Stumped?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
Stumped?
Ok, so I've ragged on here before about my bike sometimes not wanting to go. This is an issue that isn't consistent, and happens only every once in a great while. But when it does, my bike spits and sputters so bad you'd think it'll never smooth out and run at all. I've paid attention to weather conditions and follow choke procedures to the tee. And there is no rhyme or reason for the cause that I can think of other than bad gas, or maybe tiny debris that breaks loose in the carb? But like I said, it happens maybe once every 50 times I ride. Which leads me more toward the carb? Any thoughts from anyone? I was thinking about adding some carb/fuel cleaner to my next fill-up. Any suggestions on me trying that or what product/brand to use? Or did I just buy the female version of these evos and need to live with it?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,202
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
Carb or ignition? When it does it, does the bike completely die or just spit/sputter? How long does it go on? Is it spitting/coughing through the air filter? If so, I'd say probably carb. What carb is this? Have you pulled the float bowl and looked for little bits of black stuff? How old is your fuel line?
Some Sea Foam (in moderation) wouldn't hurt.
Some Sea Foam (in moderation) wouldn't hurt.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
If we can identify the carb as guilty, I would start by removing the tank and cleaning it, then petcock etc, finally emptying and cleaning the float bowl. My push-rod BMW needed the float chambers cleaned at least once a year, to remove water and other crud.
Last edited by grbrown; Aug 15, 2014 at 12:07 PM. Reason: Correction.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
Not saying that the carb may not be the problem, but I never had the carb off of my 84 Iron Head sporty in 23 years and 50,000 miles. Never had a problem with it at all. I have put 30,000 on my 99 Softail Custom in the last 5 years and have never had the carb off and it runs perfect.
After having said that, I use to have a Honda 500 single that would not run every spring until the carb was cleaned and all the gaskets replaced.
After having said that, I use to have a Honda 500 single that would not run every spring until the carb was cleaned and all the gaskets replaced.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,130
Likes: 1,767
From: In The Woods, PA
I had the same issue with my 97 FLHT. My problem was the carb to intake gasket, it is a very poor design. A new gasket from HD is less than 10 bucks and I think will fix your issue. I'm on my 3rd one since I've owned the bike (1998). It's a good time to give the carb a good cleaning.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
No, bike doesn't completely die. Feels like no gas is getting through. Lasts maybe 5 minutes, then runs absolutely perfect. But, like yesterday, had to pull over as bike wouldn't go more than 30mph. How do I tell if it's through the air cleaner? Little history on the bike: it's my second season with it. It's a 95 Nostalgia and had just under 11K on it when I bought from original owner. He took ill in 99 and the bike was ridden maybe 50 miles each year by a friend just to move the fluids. I've got about 22k on it now and had complete service on it about 6 weeks ago ( no carb work). and the carb is stock I beleive. New plugs were installed also. The bike sat in a heated garage all it's life and is in mint condition. Out of the 11k I've put on her, she's acted like this less than a handful of times.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,202
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
I'm going with trash in the carb. Clean the tank, new fuel lines, clean out the bowl and jets and you should be OK. Adding an external fuel filter is not a bad idea, but between the screen in the tank and a new fuel line, you should be OK on preventing a recurrence.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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No, bike doesn't completely die. Feels like no gas is getting through. Lasts maybe 5 minutes, then runs absolutely perfect. But, like yesterday, had to pull over as bike wouldn't go more than 30mph. How do I tell if it's through the air cleaner? Little history on the bike: it's my second season with it. It's a 95 Nostalgia and had just under 11K on it when I bought from original owner. He took ill in 99 and the bike was ridden maybe 50 miles each year by a friend just to move the fluids. I've got about 22k on it now and had complete service on it about 6 weeks ago ( no carb work). and the carb is stock I beleive. New plugs were installed also. The bike sat in a heated garage all it's life and is in mint condition. Out of the 11k I've put on her, she's acted like this less than a handful of times.