2002 Heritage Engine Backfire Issue
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From: Ft. Lauderdale FL
2002 Heritage Engine Backfire Issue
Hi All.
I have a 2002 Heritage Softail Classic Carbureted. It has been about a month since I last rode it. At that time it ran fine right up to when I parked it and shut it down. Today I went to start it and all it will do is spit and backfire when I crank it. My first thought was possibly water in the fuel from ethanol gas. I dropped the bowl down from the carb and it was perfectly clean fuel inside. I put it back together and cranked again but only spitting and backfiring. Wont even hit with starting fluid! It seems to me for some reason it is out of time? Can t really understand why all of a sudden? Is there an ECM module that tells it when to spark that could have gone bad, and if so is there a way to test it? Thanks for your input...
I have a 2002 Heritage Softail Classic Carbureted. It has been about a month since I last rode it. At that time it ran fine right up to when I parked it and shut it down. Today I went to start it and all it will do is spit and backfire when I crank it. My first thought was possibly water in the fuel from ethanol gas. I dropped the bowl down from the carb and it was perfectly clean fuel inside. I put it back together and cranked again but only spitting and backfiring. Wont even hit with starting fluid! It seems to me for some reason it is out of time? Can t really understand why all of a sudden? Is there an ECM module that tells it when to spark that could have gone bad, and if so is there a way to test it? Thanks for your input...
Last edited by captng1; Mar 28, 2020 at 06:34 PM.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale FL
Max Headflow,
The model and year is listed and there is about 35,000 miles on it. I have not messed with the plug wires and have changed nothing since the last time I rode it a month ago. I am not the original owner, am not aware of any engine mods. Thanks
The model and year is listed and there is about 35,000 miles on it. I have not messed with the plug wires and have changed nothing since the last time I rode it a month ago. I am not the original owner, am not aware of any engine mods. Thanks
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From: poway
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From: Ft. Lauderdale FL
I have not checked for codes as I do not have the tool. I have pulled the plugs. Compression is good, plugs are clean not fouled. I grounded them and cranked the engine. Spark was erratic. Some times no spark for several revolutions and then sometimes spark.( Is it possible to have killed the ECU by cranking bike while hooked to a battery charger which may have created this problem? I unplugged the plugs from the ECU and plugged them back in after checking for spark. Now no spark at all? Is there a procedure to test the ECU? Your thoughts? Thanks
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From: poway
I have not checked for codes as I do not have the tool. I have pulled the plugs. Compression is good, plugs are clean not fouled. I grounded them and cranked the engine. Spark was erratic. Some times no spark for several revolutions and then sometimes spark.( Is it possible to have killed the ECU by cranking bike while hooked to a battery charger which may have created this problem? I unplugged the plugs from the ECU and plugged them back in after checking for spark. Now no spark at all? Is there a procedure to test the ECU? Your thoughts? Thanks
Does the engine light come on them go out then com back on?
There are ways listed in the service manual where you can dump codes. You don't need the diagnostic tool, only a jumper between 2 pins on the diag connector. The engine light will flash the codes.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale FL
Hi Max Headflow,
The engine light comes on and then goes out and stays out when I turn on the ignition. I don't have a wiring diagram. Is there a way to test the actual ECU to know whether it is bad or good? Thanks
The engine light comes on and then goes out and stays out when I turn on the ignition. I don't have a wiring diagram. Is there a way to test the actual ECU to know whether it is bad or good? Thanks
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From: poway
None that I know of.
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