Hard starting problem with S&S Carb
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Stage I
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1
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From: San Diego
Hard starting problem with S&S Carb
Hey all...I replaced my carb with a S & S about 1500 miles ago. I have a '88 FXLR custom which has always had carb issues. I'm the original owner who put a Mikuni on it when I bought it along with a 3/4 race cam and kerkur headers. It was always a pain starting the bike. If I didn't start it correctly it would flood and run like crap for a while until it cleared. Anyway, a mechanic talked me into switching to a S & S as he said it wasn't as temperamental? Ever since the bike has been a total pain to start and when it does, it runs horribly for about 5 miles and then runs like it was brand new. It will kick and back fire as well as just totally cut out and stall. I've tried all different ways to start it so as not to flood it but if I don't choke it up will not even think about running. It always back fires at least once or twice before it starts. Actually I know it will eventually start if it does backfire. The bike only has 18,000 miles on it so obviously I haven't ridden it a lot. I've taken it to a mechanic and he's stumped. It's always running like a champ by time I get there. Any suggestions as to what I'm doing wrong? Its embarrassing as hell when it acts up like that in a crowd.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 150
From: ct
Things I would check, intake gaskets, check the voes and the vacuum hose to it, also the air mixture screw when it's warm . Also the adjustment on the choke cable itself, my not be proper. Possibly the wrong jets to match the cam maybe. Have had great success with my mikuni HSR 42.Even check the timing to see where it's at, could be off enough to screw with you... hope this helps..
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 150
From: ct
But you are right...
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
It's just a PITA to follow a jumbled mass of thoughts in a block of text.
I take it that you too have a hard time following a large block of text?
And what the hell is up with all the new people posting large blocks of text???
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Hey all...I replaced my carb with a S & S about 1500 miles ago. I have a '88 FXLR custom which has always had carb issues. I'm the original owner who put a Mikuni on it when I bought it along with a 3/4 race cam and kerkur headers.
It was always a pain starting the bike. If I didn't start it correctly it would flood and run like crap for a while until it cleared. Anyway, a mechanic talked me into switching to a S & S as he said it wasn't as temperamental? Ever since the bike has been a total pain to start I've taken it to a mechanic and he's stumped.
It was always a pain starting the bike. If I didn't start it correctly it would flood and run like crap for a while until it cleared. Anyway, a mechanic talked me into switching to a S & S as he said it wasn't as temperamental? Ever since the bike has been a total pain to start I've taken it to a mechanic and he's stumped.
http://www.tildentechnologies.com/Cams/Take_34Race.html
Last edited by Tom84FXST; Oct 23, 2015 at 06:59 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,525
Likes: 34,682
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
I'm beginning to think you are right.
It's just a PITA to follow a jumbled mass of thoughts in a block of text.
I take it that you too have a hard time following a large block of text?
And what the hell is up with all the new people posting large blocks of text???
It's just a PITA to follow a jumbled mass of thoughts in a block of text.
I take it that you too have a hard time following a large block of text?
And what the hell is up with all the new people posting large blocks of text???
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
I have a 1988 FLHTC with the S&S and yes, it can be a PITA to start sometimes. I have found that, I think, it real easy to feed it too much gas when trying to start. It will roll over a couple of times, not even firing, I let off of the switch and it back fires like a 10 gauge. If it's not fully warm at sea level it will run like crap for 8 -10 minutes.
I start mine, first thing with enricher on, 4 squirts and it will fire right up. Then I turn the enricher off in a couple of minutes and set a high idle with the screw under the throttle. I'll let it do that while I put on my pirate stuff. Once I shut it off figuring out the correct combination to restart gets interesting. At the gas pump it's usually just hit the start button, no throttle. Once it has set for an hour or more in the same day that's where I can never figure it out. The one that seems to work is one squirt and a little throttle. I'm considering replacing the stock ignition to see if it will help with starting. I love the old cantankerous gal but, I kinda wonder if 1988 wasn't a weird year for HD.
I start mine, first thing with enricher on, 4 squirts and it will fire right up. Then I turn the enricher off in a couple of minutes and set a high idle with the screw under the throttle. I'll let it do that while I put on my pirate stuff. Once I shut it off figuring out the correct combination to restart gets interesting. At the gas pump it's usually just hit the start button, no throttle. Once it has set for an hour or more in the same day that's where I can never figure it out. The one that seems to work is one squirt and a little throttle. I'm considering replacing the stock ignition to see if it will help with starting. I love the old cantankerous gal but, I kinda wonder if 1988 wasn't a weird year for HD.
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