I've noticed a new starting problem. Whenever I hit the starter button, the bike after fires (loud pop through the pipes). I haven't adjusted the timing in a while so I suspect it may have advanced itself. Does this sound feasible?

Cheers, Bill.

 

What model and year?

 

1998 FXSTC. No other issues WRT the usual suspects for intake leaks. She runs fine once started - I just get this loud after fire on initial start. Once she gets that out of her system, she starts fine.

Cheers, Bill.

 

I would check inexpensive areas first. Is it EFI or carb? If its a carb it sounds like its preloading for some reason and thats whats causing the pop in the beginning and why it settles out afterwards. Maybe something simple as rolling the throttle a few times before you shut it down for the night? If its EFII think nothrottle during starting is necessary. I haven't had my 1998 ultra long.Mine isEFI and I think it states not to throttle while starting because thats all part of the EFI system, I'll have to look back thru the manual.

 

Update for those interested.

My bike was hunting at low speeds so I knew the primary needed adjusting. Boy did it ever need adjusting. Well, now she starts much easier and the pop on initial startup is gone. Here's my theory (remember please that it is only my theory and it certainly seems plausible to me). The loose primary chain was causing a whipsaw like action that may have caused the chain to jump teeth on the starter clutch ring gear (no damage to any teeth). I often had a fail-to-start scenario with what sounded like the jackshaft re-engaging with the ring gear which would cause the bike to stop turning over - usually because the awful sound would cause me to stop pressing the starter switch. However, this initial start sequence would see me with partial throttle which would deliver a small amount of fuel to the top end. Due to the failed start, this fuel would be pushed out the exhaust valve into the pipes due to the reciprocating nature of the engine. Once she fired up on the next start cycle, the fuel in the pipes would be ignited causing the rather loud pop.

Anyway, with the primary adjusted correctly I've done numerous stops and starts with no issues what-so-ever. She is running a beaut.

Cheers, Bill.

 

Good for you and glad situation rectified. Thanks for update. I don't know if your explanation is what it is but as long as the bike is smooth sailing thats all that counts till next time, lol.

My bike was running perfect until all this carb, popping quess whats wrong tech talk and now its turning over and being real difficult to start but eventually starts. New plugs and was running fine. It feels like the gap in the points or plugs is narrowed which I think would cause gas to build up (I smellgas fumes) because of diminished spark. And not burn it efficiently. Please correct me if I am wrong. If its not that I will move up the ladder.

I will poke around in the morning.