Engine Mechanical Topics Discussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.

Black smoke, rough idle, stalls, need help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 17, 2015 | 01:46 PM
  #1  
pumasoc10's Avatar
pumasoc10
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: maryland
Unhappy Black smoke, rough idle, stalls, need help

Hello,

I just bought my bike a few months ago, its my first bike. Its a 2003 harley sportster xl custom. Two problems that maybe be separate or the same cause. Has a carb.

It hates getting gas. Evey time I put gas in it, it stalls multiple times before running right.

Also now it has black smoke out the pipes, stalls even without gas fill up, and generally runs rough. Had it in neutral when I got home and parked, and super low idle to point of stalling with smoke.

Any suggestions? Don't have a couple hundred dollars at the moment to take it into the shop. Please help!
 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2015 | 02:25 PM
  #2  
Melman's Avatar
Melman
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 420
Likes: 4
From: Bradenton,Florida
Default

Black smoke is an indicator of "too rich" condition. It sounds like the needle in the carb is dirty, worn out, or the float is adjusted improperly. I would pull the carb and clean/rebuild it.
 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2015 | 05:31 PM
  #3  
Dan89FLSTC's Avatar
Dan89FLSTC
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
Active Streak: 30 Days
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,175
Likes: 12,747
From: South Carolina
Default

Melman is saying good stuff...

The carb needs a good going over.
 
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2015 | 11:13 AM
  #4  
pumasoc10's Avatar
pumasoc10
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: maryland
Default

Thank you for the replies!

One more bit of information that may or may not change the situation.

I talked to the previous owner today. Apparently on one of their last rides they left the choke on during a 10 minute ride.

Also the throttle **** had to be readjusted.

Does this still indicate the carb?
 
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2015 | 12:11 PM
  #5  
Hillsidecycle.com's Avatar
Hillsidecycle.com
Sponsor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12,084
Likes: 829
Default

What pipes?
 
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2015 | 04:37 PM
  #6  
pumasoc10's Avatar
pumasoc10
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: maryland
Default

screaming eagles
 
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2015 | 10:26 PM
  #7  
Riffraff123's Avatar
Riffraff123
Road Captain
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 734
Likes: 319
From: Rochester NY
Default

Search = "how to read spark plugs", "how to adjust carb" and for sure get a manual and clean that carb out. Betcha it's all varnished up inside.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lhgdale
Sportster Models
10
Oct 22, 2018 09:53 AM
pierrat63
General Harley Davidson Chat
6
Jun 8, 2017 11:12 AM
Rusty Axle
Shovelhead
2
Jun 3, 2017 08:32 PM
brian_mscott
Exhaust System Topics
3
May 17, 2008 12:38 AM
MercRider
Exhaust System Topics
8
Mar 21, 2008 11:55 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:01 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE