Backfiring isses
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20
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From:
Backfiring isses
Haven't posted in quite some time but have been lurking, as always.
I need some input on an issue I am having with my '02 Superglide. For the past couple weeks my bike has been backfiring and losing power while riding at speed. The problem is intermittent but has persisted to the point where the pops where happening a couple times a minute. They usually come in twos or threes and there will be a loud POP, the bike will lose power, and the check engine light comes on on the speedo just for a few seconds and then goes back off. This sometimes only happens once a 15 minute ride, other times more often. Sometimes it will be so bad that the bike will die and the take several minutes to restart.
The motor setup is stock except for the exhaust which are vance&hines long shots. I am not running the heat shields and the head pipes have been painted black. I also am not running any cover on the air filter, also painted black.
Since this started I have done a complete fluid change as well as cleaning and re-oiling the k&n air filter. While the filter was off I sprayed carb clearer into the bike while running. When that did not work, I did a quick carb disassembly and cleaning which also did not help, although using the carb cleaner seems to hold the problem back for 10-15 minutes of riding.
My thoughts so far include changing the fuel filter, adjusting the air/fuel mixture screw or rejetting. I also wondered if I should remove the head bolts/rubber tube system from the intake and replace with a simple breather setup. I'm also curious if painting the headpipes created the issue. I just want my good running bike back as it is summer and there is a good ride planned for next weekend.
As always, many thanks in advance. Look forward to some good feedback.
I need some input on an issue I am having with my '02 Superglide. For the past couple weeks my bike has been backfiring and losing power while riding at speed. The problem is intermittent but has persisted to the point where the pops where happening a couple times a minute. They usually come in twos or threes and there will be a loud POP, the bike will lose power, and the check engine light comes on on the speedo just for a few seconds and then goes back off. This sometimes only happens once a 15 minute ride, other times more often. Sometimes it will be so bad that the bike will die and the take several minutes to restart.
The motor setup is stock except for the exhaust which are vance&hines long shots. I am not running the heat shields and the head pipes have been painted black. I also am not running any cover on the air filter, also painted black.
Since this started I have done a complete fluid change as well as cleaning and re-oiling the k&n air filter. While the filter was off I sprayed carb clearer into the bike while running. When that did not work, I did a quick carb disassembly and cleaning which also did not help, although using the carb cleaner seems to hold the problem back for 10-15 minutes of riding.
My thoughts so far include changing the fuel filter, adjusting the air/fuel mixture screw or rejetting. I also wondered if I should remove the head bolts/rubber tube system from the intake and replace with a simple breather setup. I'm also curious if painting the headpipes created the issue. I just want my good running bike back as it is summer and there is a good ride planned for next weekend.
As always, many thanks in advance. Look forward to some good feedback.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,639
From: along the shore of Mishigami
A couple of thoughts here, 1) drain some fuel from the tank into a clear container and check for water or contaminants in the fuel, 2) the float may have a small hole in it and causing a flooding condition in the carb and choking out the engine. Have checked your plugs? Change them out for some fresh ones. There is a good write up on nightrider.com about adjusting the carbs to work with open air cleaners. The site does talk about the "Evo" engines but the information is still good. Don't think the pipes affected anything, but you have leaned out the fuel/air mix by going to the open air intake and that needs to addressed.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
Possibly the fuel filter is clogged. Don't know a 2002 Harley very well. Well really not at all, but it sounds like you are starving the bike for fuel. Possible Pet **** filter clogged? Another thing to check is if your gas tank is venting correct. Try to run it with the gas cap off/loosened up and see if it sputters on you.
Last edited by editbrain; May 15, 2010 at 08:19 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: new bedford, ma
mine (2001 fxdxt) was having the same type behavior last year. i actually had a short in my wiring harness. it was grounding itself out, losing power and backfiring. check all your electriacl connections. mine eventually fried 2 coils before i went to dealer where they find the short
Banned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 7
From: Southwest Florida
mine (2001 fxdxt) was having the same type behavior last year. i actually had a short in my wiring harness. it was grounding itself out, losing power and backfiring. check all your electriacl connections. mine eventually fried 2 coils before i went to dealer where they find the short
Took it to the dealer -- Clueless. A friend of his found some wiring that had rubbed through the insulation under the little hood dealio that covers his headlamp.
Whatever.
A total and complete dumba$$ guess, but what the hey? Ya never know.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
Are the pipes relatively new? You didn't mention anything about them. I'd also (in addition to everything said) check your flange bolts and maybe the gasket. I had an old suzuki that the headers werent torqued right and a gasket went bad, and it would backfire and shoot a flame out of the pipe. New gaskets fixed her up.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 1
From: Highland, IL
Lot of things could cause this and all the advice above is a good place to start. Sounds to me like there is either water in the fuel, the intake gasket, or fuel air mixture is off. hope you get it fixed
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