wont start?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
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wont start?
I have a 1990 Softtail. I just bought it and it was a repo so i expect it has been sitting for a while. I got half way home on it and it started sputtering and backfiring. I wasnt sure if it was getting enough gas. I changed some of the lines and that is good now. It still wouldnt start then the other day i went and changed the plugs and it fired right up but wouldnt really stay running at idle. I went for a 20 minute ride and it was good. I made a couple of stops and it fired back up fine. Then when i went to leave again it died when i went to shift from 1st to 2nd. And just wont start or or even sputter at all, just turns over. I checked for spark and theres spark. And its getting gas.Also when i pulled my new plugs they were already back. Any ideas?
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
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RE: wont start?
Some more info might help. Is it stock? Carb, ignition, exhaust stock? Sounds like you might still have an intake leak, or a weak coil/wires. Is your carb enricher (choke) stuck open? If you are using the enricher, STOP using it and see what happens. Many carbs, especially the S&S, have finicky enrichers and will foul your plugs very quickly if overused. I only use mine if outside temps are below freezing, and even then, I only use it for about 10 seconds.
Here's what I do to the engine whenever I buy a used machine.....
Replace plugs and wires (use stock wires! More expensive ones don't make the spark any better)
Check coil (that could also be causing your problem)
Replace intake/carb seals (did you check for leaks after you replaced the seals?)
Rebuild carb (kits are cheap) and adjust as per the instructions
Drain and replace gas
Drain and replace oil (all three holes) and filter
Replace exhaust gaskets
Put it on a dyno for a proper tuneup.
All of these areas need attention unless you have absolute proof that they have been done right before you bought it. That may sound like a lot to do, but it's not that expensive and every engine I've done that to runs great afterwards. A dyno run is a MUST if you want a perfectly tuned engine!
Here's what I do to the engine whenever I buy a used machine.....
Replace plugs and wires (use stock wires! More expensive ones don't make the spark any better)
Check coil (that could also be causing your problem)
Replace intake/carb seals (did you check for leaks after you replaced the seals?)
Rebuild carb (kits are cheap) and adjust as per the instructions
Drain and replace gas
Drain and replace oil (all three holes) and filter
Replace exhaust gaskets
Put it on a dyno for a proper tuneup.
All of these areas need attention unless you have absolute proof that they have been done right before you bought it. That may sound like a lot to do, but it's not that expensive and every engine I've done that to runs great afterwards. A dyno run is a MUST if you want a perfectly tuned engine!
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