Resurrecting an Electra Glide
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Liberty, NC
Resurrecting an Electra Glide
New to forum. Nice place you got here!.... I have just bought a '99 E-glide classic with almost 20k miles on dealer installed reman. motor. The only problem is it has been sitting for 3 years without being started. The previous owner was injured and just parked it. Besides the obvious like changing filters and fluids, what else should I check/change? I hope to be doing all the work myself.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,503
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From: SE Michigan
Is the battery OK? Change out the fuel and clean the fuel system as much as you can. Clean the carb if it has one. Pull the plugs and put a little light oil in the jugs and turn it over by hand, put it in high gear and turn the rear tire.
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Monroe
Welcome to the forum! In the fall of last year I too bought an older model Electra Glide and was concerned about the proper procedures needed to be taken to "wake up" the bike after a year and a half of sitting. The main problem that I had was with the fuel going bad inside the carb. Had to take it off and rebuild/clean the carb out. I am even going as far as draining and replacing the brake fluid to make sure there was no possible way to have any sort of condensation in the lines/reservoir. When you start the bike up (with new plugs and wires) run some Seafoam in with the fuel. Should clean out any extra junk that's in the fuel system.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: CT/FL
you may want to take the plugs out and turn it over a few times with the button to get oil to the top end before starting it. that will also pull some mixture into the cylinders so it starts right up.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 637
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From: Ketchikan Alaska
A bike sitting for a few years isn't a big deal. Mine sit for most of the winter on a tender and are fine.
Now what I would is the following.
Change the fluids in all holes with a good syn and filter.
Then take the spark plugs off and spray in a little oil in the cylinders. Then turn over using the button. Then replace the plugs.
Drain the fuel system and check for rust in the tank, and cracked fuel lines. Then if all that is good you can attempt to start it.
Before riding I would look at the rubber on the tires, belt, brake lines, brake fluid and double check the battery. I would only put a little bit on for the mileage. Say 500 to 1000 then another drain and refill. As the engine works itself loose it can muck up the oil and cause problems. Better to drain it.
The last thing to worry about is the cam chains. These bikes have tensioners that can go bad and when the do that can be a headache.
Now what I would is the following.
Change the fluids in all holes with a good syn and filter.
Then take the spark plugs off and spray in a little oil in the cylinders. Then turn over using the button. Then replace the plugs.
Drain the fuel system and check for rust in the tank, and cracked fuel lines. Then if all that is good you can attempt to start it.
Before riding I would look at the rubber on the tires, belt, brake lines, brake fluid and double check the battery. I would only put a little bit on for the mileage. Say 500 to 1000 then another drain and refill. As the engine works itself loose it can muck up the oil and cause problems. Better to drain it.
The last thing to worry about is the cam chains. These bikes have tensioners that can go bad and when the do that can be a headache.
Welcome to touring from SoCal.
Fuel system is the big issue. Getting it cleaned out is a PIA. Change all the fluids and once you got it running ... new tires
Fuel system is the big issue. Getting it cleaned out is a PIA. Change all the fluids and once you got it running ... new tires
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 72
Likes: 6
From: Liberty, NC
This is one HEAVY BIKE!....The battery is toast. Oil in the cylinders before I fire it off sounds good. I also like the idea of using seafoam. I use it in my boat motor every year. Ill take a look at the tires they hold air but I never looked for rot. Thanks for all the input. I'm sure I'll have more questions. Mods are very much on the horizon...
Last edited by Taildragger NC; Jan 2, 2013 at 02:08 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 637
Likes: 25
From: Ketchikan Alaska
If you see cracking or seperation of the tread then I would have them done. Granted at the same time have the bearings inspected and or replaced. Cheap piece of mind.
Yes these bikes are heavy but are a blast on the road.
Yes these bikes are heavy but are a blast on the road.