Turn the gas off?

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Dec 17, 2010 | 01:26 PM

#11

SeeMeDo

Road Warrior

Joined: Jan 2010

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From: WireGrass, AL

I used to but don't now unless it was going to sit for a long time which it doesn't my bud never closes his but we both have carbs. I know I run it closed almost half way down my driveway

Last edited by SeeMeDo; Dec 17, 2010 at 01:29 PM.

Dec 17, 2010 | 01:34 PM

#12

1skrewsloose

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Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 2,936

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From: Driftless Area

I shut mine off sometimes, and remember to turn it back on about a block from the house when I run out of gas.

Dec 17, 2010 | 01:58 PM

#13

woodnbow

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 334

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;-) That can be a bit embarassing... I almost never forget anymore, except if I'm working on the scoot. I have from time to time finished doing this or that and fired it up only to have it die a couple hundred yards down the road... If it happens often enough the neighbors'll think 'yep, those harleys sure are tough to keep running...'

Dec 17, 2010 | 02:01 PM

#14

DaFish

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Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 63

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From: On the shores of the Big Frozen Pond

HD started installing the vacuum operated petcocks somewhere around 2000. I would turn the gas off on a 96 to be sure.

DaFish

Dec 17, 2010 | 10:03 PM

#15

Jim Kraft

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Joined: May 2009

Posts: 2,856

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From: Middle of Kansas

My 99 Softail Custom has the vacuum operated petcock. I personally do not like the fact that if you get a leak in the vacuum hose or in the diaphram, it won't run. I always shut mine off on my old 84 Sporty when ever I shut the motor off. Maybe I am just a worry wart, but I like to have control of things. Probably won't ever give any trouble. That, and the automatic turn signals, are the two things that I wish were like my old Sporty. I am never sure if my turn signals are on or not without looking at the dash, which is not a good idea when in heavy traffic. I suppose for most these are welcome upgrades. Maybe it is just me, but I kind of miss having the spark advance on the left twist grip.

Last edited by Jim Kraft; Dec 17, 2010 at 10:13 PM. Reason: added info

Dec 17, 2010 | 10:15 PM

#16

Tactical111

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,205

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From: SE Michigan

Mechanic says "shut it off" as float sticking in carb, etc. can flood the combustion chamber with gas. Since liquids can't be compressed a blown engine/bent rods can result.

Dec 17, 2010 | 11:51 PM

#17

j1mmy

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 4,598

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From: navarre ohio

harleys carbs are notorious for leaking..the fuel leaks into the cylinders,leaks down to the oil,dilutes it and washes out the bearings..BLOWN engine..turning the fuel off is pretty easy compaired to the risk..my 72 with a s&s floods when i forget to turn off the fuel,and is a b to get running at first..i had a 69 sporty,stock carb,if i forgot to turn the fuel valve off i just put it back away..little chance of kick starting it before it dryed out

Dec 18, 2010 | 02:01 PM

#18

TurkeyRun

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 1,367

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From: Somewhere in NorCal

Thanks for all the info guys.

I guess I'll take more care to remember and turn it off.

I'm not too concerned about long-term storage. Logest I ever go without riding down here in NC is maybe a couple-three weeks and only in January/February.

It's goin' over to my indy for a little work here as soon as I can find a day when my wife is around to cart me back and it's not snow/ice on the road.

Thanks again!

~bc