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Hard Start When Warm

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Old Aug 26, 2019 | 02:58 PM
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Default Hard Start When Warm

Thanks in advance for the help. Been on the forums for a while (I own a 2009 Dyna Low Rider) but this is my first post in the Shovelhead section. So I have my cousins 1971 Super Glide (at least that's what he says it is), I'm just learning on these engines so bear with me. The bike has been sitting in his body shop for 5 years and hadn't run in all that time. So I took it to get it running for him. Drained the gas, cleaned it up a bit, new battery, changed the oil and rebuilt the S&S E carb. It started right up and ran fine except after shutting it off it would pour gas out the overflow unless I shut the gas valve off but it would start right up if hot. Ok, no big deal, bad float/needle not seating, so I changed the float. Again, when cold, starts right up, rides no issues but now if I turn it off, it's hard to turn over and won't start until it cools down for just a few minutes. I'm guessing with the fact that the only thing that's different is the float that it's somehow related but I don't see why or how. It doesn't seem that the float is adjustable or how that would effect hot starts.


Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Steve



 
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Old Aug 26, 2019 | 03:23 PM
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Sounds like fouled plugs...try pulling the plugs when you have a hard time starting and see if its wet. Did you replace your plugs?
 
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Old Aug 26, 2019 | 04:59 PM
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I hope you ran it before you changed the oil... but, you don't mention sumping...
If that is a '71 or '72 FX it sure has underwent some extensive surgery!!!!

On Hot Starts... especially with S&S carb...and probably no "Spacer"
Yer probably gonna need the Enricher... get it off fast tho!!!
Or if equipped with a Squirter... maybe squirt it once or twice...

BTW you really should set that float level... by the Book!!!!!
 
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Old Aug 26, 2019 | 05:45 PM
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the intake - was it re sealed when you re did the carb -- very very common any time carb idle / hi speed any issue you re seal the intake especially o ring manifold like you should have

FIRST
 
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Old Aug 27, 2019 | 07:43 AM
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Originally Posted by hscic
Sounds like fouled plugs...try pulling the plugs when you have a hard time starting and see if its wet. Did you replace your plugs?
Thanks for the ideas.... didn't change the plugs because they are Autolite Platinums 4265 and were replaced not long before the bike was stored. I did pull the back one and it actually looks a bit lean.


Thanks,
Steve


 

Last edited by Monteman1971; Aug 27, 2019 at 07:49 AM.
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Old Aug 27, 2019 | 07:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Racepres
I hope you ran it before you changed the oil... but, you don't mention sumping...
If that is a '71 or '72 FX it sure has underwent some extensive surgery!!!!

On Hot Starts... especially with S&S carb...and probably no "Spacer"
Yer probably gonna need the Enricher... get it off fast tho!!!
Or if equipped with a Squirter... maybe squirt it once or twice...

BTW you really should set that float level... by the Book!!!!!
- I did run the engine before changing the oil.
- There is a spacer between the manifold and the carb with O rings.
- I'll try the enricher upon hot start but I think it has something more to do with it getting gas after I shut it off and possibly flooding it.
- Can you please tell me how to "set the float by the book". I don't own the bike so I'm not going to buy the service manual (I do have one for my own bike) but I will try to find it on the internet.

Thanks,
Steve
 
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Old Aug 27, 2019 | 07:50 AM
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Originally Posted by johnjzjz
the intake - was it re sealed when you re did the carb -- very very common any time carb idle / hi speed any issue you re seal the intake especially o ring manifold like you should have

FIRST
I did go back and make sure everything was tight but maybe I'll go back and check for leaks.

Thanks,
Steve
 
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Old Aug 27, 2019 | 09:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Monteman1971
-- Can you please tell me how to "set the float by the book". I don't own the bike so I'm not going to buy the service manual (I do have one for my own bike) but I will try to find it on the internet.
Hit up the S&S site; IIRC there will be a pdf download there for the E carb.

Edit: Tell your cousin it was a crime to let that sweet looking thing sit for 5 years!
 

Last edited by pococj; Aug 27, 2019 at 09:02 AM.
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Old Aug 27, 2019 | 09:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Monteman1971
Thanks for the ideas.... didn't change the plugs because they are Autolite Platinums 4265 and were replaced not long before the bike was stored. I did pull the back one and it actually looks a bit lean.


Thanks,
Steve
If it looks lean, then perhaps intake leak as John suggested. Does your bike run like crap when throttling i.e. hesitation, popping?.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2019 | 09:52 AM
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Originally Posted by pococj
Hit up the S&S site; IIRC there will be a pdf download there for the E carb.

Edit: Tell your cousin it was a crime to let that sweet looking thing sit for 5 years!
Thanks, did just that and found it. I'll pull the bowl off and double check it.

And your right... I love riding this thing, it's a completely different animal then mine...... Not sure if I would trust in on a long trip just yet but it's getting there. I have learned not to leave home without bringing some basic tools...lol. The original float issue left me about a half mile from the house to push it home.

Steve
 
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