I have a 1999 Heritage Softail Classic with an EVO (80ci) engine with a Keihin CV 40 carb (Harley P/N 27492-96). According to my service manual, the carb has a pilot jet of 42 and a main jet at 170. The baffles in the exhaust have been “drilled” out and I plan on changing to an Arlen Ness “Big Sucker” air cleaner. I thought that my initial starting point would be a 45 pilot jet and a 185 main jet. Just to be sure, I would also order a 46 pilot jet and a 180 and 190 main jet. Sound like a plan?

Okay, now I am confused a little bit about a couple of issues. I have found a 1999 Harley Service Bulletin that indicated that there was a program to change out the main jet to 180, change the float and change the needle for the 27492-96 carb (which I have). Here is the service bulletin description:

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform you of the release of a

kit to address drivability issues relating to Softail and Dyna

Glide model motorcycles, specifically those equipped with

carburetor Part No. 27492-96.

On certain Softail and Dyna Glide model motorcycles, in

stock configuration, the fuel mixture may be too lean and

cause the bike to run rough. This condition can be corrected

by installation of the carburetor update kit, Part No. 27365-98.

The kit is available to customers experiencing this drivability

issue on the affected models. See Credit Procedures.

The Carburetor Update Kit, Part No. 27365-98 consists of:

Jet Needle Part No. 27255-96

Main Jet Part No. 27114-88 (Size 180)

Float Chamber Assembly Part No. 27287-98

The kit may be used on 1996, 1997, 1998, or 1999 Softail 49

State motorcycles and Canadian and Japanese HDI versions.

All 1999 Softails built prior to January 15, 1999 have the old

carburetor and may be updated with this kit. All 1999 Softails

So my questions are:

Is there a need for me to change the float chamber in my carb? If so, what would I change it to?

Should I change my jet needle….if so, what should I change it to? Do I need to buy the needle from the dealer...or is there an online store where I can purchase the needle? Would I add any (brass or stainless) washers to the needle (1 or 2 maybe?)

I planned on buying my Keihin Jets from Bike Bandit as the cost is only $2.60 each. I think the Dealer price might be about $10 a piece for the Keihin Jets…just trying to save money here.

Any suggestions and/or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks - mudbone

 

Try leaving the stock jets in , unplug the idle fuel adjuster and turn it out 2 1/2 turns. Then get a needle from a CV without an accelerator pump. If you need the part number PM me as I don't have it here it is in the shop. That should run well for you. Most people run their bikes "fat", and lose performance because of it.

 

bump

 

Try these links

https://www.hdforums.com/m_149206/tm.htm

https://www.hdforums.com/m_68715/tm.htm

https://www.hdforums.com/m_69614/tm.htm

 

Many people go with the needle from a 1989 Sporty, and a 180 to a 190 depending on their particular setup. I think you'd be fine with the 180 and Sporty needle.