Won't idle

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 1, 2017 | 01:37 PM

mda1mike

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

From: Chanhassen, MN

Won't idle

2003 Softail Heritage Classic - Fuel injected.

Bike has been sitting idle for over a year, fuel was treated with Stabil before stored. Installed new battery today and cranked her over. Bike would not idle, kept shutting down when throttle was released. Stayed running when given some throttle. Did not take for a ride yet. Any help would be appreciated, Regards, Mike

Email: mda1mike@aol.com

Jul 1, 2017 | 01:49 PM

1340hog

Tourer

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 472

Likes: 59

From: farmington ny

Try fresh gas first then run it for a while and see if it clears up.even stabilized gas can go bad after a year or so.Better yet,if you can pull that old gas out and fill it with fresh then run it.use that old gas in the mower.

Jul 2, 2017 | 10:07 AM

mda1mike

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

From: Chanhassen, MN

Hi 1340 Hog,

Thanks for the reply, will syphon tank and refill with fresh gas.

Anyone have further suggestions if fresh fuel doesn't fix the "won't idle" issue?

regards, mike

Jul 2, 2017 | 10:11 AM

jeffreydsilver

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 6,508

Likes: 169

From: WPB, FL

Might want to try a fresh set of plugs? Do it AFTER you drain and replace the fuel!

Jul 2, 2017 | 10:13 AM

Jackie Paper

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38,623

Likes: 6,442

From: Honah Lee

It will be fine with fresh fuel. Stabil does not keep the inside of the tank from sweating. See if you can pull off the bottom of the tank as best as possible with a hose and either use ethanol fuel of gas dry measured exactly for tank size. Do not put too much of any additive in. it will eat the pump intake filter sock off. (both absorbs moisture which is probably your problem.)

The idle control on FI bikes is very precise. Does not take much to get it off. In fact, most times, on high mileage bikes or ones people throw stuff into tank besides fuel, the idle will tell you the filter is stopped up.

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jul 2, 2017 at 10:19 AM.

Jul 3, 2017 | 11:47 AM

mda1mike

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

From: Chanhassen, MN

Won't idle

Thank you both Ripsaw and Jefferdsilver for your suggestions.

Just for S's&G's started bike yesterday and it actually idled, a little on the high side of idle range. Also syphoned off as much fuel as possible. Will fill with fresh fuel and ride to empty and tank-up which should deplete old fuel. Was also thinking new plugs might help before trying any additives.

Have a fun and safe 4th riding.

best regards, Mike