2000 Sportster idle problems

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May 15, 2012 | 10:37 AM

BD INC.

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Joined: Apr 2012

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From: Ohio

2000 Sportster idle problems

I have a 2000 Sportster 1200 and it won't idle properly. When i push the choke fully in after riding (in accordance with service manual) it tries to idle at about 800 & if I'm sitting at a light it'll last about 30 seconds & then will stall out if i don't throttle it. In addition after riding the bike for about 30 minutes, home from work, I went to get back on the bike about 45 minutes later & it won't start. Just backfire. However, if I wait a couple hours it will start back up. Anyone had the same problems or could point me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks for reading.

May 15, 2012 | 01:52 PM

emperor wurm

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From: Corona, Ca

adjust the idle using the idle adjustment screw, set the rpms between 950 and 1050. your good to go.

May 15, 2012 | 03:46 PM

BD INC.

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From: Ohio

thanks emperor, will try soon as get home from work

May 15, 2012 | 04:53 PM

TheGarbon

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 108

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From: Florida

Check the vacuum line from the manifold to the petcock. Mine was dry rotten and had cracks. Once the rubber warmed up it would leak causing a irregular idle. I imagine if yours was leaking enough it would loose vacuum to the petcock at idle and cause the gas to shut off to the carb. It would also suck air into the manifold and cause a lean condition.

May 15, 2012 | 05:12 PM

slipvayne9278

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Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 57

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From: Griswold,Ct.

Spray some carb cleaner behind the carb... If the idle jumps then either the seal behind carb or intake seals are shot... If you have to replace one... Might as well replace all 3

Apr 22, 2020 | 05:21 PM

Jerome Guieb

Stage I

Joined: Apr 2020

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From: cali

Vapor lock

The fuel is burning up and evaporating and causing no fuel going down the carb. Find a way to keep fuel cool before going to carb.

Apr 23, 2020 | 07:54 AM

Ben221

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Joined: Dec 2012

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From: Glen Mills, PA

I am not sure but I would check easy things first; gas caps are vented, pull it and push up in the bottom to ensure the valve is good, run a strong fuel additive, and set the idle to 900 when its running well. Check your petcock filter also. Time for new spark plugs?

Let us know.