Jerking, sputtering, and dead.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,075
Likes: 11,096
From: San Diego, CA
Enjoying a ride on my 06 Electra Glide in the sunshine when I gave it some beans to feel the roar and pull of the S&S T124 crate engine (carbureted).
Suddenly it started to intermittently jerk and sputter, even backfiring a couple times. I thought the battery terminal might’ve come loose, but after pulling over to check it wouldn’t start again (had to get it trailered home). Battery is new, terminals are tight, and it turns over, but sputters and coughs and doesn't want to run.
What would be the first things you would check before taking it to a shop?
Suddenly it started to intermittently jerk and sputter, even backfiring a couple times. I thought the battery terminal might’ve come loose, but after pulling over to check it wouldn’t start again (had to get it trailered home). Battery is new, terminals are tight, and it turns over, but sputters and coughs and doesn't want to run.
What would be the first things you would check before taking it to a shop?
As mentioned, it's best to try to determine if you're missing fuel, spark, or compression... it needs all three to run..
But If you really feel it's a fuel issue, you can check two things quickly and easily... and it won't cost money....
1) I forget what years the Harley tanks were lined... but the liner has known to peel, and cause intermittent, then almost total fuel flow restriction. Look into your tank with a good flashlight and see if there are various sized "flakes" floating around.. If so you have a peeling tank liner.. I had it on my 2001 and heard of it on a 2003.. Just not sure when HD stopped lining the tanks..
2) You have a vacuum operated petcock. They can fail.. You need both the petcock to be open and vacuum to the petcock for fuel to flow. Check that the vacuum line between the carb and the petcock is in good condition, well seated on both ends, and not leaking vacuum needed for the petcock to allow fuel flow..
Good luck keep us posted...
Last edited by hattitude; Sep 5, 2022 at 07:37 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 855
From: B.C.
Enjoying a ride on my 06 Electra Glide in the sunshine when I gave it some beans to feel the roar and pull of the S&S T124 crate engine (carbureted).
Suddenly it started to intermittently jerk and sputter, even backfiring a couple times. I thought the battery terminal mightve come loose, but after pulling over to check it wouldnt start again (had to get it trailered home). Battery is new, terminals are tight, and it turns over, but sputters and coughs and doesn't want to run.
What would be the first things you would check before taking it to a shop?
Suddenly it started to intermittently jerk and sputter, even backfiring a couple times. I thought the battery terminal mightve come loose, but after pulling over to check it wouldnt start again (had to get it trailered home). Battery is new, terminals are tight, and it turns over, but sputters and coughs and doesn't want to run.
What would be the first things you would check before taking it to a shop?
First thing I would check before taking to a shop is my wallet.
I would check all the other stuff already mentioned before deciding to take to a shop.
I hope you get it fixed without it being a major problem.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Central Florida
Enjoying a ride on my 06 Electra Glide in the sunshine when I gave it some beans to feel the roar and pull of the S&S T124 crate engine (carbureted).
Suddenly it started to intermittently jerk and sputter, even backfiring a couple times. I thought the battery terminal mightve come loose, but after pulling over to check it wouldnt start again (had to get it trailered home). Battery is new, terminals are tight, and it turns over, but sputters and coughs and doesn't want to run.
What would be the first things you would check before taking it to a shop?
Suddenly it started to intermittently jerk and sputter, even backfiring a couple times. I thought the battery terminal mightve come loose, but after pulling over to check it wouldnt start again (had to get it trailered home). Battery is new, terminals are tight, and it turns over, but sputters and coughs and doesn't want to run.
What would be the first things you would check before taking it to a shop?
Not sure about the solution to your problem, but my GF saw the title 'Jerking, sputtering, and dead' and said "That sounds like a fun evening out"
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 121
From: Central Maine
How does it idle? I ask because throttle position sensors are a common issue as the wires get damaged during a bar install, which most bikes have. My bike was idling fine but started to hesitate when driving, which got pretty bad. I changed plugs and fuel filter, but it ended up being the TPS.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,830
Likes: 7,968
From: poway
How does it idle? I ask because throttle position sensors are a common issue as the wires get damaged during a bar install, which most bikes have. My bike was idling fine but started to hesitate when driving, which got pretty bad. I changed plugs and fuel filter, but it ended up being the TPS.
Bike is carbureted. No throttle by wire. Only sensors are Crank and MAP.