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Intermittent engine shut-off problem

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Old Jun 22, 2012 | 02:37 PM
  #1  
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Default Intermittent engine shut-off problem

I have a 2000 FLHTCUI with 56K that has been increasingly "shutting down" in slow to medium speed situations most associated with stop & go - city driving conditions, it does not show itself under interstate, constant speed, good air circulation driving conditions. This problem manifests itself by "what appears" to be a complete shut down of the ignition system, with power remaining to the lights, gauges, radio, etc. I can re-start the bike almost immediately by hitting the starter switch, which does not require recycling (shutting off and turning on) the electrical system at either the ignition or engine shut off switch. Upon re-starting the bike runs perfectly until the next occasion. This situation is present in both wet and dry conditions and not isolated to only hot weather conditions; it also does not produce error codes and therefore been very difficult for HD to diagnose and address. Of note is that this condition has been present since the bike was new, occurring very infrequently…… but has now become much more frequent making this bike dangerous to drive. Any ideas?
 
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Old Jun 22, 2012 | 02:41 PM
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
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the early twin cam models had a recall or service bulletin on the "tip over switch" mounting bracket cracking or breaking.

the switch can then hang by it's wires and trip on starts and stops and leans.

it works much like a tilt on a pinball machine and results in pretty much what you describe.

the tip over switch can be mounted kinda under the battery or inboard of the electronics on the backside of the plate, under the right side cover

that's my guess.

Mike
 
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Old Jun 22, 2012 | 02:52 PM
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Have you made any electrical mods? I had it happen when I installed the run/brake controller from Kury. It was getting too hot and shutting down the bike. Moved it to get more air flow to it and the problem stopped. My 2 pennies.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2012 | 02:56 PM
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No electrical modification have been made, bike is completely stock.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2012 | 03:54 PM
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Have you replaced your fuel filter and and quick release tubing inside your tank?
When all the plastic tubing gets old it often develops pin holes, which can cause fuel pressure loss and consequently the bike shuts down. The fuel pressure loss is often exaggerated when you roll off the throttle to come to a stop. I would guess the fuel pressure drops all the way to zero before the fuel pump can repressurize the system and the bike shuts down. Often if the problem is marginal it won't show its face as much with a full tank ..if the problem gets worse as your tank empties I would bet this is the cause.
Jason
 
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Old Jun 22, 2012 | 04:16 PM
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Do you have a power commander? It is similar to the problem I had with my 2008 Electra Glide. I finally traced it back to a problem with the power commander.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2012 | 04:44 PM
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Another HD engineering and assembly marvel - plastic immersed in gasoline....

How smart are these engineers.....

Ride In Peace
 
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Old Jun 22, 2012 | 04:50 PM
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No power commander on the bike - it is "bone" stock.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2012 | 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by t059736
Another HD engineering and assembly marvel - plastic immersed in gasoline....

How smart are these engineers.....

Ride In Peace

yeah , amazing they become brittle and crack huh?
 
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Old Jun 22, 2012 | 05:11 PM
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Originally Posted by mkguitar
the early twin cam models had a recall or service bulletin on the "tip over switch" mounting bracket cracking or breaking.

the switch can then hang by it's wires and trip on starts and stops and leans.

it works much like a tilt on a pinball machine and results in pretty much what you describe.

the tip over switch can be mounted kinda under the battery or inboard of the electronics on the backside of the plate, under the right side cover

that's my guess.

Mike
That is some good advice, I certainly would follow on that switch and at the least eliminate that as a cause.
 
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