1988 Sporster 883 issues
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 6
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From: New York
1988 Sporster 883 issues
Hello everyone,
I am the proud owner of a nice little sportster that I finally got road worthy (at least I thought). However A weird thing has happened to me two times now. Today while I was riding it was running perfectly for a solid 45 minutes at least. Then all the sudden I was going roughly 55 (speedo cable died AHHH) then the engine cut out t seemed. Like it stopped firing for a moment. Then I let off the throttle and gave it gas again, it took it but then did the same thing shortly after. I let it happen a few more times then pulled over. It died out by itself after a second or two. But strangely it seemed like it would idle still when I let off the throttle just couldn't give it any gas. On another note I have done a lot of work on this thing and was super heart broke when this happened. I took apart the whole top end because I had to fix the timing but it runs fine so it shouldn't have anything to do with that. Also I don't believe it could be the stater because the battery was tested after and it indicated "good battery" with more voltage then 12. Honestly I am stumped so I figured the next place id turn is here.
Thank you,
Carl
I am the proud owner of a nice little sportster that I finally got road worthy (at least I thought). However A weird thing has happened to me two times now. Today while I was riding it was running perfectly for a solid 45 minutes at least. Then all the sudden I was going roughly 55 (speedo cable died AHHH) then the engine cut out t seemed. Like it stopped firing for a moment. Then I let off the throttle and gave it gas again, it took it but then did the same thing shortly after. I let it happen a few more times then pulled over. It died out by itself after a second or two. But strangely it seemed like it would idle still when I let off the throttle just couldn't give it any gas. On another note I have done a lot of work on this thing and was super heart broke when this happened. I took apart the whole top end because I had to fix the timing but it runs fine so it shouldn't have anything to do with that. Also I don't believe it could be the stater because the battery was tested after and it indicated "good battery" with more voltage then 12. Honestly I am stumped so I figured the next place id turn is here.
Thank you,
Carl
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Starting with the simple stuff first, the usual suspect would be the ground cable connection to the frame. Any dirt or corrosion or looseness will make the bike act that way. Also check the cables at the battery terminals. The make sure all fuses and relay connections are clean and tight.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: New York
Starting with the simple stuff first, the usual suspect would be the ground cable connection to the frame. Any dirt or corrosion or looseness will make the bike act that way. Also check the cables at the battery terminals. The make sure all fuses and relay connections are clean and tight.
The relays are good and tight however I'm not sure about ground. Where should I start? Because I just had to do a bunch of re-wiring and all the grounds were good while I was doing that.
Is there any chance that it is an issue with the carb?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
It could be the carb but the speedo cutting out usually means a power interruption. Cleaning and servicing the carb can't hurt, especially if you don't know when it was done before, if at all.
If you follow the negative cable from the battery it will terminate somewhere on top of the motor or trans. I had an 87 883 but that was over 30 years ago and I don't remember exactly where to look but it's not that complicated. A few years back I stopped to help a stranded rider on his Sportster and he was having the same issues. Was able to get a wrench on the nut holding down the cable at the motor and that was all it needed.
I recommend that you get a copy of the factory service manual, as well as the electrical and parts manuals. Very helpful stuff.
If you follow the negative cable from the battery it will terminate somewhere on top of the motor or trans. I had an 87 883 but that was over 30 years ago and I don't remember exactly where to look but it's not that complicated. A few years back I stopped to help a stranded rider on his Sportster and he was having the same issues. Was able to get a wrench on the nut holding down the cable at the motor and that was all it needed.
I recommend that you get a copy of the factory service manual, as well as the electrical and parts manuals. Very helpful stuff.
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