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Old May 23, 2012 | 11:11 AM
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I recently purchased a 1995 Sportster custom 1200. Very satisfied with purchase. However after a morning ride yesterday I stopped and topped of fuel tank. After going about 1/4 mile bike died. Getting plenty of fuel and have plenty of electrical juice(lights bright, engine cranks but won't start).
I am somewhat mechanically inclined so where does one start when it comes to troubleshooting/repairing? All feedback greatly appreciated!!
 
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Old May 23, 2012 | 11:23 AM
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Welcome to the forum J.
I assume you have checked the fuel filter as you could have stirred up some dirt?
Water in fuel? Water is havier than gas!
 
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Old May 23, 2012 | 11:41 AM
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Have heard if you over fill the tank, possibly blocks the vent hole at top?...just guessing
 
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Old May 23, 2012 | 03:35 PM
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The other two have already mentioned the first things to try. By the time you read these replies you may find your bike starts again. If it stops once more, simply open the gas cap. If you hear a brief hiss, the vent is blocked. Checking the filter in the tank is best done with a near empty tank, rather than emptying the contents somewhere. If there is water and it has got into the carb, that will certainly stop the party, so remove the float chamber and clean it.
 
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Old May 23, 2012 | 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Jburrows2
I recently purchased a 1995 Sportster custom 1200. Very satisfied with purchase. However after a morning ride yesterday I stopped and topped of fuel tank. After going about 1/4 mile bike died. Getting plenty of fuel and have plenty of electrical juice(lights bright, engine cranks but won't start).
I am somewhat mechanically inclined so where does one start when it comes to troubleshooting/repairing? All feedback greatly appreciated!!
Did you turn the petcock off and forgot to turn it back on?
 
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Old May 23, 2012 | 04:16 PM
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I wish it was as simple as the petcock. However this doesn't seem to be the problem. Will have to drain tank when I get home and check petcock but seems to be gettin plenty of fuel when I remove air cleaner and visually check it.
 
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Old May 23, 2012 | 04:56 PM
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Did you check for spark? Check or change the plugs?
 
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Old May 23, 2012 | 05:02 PM
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I had a defective circuit breaker on my bike years ago. Did it just quit, or did it act like it was running out of gas?

John
 
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Old May 23, 2012 | 06:32 PM
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It just quit. No spark at plug. Apparently my son thinks my multimeter is. Video game. Need to replace it. Kids!!!!!!
 
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Old May 23, 2012 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Jburrows2
It just quit. No spark at plug. Apparently my son thinks my multimeter is. Video game. Need to replace it. Kids!!!!!!
That could very well be a fouled plug,my 89' would fould plugs with fuel at times. Jets to big or something,didn't get to much into it as I had bought a brand new 06' the same day as it and my GF was to chicken to ride her own
 
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