Bike sputtering/Bogs down feel
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Yes Sir texashillcountry, it did it a couple of days before I took it in to get the carb recall done. Then after I picked the bike up I rode home on fairly straight roads so no sputtering or boging down. Noticed fuel leak when I went to start bike to go to work, shut it down trailered it in to HD shop. Got it fixed, driving it home, going up a hill started sputtering and bogging down until I got on a staight away. Don't know if the float is messed up or what, that's why I was going to take it out to some hills and see if it does it again, if so I'll get it fix
I'm beginning to suspect this isn't a carb issue.
Do you have the factory service manual for your bike?
Yes I have a service manual. This morning before work I looked under troubleshooting carb and fuel system. Didn't see anything about sputtering or bogging down
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,803
Likes: 7,830
From: SE Louisiana
Suspected fuel problem- start from the top, like jzjz said, possible vent problem can be checked very easy, simply crack the cap loose and see if the problem persist,
If it does, remove the petcock and see if the screen is intact and clean.
If the fuel hose is old and deteriorating, replace it, then you get in and clean the carb.
Many people skip the source of the debris and just go straight in and clean the carb, only to have the problem repeat.
(just like replacing the needle and seat, only to have debris dislodge in the fuel hose and get caught in the needle and cause a overflow fuel leak)
If it does, remove the petcock and see if the screen is intact and clean.
If the fuel hose is old and deteriorating, replace it, then you get in and clean the carb.
Many people skip the source of the debris and just go straight in and clean the carb, only to have the problem repeat.
(just like replacing the needle and seat, only to have debris dislodge in the fuel hose and get caught in the needle and cause a overflow fuel leak)
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,327
Likes: 3,614
From: Picayune, Ms.
Replace spark plugs with proper ones, that would be Champion RN12YC gaped .038 to .040.
Even though I agree with "could be fuel starvation", apparently you have already checked this, also along this line the fuel level in the bowl could be incorrect. (to low) If you think it could be this change level to "to High" (will now leak on the floor while shut down) and give it a test ride to duplicate the problem. Remember to measure the tab that shuts the fuel off on the float so it can be set back to original if this doesn't help.
OFF TOPIC sort of.
One question for everyone: Where in the hell do ya'll purchase your gasoline from, an old steel drum in the middle of a pasture somewhere? I've NEVER gotten contaminated fuel in anything when purchasing from a reliable source. No need to answer just wondering out loud.
245,000+ miles on wife's car, 367,000+ miles on MobyDick(White '90 Dodge Van), 98,000+ miles on '85 FXEF, and last but not least 127,000+ miles on Grape Ape '01 FXDXT and never a problem with contaminated fuel. Must be luckiest person on Earth. :-)
Even though I agree with "could be fuel starvation", apparently you have already checked this, also along this line the fuel level in the bowl could be incorrect. (to low) If you think it could be this change level to "to High" (will now leak on the floor while shut down) and give it a test ride to duplicate the problem. Remember to measure the tab that shuts the fuel off on the float so it can be set back to original if this doesn't help.
OFF TOPIC sort of.
One question for everyone: Where in the hell do ya'll purchase your gasoline from, an old steel drum in the middle of a pasture somewhere? I've NEVER gotten contaminated fuel in anything when purchasing from a reliable source. No need to answer just wondering out loud.
245,000+ miles on wife's car, 367,000+ miles on MobyDick(White '90 Dodge Van), 98,000+ miles on '85 FXEF, and last but not least 127,000+ miles on Grape Ape '01 FXDXT and never a problem with contaminated fuel. Must be luckiest person on Earth. :-)
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Suspected fuel problem- start from the top, like jzjz said, possible vent problem can be checked very easy, simply crack the cap loose and see if the problem persist,
If it does, remove the petcock and see if the screen is intact and clean.
If the fuel hose is old and deteriorating, replace it, then you get in and clean the carb.
Many people skip the source of the debris and just go straight in and clean the carb, only to have the problem repeat.
(just like replacing the needle and seat, only to have debris dislodge in the fuel hose and get caught in the needle and cause a overflow fuel leak)
If it does, remove the petcock and see if the screen is intact and clean.
If the fuel hose is old and deteriorating, replace it, then you get in and clean the carb.
Many people skip the source of the debris and just go straight in and clean the carb, only to have the problem repeat.
(just like replacing the needle and seat, only to have debris dislodge in the fuel hose and get caught in the needle and cause a overflow fuel leak)
Hell I would do all of the above just to rule it out but I don't think it will fix his problem.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,803
Likes: 7,830
From: SE Louisiana
He never stated the fuel level in the tank, it could even be that the lower portion of the screen, above reserve, could be restricted.
And it could be related to load and demand, and not the uphill angle.
Last edited by Schex; Feb 4, 2016 at 07:57 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,673
Likes: 606
From:
i had a similar problem with my 85, i ended up being the 15 amp ignition circuit breaker. i replaced everything in the ignition circuit and nothing fixed the bogging. i scoured the ignition schematic and noticed the only thing i didn't replace was the breaker. i changed that and the problem went away.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
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From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
In order to make any kind of diagnosis I need to know what you are riding (year / model), mileage and any modifications?
What carburetor recall are you referring to?
From what I've read so far it sounds like the float still is not adjusted correctly.
What carburetor recall are you referring to?
From what I've read so far it sounds like the float still is not adjusted correctly.