What would cause inconsistent spark?
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,238
Likes: 799
From: Indiana
Already made accidental contact with a plug wire when it was running and no, it didn't even come close to throwing me across the garage.
Should the shock really be that strong?
Last edited by traildog; Jul 31, 2014 at 08:58 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
Not familiar with the softails, but I'd start right at the battery and go from there.
Dang Doc, that's cold. But effective....
Dang Doc, that's cold. But effective....
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 3,070
From: Brighton, MI
Stock coil? Stock coil will average about 4% to 6% misfires at idle and is considered "normal".
If yours is only in one cylinder then it is something more than just the average misfire mentioned above...
Have a coil you can swap out for test purposes? (I assume you have tried things like different plugs and swapping the wires). YD
If yours is only in one cylinder then it is something more than just the average misfire mentioned above...
Have a coil you can swap out for test purposes? (I assume you have tried things like different plugs and swapping the wires). YD
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,238
Likes: 799
From: Indiana
Stock coil? Stock coil will average about 4% to 6% misfires at idle and is considered "normal".
If yours is only in one cylinder then it is something more than just the average misfire mentioned above...
Have a coil you can swap out for test purposes? (I assume you have tried things like different plugs and swapping the wires). YD
If yours is only in one cylinder then it is something more than just the average misfire mentioned above...
Have a coil you can swap out for test purposes? (I assume you have tried things like different plugs and swapping the wires). YD
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,238
Likes: 799
From: Indiana
s&s thinks it's carb jetting because I changed the pipes. They offered plenty of suggestions and I'm going to go through them this weekend.
I'll be checking the grounds first.
Could a dirty ignition switch cause misfire?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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Is it during low rpms you're getting that. When I was doing my timing it would do that at 1000 rpms or right around idle. There's a few tests you can do on the ignition module and coils but I don't know if they work for aftermarket ignitions. If it was jetting shouldn't you be able to get it to where it's missing then slightly pull the enricher **** to change the mix and see if it cleans up?
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,238
Likes: 799
From: Indiana
Is it during low rpms you're getting that. When I was doing my timing it would do that at 1000 rpms or right around idle. There's a few tests you can do on the ignition module and coils but I don't know if they work for aftermarket ignitions. If it was jetting shouldn't you be able to get it to where it's missing then slightly pull the enricher **** to change the mix and see if it cleans up?
I did try the enrichener trick. It killed the bike, no matter how little I pulled it.
When I turn off the accelerator pump, the problem almost disappears.
THC suggested a carb re-build. I'm leaning that way, but, I'm going to do some more testing first.
And, it is at low speed/rpms I'm getting the miss. I can ride anywhere the way it is, but, just as I like to keep her CLEAN, I like to think she's running PERFECTLY as well.......
Plus, it's kind of embarrassing to pull into the hood with the motor cutting out. I try to keep the RPM's up.
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Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I've said it before and I'll say it again.
Put a tach on that thing so you know exactly what is happening at what rpm.
I have no idea why Harley didn't put a tach one it from the factory.
It is something that should always be on a bike IMO.
Put a tach on that thing so you know exactly what is happening at what rpm.
I have no idea why Harley didn't put a tach one it from the factory.
It is something that should always be on a bike IMO.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,199
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From: NW AR
Dirty ignition switch or other dirty electrical connector shouldn't make only the front plug miss. You should be able to touch both plug wires without any shock. I usually use a grounded screwdriver, holding it by the plastic handle and running the metal over the plug wires. If you see/hear any spark, the wire is bad, or MAYBE the plug or wire to plug connector, but usually the wire. I find the grounded screwdriver to be less painful than the bare hand, but that's also a valid test.
You did swap the wires at the coil, right? Just the coil plugs. If it moves to the back jug, bad coil.
You did swap the wires at the coil, right? Just the coil plugs. If it moves to the back jug, bad coil.