engine keeps flooding
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 134
Likes: 2
From: ct
engine keeps flooding
My 83 fxrs 1340 shovelhead started flooding. I recently took the bike out for a ride. As soon as i parked it i turned off the gas and the next day ( 80 degree) tried to start it and i was flooded. Like there was gas pooling around the intake vavle. So i turn off the gas took all four spark plugs out and let the engine dry out. It fired back up no problem then a few min latter it stalled out and it was flooded again. Why does it keep flooding? I had a harley mechanic tell me the carb was no good. The carb was rebuilt with all new parts, and cleaned with a sonic cleaner. I know the valve open because i took the carb off and turned the engine over and seen the valve open.
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 74
Likes: 29
From: North Carolina
Very carefully. Actually it's very easy. Remove the carb and float bowl. Hold the carb upside down and eyeball the float. On most carbs, the top of the float should be parallel to the carb body. I run a S&S so the stock carb may be different. Check your service manual. To change the level, you bend the small tab that contacts the float needle. Just be gentle and go slowly. Once you get the right setting, you should be good to go.
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 107,687
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
Very carefully. Actually it's very easy. Remove the carb and float bowl. Hold the carb upside down and eyeball the float. On most carbs, the top of the float should be parallel to the carb body. I run a S&S so the stock carb may be different. Check your service manual. To change the level, you bend the small tab that contacts the float needle. Just be gentle and go slowly. Once you get the right setting, you should be good to go.
This and pull out the float needle insuring that there is no debris holding it open.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,510
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From: Pa.
Yep, just cause the needle is "brand new" means nothing. It only takes the smallest piece of something to screw it up.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 134
Likes: 2
From: ct
Stupid question but if the float adjustment wasn't right, wouldn't the gas be coming out the over flow and not into the engine.
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Club Member
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Might want to check the accelerator pump and adjustment, will have a constant dribble if it's off.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 134
Likes: 2
From: ct
I fixed the problem lol. I got an ultima r2 carb off a guy from work band new in the box i paid $100 for it. The harley started up first try, but now it pops though the exhaust only on start up when it was warmed up. After it pops it idle okay. But the bike lags when i crack the throttle. I'm thinking maybe its to lean, because there no black smoke out of the exhaust pipes.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,096
Likes: 51,358
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
I fixed the problem lol. I got an ultima r2 carb off a guy from work band new in the box i paid $100 for it. The harley started up first try, but now it pops though the exhaust only on start up when it was warmed up. After it pops it idle okay. But the bike lags when i crack the throttle. I'm thinking maybe its to lean, because there no black smoke out of the exhaust pipes.