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General Topics/Tech TipsDiscussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.
Did the problems occur prior to the install of the AN BS and the PC V.
Start the bike, let it run a minute, shut it off, wait 15 seconds, then check the dip stick. That is the first thing I would do.
Regarding the battery, either the connections are bad, battery is bad, stator is bad or regulator is bad, or some combination.
But you gotta address one thing at a time, and then go step by step, using a process of elimination.
Before I did anything else, I would make sure the oil level is safe, using the process outlined above.
Then if you let us know if the problems of misfiring - engine running poorly, were occurring before, or only after AN BS AC & PC V install, we can go to the next step.
Hey DK, so I had this issue before I put those two mods on. Not nearly as bad though. Seems it's gotten worse. I had considered taking them both back off and running it to see if there was any change.
Thanks for the tip dude. Unfortunately I can't crank it now. I'll have to go have the battery charged again. Or get a new one.
I'll keep you guys posted as I move through these possible solutions.
If anyone has more input, it's still greatly appreciated!!
Hey DK, so I had this issue before I put those two mods on. Not nearly as bad though. Seems it's gotten worse. I had considered taking them both back off and running it to see if there was any change.
Thanks for the tip dude. Unfortunately I can't crank it now. I'll have to go have the battery charged again. Or get a new one.
I'll keep you guys posted as I move through these possible solutions.
If anyone has more input, it's still greatly appreciated!!
Ok, the engine misfiring was occurring before the PC V and A/C install...then you can probably rule those out as a source of the problem.
Once you get it cranked, so you can properly check the oil level (and adjust if necessary), the next step is to find out if you have a bad battery or something bad in the cables and/or charging system.
Then, after that, when you can crank it at will, and know your oil level is right, that is when you can start trouble shooting the engine.
Something I noticed when i got back on the bike was the Battery and Check Engine light were both back on. Could this be an issue with the charging system and not just the battery?
As for the oil on the engine, I have no clue how it got there. Maybe a bad gasket from the low oil? Should I just wipe it off and see if it appears again?
Other than these issues, its running fine so far. Only hiccups for about 30 seconds now and runs fine after. Could this be from a coarsely tuned PC V?
The smoke is probably the oil burning off...the oil appears to be leaking from the Rocker cover.
Does not sound like it is running right.
If a new battery is already low, that points to a problem in the charging system.
I would either get a Service Manual and start going thru it, step by step, or take it to an mechanic that has a good reputation with Sportsters. I would not take it to a Dealership (unless they have an actual mechanic there), since they have "Techs" at most dealerships now, which is just a title for a parts replacer.
btw, did you check the oil level per the procedure listed in my above post?
Alright Kevin, So I cleaned dipstick, started for 15 seconds and checked again and the ****in cap blew off. oil was up to the top of the dipstick. Like, almost spilling out of the bike
Also, threw on some lowbrow customs plug wires and its running a bit better it seems.
But whats up with the oil?
Im curious if all of the oil didnt drain? that would explain why the new oil is already black. What do you think?
After reading all the post I think you should put the tools down and find a mechanic. I'm not trying to be an *** but a simple oil change is out of control and there are too many issues to try to correct without being there. Good luck.
So I came home and tried to start it and it wouldn't turn over. I had this issue yesterday and had it charged at autozone and it fired right up.
Today it's dead again. Won't turn over. Related? Can a battery cause these crazy problems?
EFI motorcycles require a good battery yo run properly. A bad battery/bad connections can cause all types of problems.
Replace you battery as since it won't hold a charge. Bet it will solve most of your problems.
Alright Kevin, So I cleaned dipstick, started for 15 seconds and checked again and the ****in cap blew off. oil was up to the top of the dipstick. Like, almost spilling out of the bike
Also, threw on some lowbrow customs plug wires and its running a bit better it seems.
But whats up with the oil?
Im curious if all of the oil didnt drain? that would explain why the new oil is already black. What do you think?
I think you need to check your oil before you do anything else. It sounds like it is way overfilled.
Use a turkey baster to get a bunch of it out, then check it and delete or add as needed, per the manual.
In case you don't have a manual yet (you should get one) here is what it says about oil levels.
"The correct oil level should register midway between the FULL and ADD marks on the dipstick.
If oil level is at or below the ADD mark, add only enough oil to bring the level to the middle of the two marks on the dipstick."
Until you get that right, the bike should not be ridden.
Also, another thing that can happen with an incorrect oil change on a sporty is something called "cavitation". Another reason to get a manual. It is not a matter of just pulling the plug, draining the oil, replacing the plug, and dumping some new oil in.
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