So I have a 97 dyna I got off my brother. Running a cv style carb. 185/45 jetting no other mods to the carb. Thunderheader exhaust and my brother said he port polished heads, and put a cam. Since I've gotten the bike it's given a super hard time getting it to start. It will not start without starter fluid. A quick spritz or two and once it starts up i hold the idle a little higher and let it warm up. I've cracked the throttle a few times letting the accel pump do its job, but without the starting fluid it's just a no go. I ordered some intake gaskets (had incorrect float height and was causing it to leak gas) so figured I'd ask besides if anything else to look also while I'm in there.

 

Have you visually checked to insure the accelerator pump is working properly?

 

Have you done any work to the carb lately? Has bike been sitting awhile? How old is the fuel? Was the engine running well after the cam install and port work? My initial thoughts are fuel and/or timing related.

 

Carb cleanout?

 

S&s e.......?

 

I wonder if he knows it has a choke...

 

Yeah choke or is it the main jet that get s clogged? as in if you need constant "pump shot" from accelerator pump something is clogged? although it appears the issue is on cold startup, (or possibly hot also?) so once it starts it runs and idles after warmup?

 

Fuel petcock? Is it stock vacuum operated? If so check you vacuum lines for any cracks. Also remove the petcock and check the filter on it. Basically making sure you have a good gas supply flow.

 

Why would I not know there is a choke?

 

So to reply to the general questions. No not super e, cv style carb. Using the super e manifold and adapter plate. Pulled the carb off to fid the float and leaking gas issue from that, it was sitting for a while so I made sure to clean it but I had the tank off, fenders off and all drained and painted. Bike runs awesome when warm, just a hell of a time getting it started when it's cold. I remember having a somewhat similar issue with a suzuki v twin and it was the carb boot. So i was assuming the intake gaskets that's why I'm replacing those too. Once it's up to temp, runs and rides great. Everything's clean, just doesn't like to start when cold.