1987 Sportster does not stay running
 

Hey fellow riders!
I have an 87 sportster 1100, the only way I can get to start, is by spraying carb cleaner into the carb, but it still just dies out.I'm trying to get it to run long enough so that I can adjust the idle and mixture on the carb after it reaches operating temperature. Also, when it starts and runs for a few seconds, it keeps back-firing. Any suggestions? The carb is a S&S Super E carburetor.

Has it been sitting for a long time?

I'd pull the float bowl. If it's been sitting awhile it might be varnished up. If those tiny passages are clogged you may need a new bowl.

or maybe throw some sea foam in it and do whatever you need to keep it running till it clears out but first check your rubber intake gaskets from the carb to your intake. Sounds like its sucking air this is usually the culprit.

Pull the carb, take it apart and clean it (have manual in hand). My guess is the slow jet is clogged (at least).


My first question would be the same as above...has it been sitting? How long, how old is the gas, history of bike, etc. YD

Not sure on the history of the bike, all I know is what was told to me....I just put fresh gas in it...... been sitting for 3 weeks because he tried adjusting mixture and idle and got it out of wack.... I put the carb back to factory settings but still does not stay running..... I guess I'll be pulling it off and disassemble it, clean it and try again... and also replace gaskets...

How's the fuel filter look?

Kinda a silly question, but are you sure the petcock is turned 'on' so gas can flow to the carb from the tank?

Hahaha maaaaaaan..... I've been that guy, years ago. It happens!

Yeah, haha I'm sure it's turned to the on position... done that before haha... fuel filter is good...
So I took the carb apart and rebuilt it.... ran great....
Another issue just arose... the guy did some shotty wiring... blew all my circuit breakers... I'm ripping all the wires out and doing a complete rewire with new circuit boards... after that it'll be ready!