1987 FLH Running Issues
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Stage II
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Port Charlotte, Florida
1987 FLH Running Issues
My Son has a 1987 FLH, and when on a short ride, everything is good, On a longer ride, his Harley dies. He is able to restart it after a short period, Do not think it is a fuel issue.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,293
Likes: 6,322
From: Honah Lee
Software issue and Forum Issues. Your issue is better suited elsewhere.
The community team @imoo6170 will move your thread shortly to the proper area.
Since you have eliminated the element of fuel being issue. Mount a test plug so it's ready to test for spark. A timing light with a induction clip on can also be used to check. Use the optional algeator clips on maintenance charger line for power for timing light.
The coil is easy to check with ohm meter. But probably going to read good unless hot. But it could show off since it should be real close to service manual spec.
If it's not the coil, it's the timing pickup sensor behind the timer cover on the right side.
That pickup timing sensor usually looked melted when going bad.
I may have the service manual. If someone doesn't add it here, shout out after you determine it's spark.
Coil is probably 3 ohm primary and the secondary is 10,000 ohm.
The community team @imoo6170 will move your thread shortly to the proper area.
Since you have eliminated the element of fuel being issue. Mount a test plug so it's ready to test for spark. A timing light with a induction clip on can also be used to check. Use the optional algeator clips on maintenance charger line for power for timing light.
The coil is easy to check with ohm meter. But probably going to read good unless hot. But it could show off since it should be real close to service manual spec.
If it's not the coil, it's the timing pickup sensor behind the timer cover on the right side.
That pickup timing sensor usually looked melted when going bad.
I may have the service manual. If someone doesn't add it here, shout out after you determine it's spark.
Coil is probably 3 ohm primary and the secondary is 10,000 ohm.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Nov 10, 2025 at 06:00 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 232
Likes: 166
From: Brooklyn
Crap (rust sediment and flakes) in the gas tank might do that. If there is some sputter while starting, maybe. If it's totally no spark at all, could be the timing sensor in the nose cone below the pushrods, or the ignition coil itself. There are some checks on these to do for these items but the thing is waiting for it all to get hot. I went nuts and replaced everything. Still no spark, the new old stock coil I got was bad! Good luck!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,830
Likes: 7,968
From: poway
Still it may be the ignition trigger in the nose cone.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 3,317
From: Cental, MI
Yes...Classic sign of a Vent problem in Tank..
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,712
Likes: 3,030
From: Brighton, MI
Next time it dies: Open fuel cap and listen for sucking sound when opening and try to start. Then pull plug/wire and check for a spark. Then remove fuel line at carb and check for fuel flow. That will help you narrow things down a little. As mentioned, intake seals go bad from age so replace them. However, wait till you problem solve the basics first.
Last edited by Yankee Dog; Nov 11, 2025 at 04:04 AM.
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