Bike is a 1988 FXSTC, S&S shorty. Changed all the fluids and spark plugs, took it for a test ride to check everything, ran great, oil levels are good. After I parked it, I started wiping it down and noticed the carb was loose. Upon inspection, I noticed the left rear intake bolt was missing the right side was backed out a couple threads. The front cylinder was tight. I tightened the bolts and installed a new one that was missing. Went to fire up the bike and it does not want to start unless I give it some throttle. Once it starts, its real rough and shooting black smoke. So I turn it off after a few seconds. I removed the carb and the intake completely to see if maybe the seals were bad. They both looked good. I wiped everything clean and reinstalled everything again. Checked the plugs (which were new) and they were wet and black, so I put new ones in again. Went to fire up the bike, and the same damn thing!! Pulled the new plugs that had 5 seconds of run time and they are wet again.
Mind you, the bike ran great before I parked it, now it doesnt want to run. What am I doing wrong? What else should I look for? I have a good trip planned this weekend and will be real bummed if this stops me. Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions.

 

Any ideas? Thanks

 

Casual guess after your description, a piece of crud hung in the float needle. Drop the bowl and inspect it. Maybe start it with the petcock shut, run until it quits and then open petcock, rush of fuel through the wide open needle may flush it.

 

I suspected the carb as well, because I checked everything else, just seems odd. Makes sense though, because I did remove the carb and laid it on its side while working on the intake. I will pull it apart and check that. Thanks.