Hey fellas...

the bike dies while riding.. it does not sputter or hesitate.. it just dies...

Here are the interesting details.. if I try to start right after it dies... the engine just turns but there is no attempt for the engine to fire... I have to completely power cycle the bike.. and only after I hear the fuel pump priming is when the engine fires.. but I ride for a bit and the engine dies again.. I have to turn it off.. back on.. let the fuel pump prime again... engine fires... I ride a block.. engine dies... repeat...

I wonder if anybody had the same issue?.. I know.. I am a traitor who runs a sloptail .. LOL... but I installed a 3.3 Sportster EFI tank on it... and that is why I am posting this question here... The fuel pump always seem to prime with no issues... but I have no idea if this is an intermittent issue with the fuel pump itself that kills the fuel supply .. cabling to the pump looks OK... I still have to verify if the issue is that the fuel pump loses power while I am riding... that is a more involved process... I haven't been able to check the fuses, but other than a loose fuse I doubt this issue is a fuse...

Thanks and happy riding!
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This link should answer your question about the fuel pumps having problems: http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...ad.php?t=65281

Another thought: I'm fairly sure that your softie has a relay that actuates the fuel pump just like the sportsters do. Those relays can get corroded internally and become intermittent.

 

I think you have a crank position sensor failure. This sensor gets some sludge build-up and act like the bike has a fuel issue. Had this issue on my 05' carburated sporty, and fixed it in 5 minutes.

Hope this helps.

 

You may have a hole in the pickup fuel line inside the tank, top the tank off and see what happens!!!!

 

I had the same issue on my sporty, Von_Zipper suggested it may be relay (btw thanks for that). I put new system relay in and hasn't happened again. Since starter relay same age, I switched it too. Good luck.

 

I may add relays in my carry tool bag.

 

Sounds a lot like an XL Regulator Spacer. Don't know what year/model your gas tank is from, but if it is from an '07 XL model it is worth checking out.

Read this threads first post for his symptoms and the 4th page, post #40 for the solution here:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...snt-start.html

You'll notice in his description he says it happened before and then worked. Yours may not be as bad as his is yet.

Then, here is the HD shop bulletin for the kit to replace the thing.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...ts/-J04525.pdf

 

Here is another short but good thread for a Nightster with the same problem and the same fix.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...ont-start.html

 

Thanks much for the info!!

Thanks !!.. curious... if you have an issue with the crank position sensor... does the bike generate an error code?


Thanks Domapoi... I will look into this as well... I hope is not the fuel pump... they are expensive!...

Happy riding!!!!
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Well, if it is the spacer, it will only run you anywhere from $19.12 to $25.00 depending on who you but it from and do it yourself.