This one has me scratching my head
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 19,122
From: The Wasteland
This one has me scratching my head
I recently installed new manifold gaskets and carb seal on my 1995 Dyna. Heres a thread with the details if youre interested.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/general-harley-davidson-chat/1484507-cv-carb-air-fuel-mixture-adjustment.html
Whats got me puzzled is after I got it all back together Ive been tweaking the air fuel mix. Started it up a few days ago, went for a 10 mile ride and the bike ran fine. As soon as I got in the drive way it was idling ok but when I leaned it over on the kick stand it died right there.
Went out today and put 15 miles on it to get it up to operating temp, got home to adjust the air fuel mix and it idled fine again until I leaned it on the kick stand. The second I leaned it over both times it died.
One other detail is while Ive been riding I can smell raw gas when I get on the throttle. Nothing is leaking as far as I can see.
Any ideas?
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/general-harley-davidson-chat/1484507-cv-carb-air-fuel-mixture-adjustment.html
Whats got me puzzled is after I got it all back together Ive been tweaking the air fuel mix. Started it up a few days ago, went for a 10 mile ride and the bike ran fine. As soon as I got in the drive way it was idling ok but when I leaned it over on the kick stand it died right there.
Went out today and put 15 miles on it to get it up to operating temp, got home to adjust the air fuel mix and it idled fine again until I leaned it on the kick stand. The second I leaned it over both times it died.
One other detail is while Ive been riding I can smell raw gas when I get on the throttle. Nothing is leaking as far as I can see.
Any ideas?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,462
Likes: 34,515
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
You probably got a piece of debris or fuel line in the inlet when you disconnected and reconnected the fuel line and it's getting in between the needle and seat. Remove the carburetor, the float bowl, the float and the needle, clean everything thoroughly with carb cleaner and blow out the passages with compressed air if you have it, and be sure when you put it back together that the fuel line is good and not crumbly.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 19,122
From: The Wasteland
You probably got a piece of debris or fuel line in the inlet when you disconnected and reconnected the fuel line and it's getting in between the needle and seat. Remove the carburetor, the float bowl, the float and the needle, clean everything thoroughly with carb cleaner and blow out the passages with compressed air if you have it, and be sure when you put it back together that the fuel line is good and not crumbly.
Banned
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 148
Likes: 60
From: United States
Your float bowl level is set too high. When you lean the bike over on the kickstand, the excess fuel spills over into the carb throat and floods it, killing the engine. The raw gas smell confirms it's running rich. Pull the carb and adjust the float level lower. That should fix both issues.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 19,122
From: The Wasteland
Your float bowl level is set too high. When you lean the bike over on the kickstand, the excess fuel spills over into the carb throat and floods it, killing the engine. The raw gas smell confirms it's running rich. Pull the carb and adjust the float level lower. That should fix both issues.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,462
Likes: 34,515
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
You may have gotten debris in the carburetor when the inlet was changed, however. Regardless, you have to remove it and check it.
Last edited by Tommy C; Sep 8, 2025 at 06:59 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
