idle or throttle problem? Or something else?

mgoblue3 · #1 05-18-2008, 01:33 PM

just bought an 01 FLHRCI (Road King). Below is everthing the bike has (from what i was told from the seller).

engine has 4 crane cams roller rockers 100$ each, adjustable
> pushrods, JIMS big axle lifters, chrome bolt kits chrome point cover, I
> undercoated the fenders when I had the wheels off, custom front axle spacers,
> Chrome fork lowers serviced with Amsoil shock oilengine has 4 crane cams roller rockers 100$ each, adjustable
> pushrods, JIMS big axle lifters, chrome bolt kits chrome point cover, I
> undercoated the fenders when I had the wheels off, custom front axle spacers,
> Chrome fork lowers serviced with Amsoil shock oil
Rhinehart True duals, Amsoil Air Cleaner, 6-speed (screamin Eagle), big bore kit. And the fuel managemnt is Cobra Fi2000

At most stops the idle gets will choppy and in many cases stalls out. when sitting on the stand and i open the throttle and let it snap back it seems fine, but i am noticing the throttle is closing all the way, when i close the throttle completely the idle starts to sputter again and stalls out. I am new to all this fuel managment and from reading the forum haven't found a whole lot on the Cobra so i am assuming this is an area the guy slacked. Any ideas. As i am sure i left some info out let me know what else you need to help diagnose this problem.

Papamte · #2 05-19-2008, 07:24 PM

It being an 01' model it probably has the Magnetti-Morelli efi. They are notorius for idle problems. Is your idle set to factory spec's, or is it idled down to get that loping engine sound. If your idled down then you're asking for trouble. The oil pump doesn't properly lube the engine at lowered rpm's. Make sure you're are at factory spec's or at least get close to them to save wear and tear that will cost big bucks in the long run.
Next thing to look at is the plate on the side of the throttle body. If it has play or the plate doesn't move easy and smooth, then you'll need to replace the miniature bearing in it. It's an easy job and the bearing is cheap. Just look at everything as you take it off, and put it back the same way. Lastly, make sure your throttle cables are lubed well.
The Cobra 1200 is a piggyback unit and doesn't really control the idle. You might also want to check that your cables are adjusted properly. This procedure is explained in the how-to section of the forum, and it's pretty easy to do.

Hope this helps! I have the M-M efi also, and I've been down this road too.

mgoblue3 · #3 05-20-2008, 06:50 PM

The plate appears to be fine, cable appears connected to it to and it is clicking at open and snapping to close. How do I check to make sure the oil pump is lubing the engine properly?

mgoblue3 · #4 05-21-2008, 06:46 AM

Will i be able to set the bike's idle to factory spec's or will i have to have the stealer put it on the dyno (computer)? I am awaiting my service manual to come in (probably Thursday), will that explain everything i need to adjust to hopefully kill this problem? I took the housing around the throttle apart last night and adjust so it would snap back to full close and that appears to be working fine!!