carb problem or something else?
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 640
Likes: 13
From: Hickory, NC area
Try checking the angle of the fuel line. I installed a glass filter and it moved the fuel line to a very slight upward bend where it passes between the heads. I thought the "weight" of the fuel in the tank would be enough to push the fuel through it, but no such luck. It coughed and sputtered at anything above 1/4 throttle. Fuel couldn't keep up with the demand. I cut the line a little shorter and got it with a very slight downward angle and everythig is fine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
fogcity123,
Here is a link to a Rodneys site that has a link to the S&S instructions for adjusting and jetting your carb. When you go to his site just click in the OEM manual link (upper left corner) and have fun reading all about yer carb. You can go to the S&S site and find this stuff there, of course, but this is easier.
http://rodgregg.com/s_s_docs.htm
Here is a link to a Rodneys site that has a link to the S&S instructions for adjusting and jetting your carb. When you go to his site just click in the OEM manual link (upper left corner) and have fun reading all about yer carb. You can go to the S&S site and find this stuff there, of course, but this is easier.
http://rodgregg.com/s_s_docs.htm
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Great ideas, guys - many thanks. I'm going to check out all these suggestions later today. Yesterday I think the problem was getting worse after riding home from work - fouled plugs? I'm changing them first, then the fuel line, then open up the bottom of the carb and clean the jets (screw out, blow, screw in, right?) but not before I check my electrical.
When I first got it, it stumbled a bit but ran fine and then the problem started happenning later that day as I was riding for awhile. I'm a bit intimidated by the machine so I was babying it until I got used to the ride and maybe just not opening the throttle enough and fouled the plugs - we'll see.
When I first got it, it stumbled a bit but ran fine and then the problem started happenning later that day as I was riding for awhile. I'm a bit intimidated by the machine so I was babying it until I got used to the ride and maybe just not opening the throttle enough and fouled the plugs - we'll see.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 8
From: Montgomery, AL
I would try and pop your fuel cap loose when it happens. As said above vent problem at high rpms. As to the color of the plugs when i ran an S&S e carb my plugs were darker than with my current cv setup.
btw mjunk1 i would get rid of the glass filter. I've seen them break and it is not pretty. jmho Kent
btw mjunk1 i would get rid of the glass filter. I've seen them break and it is not pretty. jmho Kent
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
So I replaced the plugs and it does run better, but still has the feeling like it's going to cut out going up hill. I also drained the carb bowl and checked the fuel line for cracks - I didn't have the time to remove the bowl and check the main jet.
Here's another theory: I'm wondering if I'm just not giving it enough gas at high speed. This problem only happens in 4th gear when I'm going up an incline. I'm new to S&S carbs but it does seem like there's a noticable "gap" between the first and 2nd circut when accellerating, and I wonder if I'm just not opening it up enough to get pass that gap? Unfortunately, this bike being so new to me and like no other Harley I've had, I can't seem to open it up past 1/4 throttle because I feel like I'm going to fall off the back of the seat. Could the problem be that I'm just being a puss?
I'm going on a long ride Monday and maybe I'll have my confidence up to test out this theory.
Here's another theory: I'm wondering if I'm just not giving it enough gas at high speed. This problem only happens in 4th gear when I'm going up an incline. I'm new to S&S carbs but it does seem like there's a noticable "gap" between the first and 2nd circut when accellerating, and I wonder if I'm just not opening it up enough to get pass that gap? Unfortunately, this bike being so new to me and like no other Harley I've had, I can't seem to open it up past 1/4 throttle because I feel like I'm going to fall off the back of the seat. Could the problem be that I'm just being a puss?
I'm going on a long ride Monday and maybe I'll have my confidence up to test out this theory.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
I'm wondering if the velocity stack can be part of the problem. On a thread I started in the technical intake forum I'm hearing that they really are hard to tune. Plus, wind does seem to affect the lag for the worse. So, S&S Air Filter set ups - do you like them? Easy out of the box installation?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
S&S makes good stuff. If you buy one of their offerings, just follow the instructions and all should go well.
My only suggestion is to use a large air cleaner like an S&S for best performance.
I wonder why there is two of these?!! Sorry.
My only suggestion is to use a large air cleaner like an S&S for best performance.
I wonder why there is two of these?!! Sorry.
Last edited by megawatt; Sep 1, 2008 at 03:29 PM.