2002 harley fatboy

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Mar 9, 2023 | 08:38 PM

gerald martin

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Road Warrior

Joined: Nov 2015

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From: anywhere

2002 harley fatboy

I have a 2002 carbureted fatboy. When I first start it up I have to leave the choke on for about 10 minutes before it will idle. My friend has a 2003 softail standard and when he starts his up he only has to leave the choke on for about 1 minute before it will idle. Is my bike running lean or is his running rich? We both have short shots exhaust. My plugs are white in color (not blistered at all) The screw that you use to set the carb (forget what its called but I had to drill the cap out) is two turns out.

Last edited by gerald martin; Mar 9, 2023 at 08:41 PM.

Mar 10, 2023 | 06:50 AM

eighteight

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2019

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From: OH

Your bike is lean

Mar 10, 2023 | 08:56 AM

hattitude

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 14,071

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From: San Diego, CA

Sounds like you are a little lean, or the carb is in need of a good cleaning/rebuild....

Every bike is a little different, but for a comparison...

I have a 2001 Springer w/ CV40 carb. It has Screamin' Eagle Stage I A/C and V&H long shots.

I rebuilt the CV40 carb inn 2017 after I bought it as the carb was filthy. Originally I tried the N65 needle, didn't like it, so switched to the CVP Velocity needle. I use OEM 45/190 jets and just a tick past 2 turns on the mixture screw... Bike runs great...

I have to leave the choke on for a few miles when cold starting... but it fires right up when warm and runs so good, I haven't messed with it since the needle/2 turns change..

If you don't know already, this place has good tutorials on the CV40 carb and is a good source of parts..

https://cv-performance.com/instructions-guides