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2009 Sportster 1200 won't start

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Old Sep 9, 2017 | 11:14 AM
  #1  
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Default 2009 Sportster 1200 won't start

Hey guys, I'm a newby to the forums.
I searched around and can't find much info on my problem.
I have a 09 sportster 1200 custom. Bike died on me while riding. Let sit and then I restarted and I got home. Pulled tank, filter was pretty dirty. (Bought bike used, no idea when it was last changed) replaced with harley filter kit. Reassembled the bike and it cranks but no start. Starts with starting fluid but won't run. Pump is priming when key on. (Disassembled and verified its pumping) Bike is in neutral. Changed starter relay, verified operation on my pops sportster. Any help is appreciated!
 
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Old Sep 9, 2017 | 11:58 AM
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Do you have spark?
 
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Old Sep 9, 2017 | 12:01 PM
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5.elements
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question: are you getting a gas smell at all from your exhaust? If you get no gas smell after trying to start for a bit, it would possibly be a clogged injector... or something else with the fueling. 4 things needed for an engine to run:

Air (sounds like it might be ok, shouldn't be an issue with just starting with a dirty air filter)
fuel (make sure the connections to the injectors are good and they aren't dirty)
compression (check with the plug out and put your finger over the spark plug hole, try turning it over. doubt it's an issue though)
spark (spark plug tester)

I am betting it's due to a fuel issue. bad gas, clogged injector, ECM not telling it to fuel, etc.
This is just a SWAG (scientific wild assed guess)
 

Last edited by 5.elements; Sep 9, 2017 at 01:14 PM.
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Old Sep 9, 2017 | 03:15 PM
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I replaced injectors due to a cracked electrical connector just in case. Still nothing. Yes, I can smell gas in exhaust. It does have spark. Will run with starting fluid. Possibly fuel pump? It does prime when key is turned on and starter is bumped. I'm lost.
 
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Old Sep 9, 2017 | 11:43 PM
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From: Austin, Tx
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I would get the service manual for it... I am used to carb'd bikes troubleshooting. Mag pickups for spark and easy to troubleshoot fuel issues. These bikes... I have no idea. It sounds like it should be running with the 4 requirements. It does sound like a fueling issue if it will run with starting fluid. From there I have no clue on where to go from here (I only just started with a HD in July but had many other bikes before this.)
 
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Old Sep 10, 2017 | 06:15 AM
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I would check for codes:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...des-dtc-s.html

Your relays seem ok, one controls cranking the other runs the ignition, fuel pump and injectors.
You have cranking and the fuel pump runs. There are two 15 amp fuses for the ignition.
You have spark if it starts with starting fluid.

If you have a crank position sensor fault-
Without the presence of the CKP signal, the ECM will
not allow the ignition and fuel injection drivers to operate, and
thus the engine will not run. The ECM uses crankshaft compression
slow down events to determine engine phase.
Therefore, the spark plugs must be installed when checking
for spark.


Wiring diagrams, owners manuals and parts lists are available from Harley's web site under owners/owners manuals-
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....cle/lookupForm

Enter your VIN or use the search at the top right and search for 2009 Sportster
 

Last edited by shanneba; Sep 10, 2017 at 06:44 AM. Reason: added link to wiring diagrams
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