[QUOTE=SoftailJeff;17750760]Thanks for the help! Is See-Foam (I think that's how you spell it) the additive to use?? The bike is in Maryland, harsh winters but as far as i can tell it's been garage kept. Brand new tires, they still have the **** on them. The fuel lines are stainless steel and look new but I could be wrong so I'll look over them. Everybody has been seeming to say the same thing, on here and a couple of my buddies. Planning on getting into this and next weekend. I'll keep you guys updated, still up for any advice-info throughout.
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I would use Techron, but most important is to ensure everything you're feeding the engine is clean... If there's crap in the fuel system, using an additive won't help, probably just loosen more crap to get stuck in filters/jets/ nooks & crannies.....

Don't want to belabor the point, but bikes that aren't used a lot often have "new" looking tires (**** & all), but old date codes.... the "age" of the tire is as important as the "tread"... check the date codes on the tires..... you only have two tires on a bike, between you and the pavement...

When I bought an '01 Springer a year ago, it only had 9.8K miles... That was a blessing in disguise.... I had to go through EVERYTHING..... but it was a fun project and I got to know the bike real well....!!

 

Sea Foam---I have seen that stuff work minor marvels on EFI and carbed bikes. As stated, drain the tank. Probably need to take out the petcock to do this unless you have a way to pull a vacuum to keep it open. Actually it may be a leakey vacuum line, too. I had that problem when I replaced mine and it did exactly what you are discribing only it did it in all gears. As stated, you need to check the filter, too. A word of caution if you do replace the petcock with aftermarket that does not have the vacuum safety feature. Should a bit of debris get caught in the float valve in the carb and it does not fully seal, it will dump the whole tank of gas in the crankcase and you won't know it until the damage is done. The only way to prevent this for SURE is remember to cut the fuel off every time you stop. I just replaced mine with a Pingle vacuum petcock---kind of expensive for the best, but hey....... OEM Harley petcock is about $95. It does not sound serious to me since it is a carb. Now if it were Magnelli Maretti EFI I would be worried.

 

Ever get the problem fixed?

 

I have a question on the matter, how the heck do you get the little factory hose clamp off the line going to the tank? I have been looking at it and can't seem to come up with a good way to remove it without destroying it.

 

Is yours EFI Josh?
If so, it works like a quick release air hose connection. Push up on the collar and pull down on the hose. Be gentle to avoid tearing the o-ring.

 

No sir, its a carb model 88. I did find a post on here, it says cut them off. Not reusable, but didn't have a picture so unsure if it is the same one or not.

 

They are Oetiker clamps. They are superior to hose clamps in every way, except for one.... they need to be pried/cut off. They are a one time use item.

You can get an oetiker clamp tool and they come off pretty easy


Of they can be pried off with a screw driver or twisted off with cutters.




I have a supply of Oetiker clamps and two Oetiker tools, but I usually remove them by the screwdriver pry technique. Not bad once you get the hang of it.

 

Great, thanks for the info and the video!