Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
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Engine whine

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Old Sep 7, 2010 | 07:26 AM
  #1  
NightsterMama's Avatar
NightsterMama
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Default Engine whine

2008 Nightster, Miller Lite Model (Think the paint is the only difference, but ya never know). OK, got a weird sound for the past several weeks. Loud whine when I turn on the kill switch before starting the motor. Sounds like a damn airplane taking off. Then the whine just stays. Can't hear it as loud when riding, but when I slow down for a stop sign, it's still there. Dealership says "its just normal for a sporty". I say "BS!" It wasn't there for the first year, why should it be there now? Also the thing runs VERY rough, like it's missing or something. JUST had it serviced @ dealership, but I've had the thing die on me several times. What I want to know is, IS the whine "normal", and is the rough running connected or is it a totally new issue? I made an "A" in Small Engines class in high school more than 20 years ago, so I know just enough about an engine to be dangerous.....can anybody help? Or at least give me some idea if I need to take my baby to a different dealer for service?
 
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Old Sep 7, 2010 | 07:34 AM
  #2  
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xFreebirdx
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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
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edited to remove wrong info.

Paint and price was the only difference in that Sporty.
 

Last edited by xFreebirdx; Sep 7, 2010 at 08:09 AM.
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Old Sep 7, 2010 | 08:00 AM
  #3  
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Sounds like a fuel pump issue to me. Listen at the fuel tank while switching the kill switch to the on position to see if that's where the sound is coming from. Good luck. -Dave.
 
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Old Sep 7, 2010 | 08:08 AM
  #4  
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xFreebirdx
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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
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Originally Posted by 883_dave
Sounds like a fuel pump issue to me. Listen at the fuel tank while switching the kill switch to the on position to see if that's where the sound is coming from. Good luck. -Dave.
What he said........ I missed the whole before I started it line.

Sorry but it was one hell of a pig roast this year.
 
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Old Sep 7, 2010 | 08:24 AM
  #5  
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packer
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From: Baltimore, MD
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ditto
there was some issue's with the fuel pump on years prior to 2008. they got it fixed that year, however some bikes went out with
the older fuel pump on them. it was not listed as a recall but there was a service
number issued

FROM ANOTHER SITE
This is easy. Check the part number on the bottom of the fuel pump plate. Lay on the floor looking up on the shifter side of the bike with a flashlight. There is a white tag on a metal plate under the tank. If the number ends in an A or a B you need a service bulletin done. It has to do with a leaking pressure regulator. Just describe the issue to the dealer and mention that there is a service bulletin. Your EFI will need about 200 miles to dial back in after this fix.


hope this helps
 
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