Blowing Smoke
 

I got a 1999 Softail Custom with an 80 evo carbureted that is experiencing a smoking issue during initial start up and shut down. It has the original CV carburetor which I rode it for years with no problem. I sold the bike to my son who is complaining about this poof of black smoke right at start up and then at shut down. He says the bike is running good but smoking and shooting a flame from the front jug. I haven't had time to look at it yet but thought I might share and see what comes of it. Thanks.

Wounder if a good fuel system cleaner might help? And regal or replace plugs

Well black smoke is most definitely fuel burning. Is he closing the petcock when he's finished riding? Could be extra fuel burning off at next startup. Choking to much possibly too. If the choke is hung open it will cause it to belch smoke. Might try running about a half can of Seafoam thru the gas tank to give the fuel system a good cleaning too. It's good stuff and works really well. I'd advise you to read up Seafoam either way as it's a very useful product.

Of course us sons have a way of tinkering with things and not giving dad the whole story when it goes south on us lol. I think we all been there :icon_steer:

More often than not this is a simple carb issue. Obviously running rich or it's just dirty. A simple rebuild kit could fix this up.


A carb rebuild is much more simple than one would think..., can be done in a couple hours. If money is not an issue, throw on a new S&S-E and be done with it.



OS