I have a carbureted '98 1200C that takes a long time to start in the morning. I live in southern California, it doesn't get that cold out here. Typically, I have to pull the choke and cycle the starter 8+ times before it will start up. The bike also misfires when it is cold. I recently did a shotgun mechanic move and replaced the coil, sparkplugs, and sparkplug wires. It still misfires but to a lesser degree, and it still takes forever to start cold. I thought it could be a stator and/or carb problem, but the bike runs great and starts up easy when it is warmed up. Just wondering if anyone has experienced the same problem and how you resolved it. Right now I'm running seafoam through it to clear out the carb, but I haven't noticed any difference in the cold starting yet.

 

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Probably need to clean out/adjust the enrichner circuit (choke) if it is just starting hard and runs good when warm.

See: http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/techtalk:evo:carb02

Enrichener Function (Choke)

The CV40 has an Enrichener Circuit - It is labeled Choke on the ****, but that is a misnomer, because a choke refers to a plate that restricts the incoming air supply. The enrichener circuit actually provides a path for additional fuel to bypass the carb controls and be injected directly into the air flow at the rear of the carb venturi.

Typically, the enrichener should only be utilized when starting the engine when it is completely cold. Put the enrichener on, let the bike idle for 1-3 minutes, then ride off. Turn the enrichener off as soon as the engine warms up (perhaps within 3-5 miles of riding)…

On a warm or hot engine, you may need to twist the throttle 1/8-1/4 turn to shoot some gas in before starting.
But do not use the enrichener unless the engine will not idle properly.
If the engine won't idle, pull the enrichener **** out enough to get it to idle, ride for a couple minutes and push the **** back in.

Both excess use and insufficient use of the enrichener may cause poor performance, erratic idle, poor fuel economy and fouled plugs.

The Enrichener **** is a friction function device. When mounting the ****, do not overtighten the mounting nut. The resistance/friction on the enrichener cable can be adjusted with the knurled nut.

• Loosen the hex nut & remove the cable from its mount.
• Put an adj wrench on the flat part of the cable mounting sleeve.
• Carefully turn the knurled nut to loosen or tighten the tension until the **** stays pulled out on its own yet freely can be pushed back in with reasonable pressure.
• Remount the cable with the lock washer behind the bracket & tighten the metal hex nut carefully (not over-tightening).

Check that the **** moves freely in and out after mounting.

The fuel for the enrichener circuit is drawn thru a fixed jet in the float bowl. The air for the enrichener circuit is taken in thru the banana shaped inlet at the top of the carb face (see the face pic above). Sometimes when the enrichener cable is moved, or the carb has been taken off the manifold, the valve piston does not properly seat into its cavity on the carb. If that happens, additional attention must be given to properly reseating the enrichener valve piston.

 

Thanks CoolBreeze, I actually replaced the choke assembly with new OEM several months ago (old one was falling apart). I'll take another look at it this weekend to make sure it's functioning properly

 

You might want to see if accelerator pump is actually spraying fuel in the intake when you twist the throttle. And would also check for vacuum leaks.

Paul

 

Hah... I actually replaced the pump when I replaced the choke. The original diaphragm had hardened to an inflexible solid. I'll take a look this weekend but it runs great when it's warmed up, there are no acceleration issues apart from the cold misfires.

 

Intake manifold leak

 

Cold starts, I just pull the enrichener and hit the starter, don't twist the throttle. Bike starts instantly. When warm, just hit the starter. It's surprisingly easy to flood the motor if you twisty-twist the throttle.

If your bike is that old, replacing the manifold seals and a good carb refresh/rebuild is in order.

John

 

I was mainly thinking of the circuit inside the carb itself, the jets and the holes of the circuit in the carb may be plugged up, may warrant another look/cleaning of the carb along with the other recommendations above.

 

How long have you had the bike? Is the problem or issue something new?

Cold blooded - Morning sickness. Some bikes are more difficult to start than others for no particular reason. It might be a matter of just figuring out the combination.

If it runs okay when warmed up I wouldn't be too concerned about it.

 

It was the stator. It had a very weak grounding (~18 MΩ) but enough to prevent a strong, continued spark after an initial number of starting attempts. I replaced the stator and now it fires up a lot faster and sounds much healthier (no misfires).