Heritage won't start
Thread Starter
|
Stage I
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Heritage won't start
I was idleing my '03 Heritage twin cam EFI 88 in my garage to maintain battery charge, and it ran out of fuel. Put in new premium fuel, it cranks, but will not start. Normally starts in about 1 second.
All lights are normal, can hear normal sound when placed into run position with main switch on. Red engine light on on speedometer goes out as normal. Cranking sound is normal, just no fire up, not even a little. Red oil light goes out when cranking, normal oil level.
I Sequenced main switch and run switch numerous times to clear air out of line (about 20-30 times over a few days). Old plugs had spark and looked normal. Replaced plugs anyway, they have spark. Checked compression, 130 on both cylinders. Smelled plugs after cranking, they have gas on them. Replaced air filter. Cranks normal, good battery, no startup.
Any Ideas?
All lights are normal, can hear normal sound when placed into run position with main switch on. Red engine light on on speedometer goes out as normal. Cranking sound is normal, just no fire up, not even a little. Red oil light goes out when cranking, normal oil level.
I Sequenced main switch and run switch numerous times to clear air out of line (about 20-30 times over a few days). Old plugs had spark and looked normal. Replaced plugs anyway, they have spark. Checked compression, 130 on both cylinders. Smelled plugs after cranking, they have gas on them. Replaced air filter. Cranks normal, good battery, no startup.
Any Ideas?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
Some of those with more expertise may chime in on this, but on some bikes the stator doesn't kick in until higher rpms. Therefore when you start the bike and only let it idle, it is running entirely off of the battery. Maybe this is the case here too.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 7
It is something, probably a inter-lock in the ECM keeping the coil from firing.
right now I would look in the owners manual for something to reset.
Its FI, got gas to the cilenders, cranks. Won't fire. Ecm more that likely doing this on purpose. check that out.
right now I would look in the owners manual for something to reset.
Its FI, got gas to the cilenders, cranks. Won't fire. Ecm more that likely doing this on purpose. check that out.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 4
Squirt some starting fluid into the intake to see if it will fire.
Pull the fuel line and depress the plunger in the quick coupling to check for pressure. Be sure it is pointing away from you.
No pressure may mean a fuel pump failure.
Sometimes a fuel pump that runs dry will seize.
Pull the fuel line and depress the plunger in the quick coupling to check for pressure. Be sure it is pointing away from you.
No pressure may mean a fuel pump failure.
Sometimes a fuel pump that runs dry will seize.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 4
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I tried pouring a little gas in the intake no help. Tried a little starting fluid in the intake as well no help. I'm going to try and disconnect the battery to see if that resets anything. I'll post a fix when I get it under control. Thanks for the advice. Hopefully I'm on the road soon!!
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Back on the road!! Pulled both plugs cleaned them up(have to get new plugs asap), Disconnected battery, and pulled ignition breaker it was good so I reinstalled it. Cranked it over and it was good 2 go. Most likely had to be the plugs they looked pretty bad. Anyway thanks to all who helped.
Later,,,,, and I wish all a good safe riding season!
Later,,,,, and I wish all a good safe riding season!