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bike is stalling

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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 11:51 AM
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Default bike is stalling

Hi,
My name is Toby and I am new to HD. I have a 2003 Road King and it just started stalling while stopped. It also "misses" while in 4th or 5th gear. Does anyone have any experience with this and may provide some troubleshooting as to what may cause this?

Greatly appreciated.

Toby
 
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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 11:58 AM
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I'd start with my plugs and wires easy check right there.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 12:01 PM
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Carb or FI? Any codes?
my coil did that, but could be other things
 
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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 12:07 PM
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Thanks! Can I simply replace the plugs or do I need some special tooling/service to do that? Like I said, new to this bike and not very talented when it comes to repair
 
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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 12:07 PM
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If it has a carb check your air fuel idle mixture screw. Should be turned out 2 1/2 turns. I would also check the idle and main jets in the carb
 
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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 05:06 PM
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Originally Posted by TheBeast2003
Thanks! Can I simply replace the plugs or do I need some special tooling/service to do that? Like I said, new to this bike and not very talented when it comes to repair

Plugs and plug wires are amongst the easiest maintenance items on a Harley of that vintage......

You just need the proper size ratchet for the plugs (along with a Spark Plug gauge to check the gap) and a little dielectric grease for inside the spark plug boot....

While hotly debated as to necessity, if you have a torque wrench, the torque spec for the plugs is 11-18 ft lbs.... Otherwise, just snug them up enough to ensure you compress the crush gasket on the plug...

This would be a good first step, since you don't know the age of the plugs/wires, and replacing them can be considered a maintenance item....

If new plugs/wires doesn't fix it, it's time to diagnose the issue, rather than throwing more random parts at it....

For a problem as you describe, you'll need to find out if the problem is fuel or spark.... Then go from there..
 

Last edited by hattitude; Aug 6, 2022 at 05:14 PM.
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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 05:31 PM
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Two models in 03 I think. Carburetor and FI.

The FI model has a I at the end.

Make your next new post over in the new member area.

And just in case you don't...

Welcome from North Beach, FL., USA!

Just in case you have not done this and only as a suggestion....

Add a Signature Line in your USER set up for your bike year, model, and all the letters that Harley recognizes it with so others see at the bottom of all your post. This enables others to know your exact model if you ever ask a question.

And an Avatar of your favorite shot in the USER set up for the small picture others will see in the top left corner of your post.


​​Your all set.... Enjoy the ride! ______________

 
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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 06:10 PM
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Be on the cautious side and start screwing in the plugs with your fingers to prevent cross threading and eventually stripping out the threads. Check the gap on the plugs for.039"-.040". There are numerous videos on YouTube relating to basic maintenance on HD's.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by RIPSAW
Two models in 03 I think. Carburetor and FI.

T___
Harkeys came with carb and FI until 2006. 2007 they dropped the I from models, since no more carbs.
Finding out what it has, would be good to know.

Originally Posted by shaggieshapiro
If it has a carb check your air fuel idle mixture screw. Should be turned out 2 1/2 turns. I would also check the idle and main jets in the carb
Why would it have changed? If he just bought it who knows. But if it wasn't doing it, and then started, I really doubt. I really doubt it either way carb tuning is causing this. I could be wrong.


Changing plugs is never bad idea, cheap enough and easy enough to do. Check the gap. I doubt its the problem though.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2022 | 07:27 PM
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Stalling when stopped can be a dirty Idle Air Control (IAC). Cleaning the IAC is another simple step after checking plugs and plug wires.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZaBQwpuN28
 
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