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electra glide trouble

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Old Nov 28, 2006 | 11:12 PM
  #1  
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Default electra glide trouble

have a 1968 stock flh, Bike starts and runs good sitting still. Trouble is when on the road it misses like it's running out of gas. New tune-up, checked the wiring, new gen. & reg., cleaned the tanks out & new filter. Talked to some old school mech. at dealership today and got spec. on the ohm range for the coil, checks good. Ordered new plug wires. Maybe carb. trouble? Was wondering if anyone has run into this trouble or any ideas? Thanks
 
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Old Nov 28, 2006 | 11:57 PM
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Default RE: electra glide trouble

It it a set rpm it does this at?
Could be the carb (high valve), could be the distributor (advance, points or condenser).
Could even be the fuel filter being clogged.

With coils, it will usually just cut out completely.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 11:29 AM
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Default RE: electra glide trouble

Looking at the book, it could also be the bands or o-rings on the intake manifold (air leak).
Or the float.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 03:31 PM
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Default RE: electra glide trouble

dino1, definitely check the intake manifold o rings. They go bad and will drive you nuts thinking it is other things much more complex. A lot of times folks will overtightne the bands holding them which will also induce air leaks. One last thing...have you tried changing out the condenser. Don't know if there is a test for them but its a cheap part to replace.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:33 PM
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Default RE: electra glide trouble

Check the advance mechanism, too. If it's been sitting, or wasn't maintained lately, the flyweights can be worn and prevent the distributor from going into advance. It'll idle fine, but won't run worth a crap.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 07:54 AM
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Default RE: electra glide trouble

Yea.....

one of 2 things


1. An intake manifold leak. When riding it, does it "pop"? A pop is an indication of running LEAN. A manifold leak will make her run lean

2. Distributor advance could be bad, as poco said above. Check the timing with the bike on stand running of course, and rev her up...see if the advance is pulling in ocrrectly

I would....
A. Get new intake manifold O-rings
B. Think about the FUTURE purchase of a Mallory unilite distributor, or better yet the S&S ignition setup. Get away from points and go breakerless. Yes, I know its expensive.[&o]

Joe
 
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 05:51 PM
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Default RE: electra glide trouble


Thanks for all the input. I had the tanks off the other day to check for trash and check the pet-****. Grabed the manifold, gave it a jerk to see if it was loose, not. Just on the safe side i'll change the o-rings. Never had the auto advance dist. only mannual advance.
The way I understand checking the timing with accl. I should see the mark advance? I know the weights are under dis. plate. Have checked the float, ok. New condenser, points, plugs.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 08:25 PM
  #8  
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Default RE: electra glide trouble

Coils are kinda funny too, they change when heated up such as when riding. I have had the same trouble with my 79 FLH, for the price of a coil it's a good idea to change. If it's not the coil you'll have a spare.
ORIGINAL: dino1


Thanks for all the input. I had the tanks off the other day to check for trash and check the pet-****. Grabed the manifold, gave it a jerk to see if it was loose, not. Just on the safe side i'll change the o-rings. Never had the auto advance dist. only mannual advance.
The way I understand checking the timing with accl. I should see the mark advance? I know the weights are under dis. plate. Have checked the float, ok. New condenser, points, plugs.
 
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Old Dec 4, 2006 | 09:57 PM
  #9  
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Default RE: electra glide trouble

back to basics, check the connections at the Battery, the ground connection on the frame and the + connections all the way down to the starter and ignition switch. good luck, let us know how you make out
 
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Old Dec 6, 2006 | 08:34 PM
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Default RE:68 electra glide trouble

Thanks for all the ideas posted and all that looked.

All right guys I'm going to need some feedback now. I tore the mother down. I'm pulling the motor and trany out, mostly clean-up and polish. Going to have the heads looked at? But mostly a rewire job. The bike had all black wires and nothing (gen., neut., oil lights) hooked-up. If any one knows where I can pull-up a more simple wiring diagram would be lots of help. I've done this before, but many years ago, 60 FLH. Never elec. start. Finding primary cover before oil tank? Any tricks or short cuts?

Wanted to ask all the shovelheaders and early models, If I start to crome parts is this going to take value from the bike?

Going with a s&s carb. Think this has been my biggest trouble. Do I have to change from stock handle bars?
 
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