Starting issues and backfiring
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Starting issues and backfiring
Can anybody help me here? I've got a 2009 Low Rider. I've got the S.E. air kit, Python 3 slip-ons, plus I've had the download/flash/upgrade thing that HD offers, all done 2 years ago. Never had any issues until recently. My bike suddenly has a hard time starting. Sometimes it starts right up, but mostly it takes 2 and sometimes even 3 times before it will start, especially once it's warmed up.
I've also been having some loud backfiring. It has happened while trying to start it, but more when I throttle it hard and suddenly release the throttle. Twice my wife has seen flames come out my pipes; is this normal?
Any advice? Would the XIEDs help this?
I've also been having some loud backfiring. It has happened while trying to start it, but more when I throttle it hard and suddenly release the throttle. Twice my wife has seen flames come out my pipes; is this normal?
Any advice? Would the XIEDs help this?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,279
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
First thing to do is check to see if you have any intake or exhaust leaks. If your setup was running fine and you haven't done anything to change it, mostly likely it's a mechanical problem. Look at your battery cables, including the ground at the frame. Something else that causes hard starting is a pinhole leak in the fuel line inside the tank.
It's easier to hear when there's only a gallon or 2 left in the tank.
It's easier to hear when there's only a gallon or 2 left in the tank.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Thanks, guys! I listened for a leak in the fuel line, didn't hear anything. Battery & cables are fine, and charged. I checked for exhaust leaks over the whole system, nothing. Air cleaner is open at bottom of cover, but it's clean and I clean it each season. My next thing is spark plugs/wires. Although I clean my plugs every season and check the gap and they look good, but I don't know what else to try.
Are there any starting advantages between the stock ($4), platinum ($8) and S.E. ($16) plugs?
And I've heard about some wires throwing a code. Are there any white or chrome braided wires out there that are better than stock and won't throw a code?
Could XIEDs change the ratio to make starting easier?
Thanks again.
Are there any starting advantages between the stock ($4), platinum ($8) and S.E. ($16) plugs?
And I've heard about some wires throwing a code. Are there any white or chrome braided wires out there that are better than stock and won't throw a code?
Could XIEDs change the ratio to make starting easier?
Thanks again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,279
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
You didn't say if you checked for intake leaks, that was the cause of the backfiring with mine. Once that was fixed it was just a matter of some tuning (adding fuel) to get it to run real good.
Keep with the stock plugs, IMO anything else is a waste of money.
Keep with the stock plugs, IMO anything else is a waste of money.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Maine
What's the best way to go about doing that? Just take apart the intake and check the gaskets?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,279
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Don't take anything apart yet. I use throttle body or carb cleaner. With the engine hot and idling, spray it at the flange where the intake manifold meets the cylinder. One at a time, both front and rear. Do it from the right side and be careful not to get it sucked into the air cleaner. If you get a change in the idle while you're spraying you have a leak. Most likely one or both intake seals.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Don't take anything apart yet. I use throttle body or carb cleaner. With the engine hot and idling, spray it at the flange where the intake manifold meets the cylinder. One at a time, both front and rear. Do it from the right side and be careful not to get it sucked into the air cleaner. If you get a change in the idle while you're spraying you have a leak. Most likely one or both intake seals.
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Don't take anything apart yet. I use throttle body or carb cleaner. With the engine hot and idling, spray it at the flange where the intake manifold meets the cylinder. One at a time, both front and rear. Do it from the right side and be careful not to get it sucked into the air cleaner. If you get a change in the idle while you're spraying you have a leak. Most likely one or both intake seals.
Intermediate
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Can anybody help me here? I've got a 2009 Low Rider. I've got the S.E. air kit, Python 3 slip-ons, plus I've had the download/flash/upgrade thing that HD offers, all done 2 years ago. Never had any issues until recently. My bike suddenly has a hard time starting. Sometimes it starts right up, but mostly it takes 2 and sometimes even 3 times before it will start, especially once it's warmed up.
I've also been having some loud backfiring. It has happened while trying to start it, but more when I throttle it hard and suddenly release the throttle. Twice my wife has seen flames come out my pipes; is this normal?
Any advice? Would the XIEDs help this?
I've also been having some loud backfiring. It has happened while trying to start it, but more when I throttle it hard and suddenly release the throttle. Twice my wife has seen flames come out my pipes; is this normal?
Any advice? Would the XIEDs help this?
So,
I turn the ignition on, put it in neutral, flick the kill switch to run, and hit start after the engine light goes out and have no issues, even in Texas at 114 deg ambient temperature after running a 150 mile charity run.
Mileage may vary...