Fuel/oil issue
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 37
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From: NW Florida
Fuel/oil issue
Sorry so long.
Background
1998 883 Hugger with big bore kit. Bike has been running really well. A few weeks back gas started leaking out of the carb overflow kit, over time it would do this even when petcock was in the off position, but not as much. The kickstand lets the bike lean far to the left and I thought this might contribute to the float not working up to par (opinions?). It had not leaked for more than a week (Petcock in off position) and I was thinking/hoping that maybe it had just been junk on the needle valve and/or it's seat that worked it's way lose. I was still planning on a rebuild, just not as urgently.
I have a carb kit and parts cleaner bucket and had plans to rebuild it in the near future. Also, I had recently picked up oil/filter and plans to do that in the near future as well.
This morning I go out to the garage and there is a strong smell of fuel, I assume that it's leaking again. I look under and there is nothing in the bowl I have under the overflow tube. I look further back and there is a decent sized wet spot under the bike, I touch it, smell my hand and it smells like fuel. I assumed that the fuel had come out of the carb and run back on the engine and down further back. I start it, a puff of smoke comes out of the left side of the jugs, only once (ideas? Head gaskets?) and pull it out to the patio, it didn't want to idle without the enricher on (it is colder here today than it has been, just assumed it was her cold nature). I shut it off and checked the oil, it's overflowing and smells like fuel.
Just want to make sure I'm thinking straight and not overlooking anything. I'm thinking I need.....
a new petcock, one that actually shuts off the fuel.
clean and rebuild carb
drain and change oil and filter. (Should I drain/change run a few minutes and do it again? If so, can I use a cheaper oil for the disposable change?)
Anything else I've overlooked?
Thanks
CS
Background
1998 883 Hugger with big bore kit. Bike has been running really well. A few weeks back gas started leaking out of the carb overflow kit, over time it would do this even when petcock was in the off position, but not as much. The kickstand lets the bike lean far to the left and I thought this might contribute to the float not working up to par (opinions?). It had not leaked for more than a week (Petcock in off position) and I was thinking/hoping that maybe it had just been junk on the needle valve and/or it's seat that worked it's way lose. I was still planning on a rebuild, just not as urgently.
I have a carb kit and parts cleaner bucket and had plans to rebuild it in the near future. Also, I had recently picked up oil/filter and plans to do that in the near future as well.
This morning I go out to the garage and there is a strong smell of fuel, I assume that it's leaking again. I look under and there is nothing in the bowl I have under the overflow tube. I look further back and there is a decent sized wet spot under the bike, I touch it, smell my hand and it smells like fuel. I assumed that the fuel had come out of the carb and run back on the engine and down further back. I start it, a puff of smoke comes out of the left side of the jugs, only once (ideas? Head gaskets?) and pull it out to the patio, it didn't want to idle without the enricher on (it is colder here today than it has been, just assumed it was her cold nature). I shut it off and checked the oil, it's overflowing and smells like fuel.
Just want to make sure I'm thinking straight and not overlooking anything. I'm thinking I need.....
a new petcock, one that actually shuts off the fuel.
clean and rebuild carb
drain and change oil and filter. (Should I drain/change run a few minutes and do it again? If so, can I use a cheaper oil for the disposable change?)
Anything else I've overlooked?
Thanks
CS
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,450
From: Eastern NE
Your carb situation probably filled cyl's w/fuel (waterfall) - start w/carb rebuild.
You're a braver man than me - starting bike in garage w/fuel everywhere is recipe for disaster...
You're a braver man than me - starting bike in garage w/fuel everywhere is recipe for disaster...
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: NW Florida
You are correct....I didn't communicate it well, I backed it out and started it outside and pulled it onto our patio.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,620
Likes: 4,057
From: San Diego, CA
Carb probably leaked fuel into intake manifold, then drained into cylinders and ended up in the crankcase. Your oil pump probably sent it into the oil tank when you started it.
I'd definitely rebuild the carb, and check your petcock to see if it actually shuts off. I left my petcock on one time and carb overflowed and dripped down right side of bike.
John
I'd definitely rebuild the carb, and check your petcock to see if it actually shuts off. I left my petcock on one time and carb overflowed and dripped down right side of bike.
John
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
If this happened as described with the petcock in the off position, the petcock diaphragm is leaking and allowing fuel to flow through the vacuum line into the carb.
You need to rebuild or replace the petcock.
You need to rebuild or replace the petcock.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: NW Florida
The rubber Petcock seal/gasket is buggered up between the 'run' hole and the bottom hole. So was allowing fuel to flow even in the off position. Who would have this gasket? Dealer? NAPA? Carb is apart and in the parts cleaner tank.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Harley lists a diaphragm service kit for your model as Part # 61200-97.
Last time I looked this part up several years ago it was about $9.00. It's still available, but it now has an MSRP of $25.99. At that price, I suggest you replace the complete petcock assembly.
Last time I looked this part up several years ago it was about $9.00. It's still available, but it now has an MSRP of $25.99. At that price, I suggest you replace the complete petcock assembly.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: NW Florida
Than you!
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