So, I recently replaced my factory headlamps and while doing the work to access the wiring I completely drained and removed the tank. I stored the gas that I drained in a certified gas can and set to the side. I finished my wiring work and then proceeded to reinstall the tank. My bike is a 2002 Heritage Softail Classic (FLSTC), it has a carburetor and a petcock switch. I reinstalled the cross over fuel lines on the tank and reconnected the fuel petcock to the tank as it was before. After doing all of that, I used the stored gas and poured some back into the tank to try and start it, and NOTHING! It will crank and crank, and does at some points try to start and run but will not stay started. A couple of times it did start and run for like 10-12 seconds and then it would die again. I recently tried to check the float and the carb bowl. My last attempt to make it start was by pouring a little gas into the bowl and buttoning everything back up to see if it would start, it did start and ran for about 10 seconds and then died. I'm not sure what else to do. I realize it may be something completely simple that I may be over looking. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

 

Is the vacuum ( not the fuel line ) line to the petcock secure at BOTH ends ?

 

there are two lines that feed the carb from petcock, One is bigger and one is smaller they both are secured on running to and from the carb and petcock

 

there are two lines that feed the carb from petcock, One is bigger and one is smaller they both are secured on running to and from the carb and petcock

 

If we assume that neither line is plugged or kinked, are they both original ? i.e. 20 years old ?
1. the vacuum feature of the petcock has failed
2. you don`t have enough gas in the tank , add more, switch to "reserve"

 

They aren't kinked or plugged as far as i know, When i removed the tank i never unplugged the actual lines to the petcock that connect back to the carb. I only unscrewed the petcock from the tank itself. Now they may or may not be original to the bike. ( i do know they are old) The bike was bought from my uncle and I've only slowly been changing things and upgrading them as I went. So it's possible the lines are old and now somehow clogged. I will try and add more gas. I will update you as soon as i give that a try. I'm in Oklahoma and about to catch a winter storm but will try and update as soon as i can.

 

There have been old fuel hoses that degraded on the INSIDE and caused problems
The vacuum line could be leaking and you`d never know it
Good luck

 

okay. I may just replace the lines and petcock itself just to be safe. Thanks

 

Vac feature can be defeated in stock petcock
move spring to other side of diaphragm
or
remove the rear diaphragm and button altogether

 

Finally getting to respond to you brother. Today after the winter storm has cleared here, i was able to get out in my garage, I had left the fuel line on and the choke pushed in, I turned the petcock to reserve and leaned the bike all the way over to the right as far as i could and cranked that bastard till she fired up...I pulled the choke, she caught prime and fired up. I let her run for 10 min, then hopped on that thang and road to the gas station and filled her up. She is running and with no issues.

I appreciate all your tips and help getting me back on two wheels. Thank you @eighteight