2008 Ultra classic fuel issues

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Jul 17, 2020 | 11:03 AM

Bone78

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 9

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From: Iowa

2008 Ultra classic fuel issues

After 1/2 a tank I'm losing power and the bike runs poorly. Obviously i need to look at the fuel filter/housing. Other suggestions?

Jul 17, 2020 | 03:33 PM

btsom

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2012

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From: Oklahoma

How many miles on the bike, how many miles on the fuel filter? Has it ever sat for an extended period. Typically 4 causes for your problem. 1. A pin hole in an in the tank fuel line. The bike runs well enough until the fuel level drops below the level of the pin hole, and then starves for fuel. Next time fuel gets low enough for the problem to happen, remove the fuel cap, turn on the switch (including the run switch) and look into the tank to see if fuel is swirling around while the pump is priming. 2 Way over due fuel filter replacement. 3 The sock on the bottom of the fuel pump plugged up with dirt or wax and tar from spoiled fuel after sitting for a couple of years or more. 4 Cracked fuel filter basket (also will show swirling fuel inside the tank.) Listed in order of likelihood based on your symptom, but the last one still might be the cause.

Jul 17, 2020 | 04:57 PM

Bone78

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Jul 2020

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From: Iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by btsom

I purchased the bike last summer with 21k it has about 27k on it now. I know nothing on the previous maintenance , but milage indicates it sat a lot. On one of the many top off yesterday i did check to see if i could see fuel spray in the tank when i cycled the pump. I saw a drop fall at the end of the pump cycle but no spray or swirl. Going to pull the filter tonight. Made for a long ride home.

Jul 17, 2020 | 05:28 PM

dawg

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Vermont

Replace filter and filter shell and check the regulator real well. The shells were recalled in 2008. The regulators and the hose attached to can come loose.

Jul 22, 2020 | 09:53 PM

Bone78

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 9

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From: Iowa

Pulled the filter tonight. Before i disconnected i cycled the pump. Looks like the regulator if bypassing all the time. I would expect it to release pressure at the end of the cycle or am i wrong. Filter looked dark but not dirty. Filter and housing on order.

Jul 22, 2020 | 10:20 PM

Mr. Mike

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 688

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From: Central Utah

Hopefully it’s something simpler than the tank liner peeling. 1/2 tank of fuel remaining? Sputtering? Does flipping to reserve restore normal engine operation? You don’t cite the last one, but the other two eerily remind me of my latest performance issue. PITA is what that is.