Learned a lesson???

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Dec 11, 2009 | 09:10 AM

PKS98S

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Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 212

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From: Left Coast FL

Learned a lesson???

I removed the stock handle bars, gauges, risers, mirrors, etc. from my 98 1200S. Putting it all back together with new grips, I was working the new throttle getting it lubed up, adjusting, etc. and didn't realize I had the fuel petcock on. When I eventually started the bike, there is now fuel leaking from the bottom of the carb. Any ideas what I may have damaged???

Dec 11, 2009 | 10:34 AM

gr8stdane

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Joined: Nov 2009

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Sounds like it's flooded, you should be able to let it sit for an hour or so and it'll take care of itself. The excess fuel will exit the overflow tube, until it's back to normal levels.

Dec 11, 2009 | 10:40 AM

notfried

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

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From: East Texas

or you can just close the petcock and open the drain on the carb...when it's done draining then just snug the drain screw,turn gas on and let gravity do it's job to fill the carb bowl back up

Dec 11, 2009 | 10:47 AM

OldFenderGuy

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Joined: Sep 2005

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From: Ozark Country

Your 1998 should have a vacuum operated petcock. I believe they started using them on the Sportster starting around 1994 or 1995.

On a vacuum operated petcock (if it is working correctly) a diaphragm will keep fuel from getting to the carb. Vacuum from a running engine will cause the diaphragm to 'open', allowing fuel to flow. Once the engine is turned off the vacuum is lost, causing the diaphragm to close and prevent fuel flow even if the petcock remains in the 'on position'.

Many guys I know with carb'd bikes never turn the petcock to the off position, and I'm guilty of that sometimes as well. In fact, some bikes no longer have an off position on the petcock, just a 'on', 'reserve', and 'prime' position.

If your carb is filling with fuel when the bike is not running you might need to replace the vacuum operated diaphragm in the carb, as it should block the fuel flow even if left in the on position.

Dec 11, 2009 | 11:33 AM

PKS98S

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Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 212

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From: Left Coast FL

OldFenderGuy... I spoke to the Service Mgr. at the HD dealership and he suggested the diaphragm - he stated it as the accelerator pump diaphragm. He felt with the petcock open as I was opening and closing the throttle without the engine running I caused too much fuel to enter the carb and it ruptured the diaphragm. I had one other person tell me pretty much what gr8stdane did, but that didn't work. When I started the bike last night, the fuel was running out the bottom of the carb in the area of the accelerator pump. Going to change the diaphragm and see where it takes me??? Thanks for the advise.

Dec 11, 2009 | 11:46 AM

midnight2005

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Joined: Jan 2009

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From: Fairmont, Wv

make sure to check the oil and make sure no gas has leaked down into the oil. just pull the dipstick, check the level and smell it. I have seen where it filled the engine with gas.