Engine won't warm up
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Massillon, Ohio
Engine won't warm up
I'm only 4 months into my first HD and live in Ohio. Now that the temps are dropping into the low 40's and below I can't keep my motor warm. I keep having to pull the enrichment **** back out to keep it running right. If I stop it will warm back up but once I get moving again need more enrichment. Most of my rides are 6 miles right now. I thought at first it was running to lean but in warmer weather the plugs show rich. Should I think about something to block off some of the air to the motor?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,598
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From: Lansing mi
I agree.
Some years back I drove 8 miles to get my motor hot for a oil change, outside temps in the 50's. When I got back home and drained the oil, it was very warm, but not hot. Now I always make sure I have over 25 miles on before a oil change, and the oil is hot every time now.
Some years back I drove 8 miles to get my motor hot for a oil change, outside temps in the 50's. When I got back home and drained the oil, it was very warm, but not hot. Now I always make sure I have over 25 miles on before a oil change, and the oil is hot every time now.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
On cool mornings I have a real short drive to work and despite covering the oil cooler the ambient temp is such it won't allow the engine to come up to "operating temps" so I drive a long route home and the engine is good'n'hot when we get home. Just find a long way home to burn out the condensation and clean the plugs. Do you have any mods to the carb?
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2009
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Go 2 sizes richer on the pilot jet and a 1/4 turn out on the idle mixture. Save your original pilot, you will be putting it back in come spring. The CV carb does a far job of adjusting the main circuit for temp and altitude. But needs seasonal adjustments for the idle and slow speed circuits.
Last edited by shadylane; Oct 31, 2010 at 06:09 PM.
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 13
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From: Massillon, Ohio
The carb is stock except for a 195 main jet and 48 idle jet. If I was to use a thinner oil, what would one suggest?
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
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6 miles in 40 degree temps will not bring the engine up to operating temp. It's the nature of the beast, thats what the enrichment **** is for along with initial start up. If you want to chase a ghost and play with oil and jetting go ahead, knock your socks off. Reality is, it's cold out.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
The stock jets are 45 and 190. I have my a/f mix out at 2 1/2 turns with stock jets. Motor is not stock. Of course I've been on the same bike since Feb. 02 and I know what it will do in the cold. It starts with enrichener 1/2 out, idles in the driveway about 1 minute and no driveability issues going thru town. Get on the hiway and no hesitation ,coughing, gasping, nothing. I also get about 49 mpg on the hiway with two up.