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Probably just real old, but could also be caused by water in your fuel. Because you have no history on this bike, just put new plugs in it and see what happens. It will either get better or it won't. If it's not better, then you can let the guessing game resume. Another bit of advice, don't let your head swim in the bullshit that a couple of people have tossed at your issue. They do that in almost every post here. Clear your head, put in new plugs, start over.
the engine is heavily modified from what I understand, bored out to 103. Has bigger cams also, And power commander.
That certainly changes things.
I strongly agree with the suggestions of new plugs, regardless of when you replaced them.
Without pictures, I can't say if the plug is lean or not. Sure, it sorta sounds it, but it could be interpretation.
The Power Commander is a crude way of making the bike run rich. Which it kinda sounds like yours isn't. They can also be a source of problems. On a more stock engine I'd say just pull it and see if that solves the problem. With a modified engine, I'd do the same, but with caution. Probably just a few cold starts to see of those are improved. I doubt they will be, but perhaps.
As the bike is modified, and has some questionable characteristics, you may want to ask around about someone who can dyno tune. Just something to consider.
I know you've said it's modified, do you have documentation of those modifications, or is it just stuff you were told?
H. I recently purchased a 2007 Electra Glide Twin cam.
good.
How recent is recent and did it ever start good?
If it ran good for awhilw, than I am not sure I would pursue dyno or tuning. Problem with canned maps is you don't know what you got.
If it never ran good, than who knows. But was it starting cold fine before. Plugs are cheap, and one of the no skill things I usually throw at problems. But I have never had it solve a problem on a 4 stroke.
Making sure the power commander is in tight and pins look clean is good idea. But it runs after it starts. Guessing from a million miles away I would guess spark. I have seen bikes struggle with spark. But once running you never know it is missing or off a little.
Also you are letting it fully pressurize and fuel pump start and turn off, before trying to start? It is easy to rush this.
It would seem like some information was not available when originally posted.
Based on: "the engine is heavily modified from what I understand, bored out to 103. Has bigger cams also, And power commander."
At this point it would be best to gather your information.
Detail exactly what bike changes exist outside of factory stock.
Heavily modified means different things to different people.
Diagnosis without knowing details can lead you to wasted time and money.
Plugs were pretty worn. They were white, which I know is an indication of running lean. Or could it just be that they are really old? They were Harley plugs, and the exposed parts of the plugs were also quite rusty.
Bought some generic Autolite brand copper plugs from the part store, they were $3 a piece I figured what the hell lets try it out. I know mine are bad.
Bike started right up on cold this time
Now Im not sure if I should start another thread on this, but, was copper the right choice? I have the 96ci twin cam, bored to 103, bigger cams, and power commander. Should I have gone with iridium? Im seeing mixed answers everywhere. Some swear by the copper due to it being higher compression.
Copper is fine. I'm not big on Autolite. Iridium just lasts longer. I would suggest getting the correct Harley brand plugs for your bike so your sure to have the correct resistance in the plug. Champion also makes the plug, someone will post the number I'm sure.
Put a set of the Harley branded plugs in it. Yes, Harley doesn't make them but there low resistance plugs special for your ion spark detectionsystem that the coil reads and relays to the ECM .
Glad you got it fixed but you need to protect it on hills, hard throttle or getting more gear then motor likes .
If you get them, check the resistance and compare them to what you put in and report back to us as a favor for all the hard work we do on here
I do get paid 24/7 but I need better note .
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Mar 7, 2024 at 10:21 AM.
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