without any other info my first thoughts would be that it is not jetted properly for your bike. Does the bike run ok otherwise? Did you change the intake or are you using an adapter to mount the CV? Any leaks in the intake system?

 

carb came from a good harley mechanic so is jetted properly just going to recheck for manifold leaks bike sounds way better than it did with a super e on it. my next task will probably be loosening off the heads and aligning intake manifold to heads then tighten heads if this does not work next step will be getting valves checked. this is my first harley after riding triumphs for years so am learning how to do stuff the harley way

 

So after changing the wide band securing the adapter to the intake ports on both cylinders to 2 skinny bands then getting rid of the NGK plugs to Champions bike started up and ran like a totally different bike,no hesitation,no powerloss,or stumbling for about 15-20 minutes then while sitting at red lights there was light blue-grey smoke coming out the exhaust pipers,when i picked up the rpms the smoking stopped until the next red light when it started up again so needless to say i am totally baffled again. Thoughts anyone as this can't be blamed on being my first Harley as even if it had happened on any of the british bikes i rode over the years i would have been as stumped as i am right now

 

the required jetting can not always be determined by a bench setup. There is such a thing as ballpark jetting but each bike has its own requirements. The variables in manufacturing, state of engine seal, atmospheric conditions, all effect jetting requirements. If i had to guess Id say that you eliminated or minimized an air leak at the manifold with the switching of clamps. Small air leaks like these will have a larger effect on idle and small throttle openings. At the point your at now id be looking at first the mixture screw, and secondly the pilot jet. This is AFTER of course you've compression or leak down tested each cylinder. Good luck.

 

Blue grey smoke indicates oil consumption. Your engine may need new valve guides & seals & perhaps a new set of piston rings.

 

My '78 XLCH needed rings and valve guides at 30K miles. Good luck with your '81 Shovel, but don't let it give you an attitude about Harleys. The newer ones are light years ahead of your '81 in terms of reliability and longevity.

 

As others have stated blue smoke is burning oil. There are a number of issues that could cause this. Valve seals, blocked oil return passages, blocked crankcase vent, piston rings, and other things. Depending on the mileage, type of usage, amount of time that the bike sat, it could be really simple. If you can't figure it out we're going to need more info.