View Poll Results: Evo softail timing/ fuel issue???
Evo softail dies immediately
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Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 4. You may not vote on this poll
Evo softail
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
Considering the age of your bike and the fact that you are a recent owner not knowing all that has been done to in its 34 years of previous owners, I would consider
a general update of the bike. I have an '88 fxstc. Had it since I bought it new. A few years ago, I updated everything. I discovered that age and use did a lot to degrade parts and reliability in spite of very faithful maintenance. Did a top end, replaced oil and fuel lines, replaced input manifold, replaced ignition, rebuilt the S&S carb, replaced the stator, refreshed all the wiring, replaced pinion bearing and cam, replaced primary chain, brake pads, etc. The bike runs better than new now.
Sometimes it's better to refresh an older bike rather than doing trial and error trying to fix a mystery problem or problems. You might actually find the cause. But it usually won't be long before another age-related problem shows up and leaves you on the side of the road again. JMHO
a general update of the bike. I have an '88 fxstc. Had it since I bought it new. A few years ago, I updated everything. I discovered that age and use did a lot to degrade parts and reliability in spite of very faithful maintenance. Did a top end, replaced oil and fuel lines, replaced input manifold, replaced ignition, rebuilt the S&S carb, replaced the stator, refreshed all the wiring, replaced pinion bearing and cam, replaced primary chain, brake pads, etc. The bike runs better than new now.
Sometimes it's better to refresh an older bike rather than doing trial and error trying to fix a mystery problem or problems. You might actually find the cause. But it usually won't be long before another age-related problem shows up and leaves you on the side of the road again. JMHO
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 44
Likes: 11
From: Durham, NC
I've got an 89 FLHS and once it would sputter and cut off and on then backfire several times while cruising and finally found a cell in the battery was shorting out and replaced it. No more problems. It was really unusual and hard to determine bc battery initially tested good but second test it crashed. Good luck1
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 26
Likes: 29
From: Indiana
It may or may not help you trouble shoot the issue, but I often find it useful to add a clear fuel filter to the line to "see" that fuel is present.
Might be as simple as plug wires. What do the plugs tell you?
Somebody mentioned they had battery issues. My sporty is notorious for working a connection loose at the battery, it will run just as you describe.
It became so common that I check the connections every oil change.
Good hunting
Might be as simple as plug wires. What do the plugs tell you?
Somebody mentioned they had battery issues. My sporty is notorious for working a connection loose at the battery, it will run just as you describe.
It became so common that I check the connections every oil change.
Good hunting
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,215
Likes: 12,809
From: South Carolina
Clean the needle and seat in the carb.
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