1987 flhs
Thread Starter
|
Stage IV
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA
1987 flhs
I am new to riding and just purchased a 1987 FLHS, love the bike. I do have 2 issues and am hoping someone could help shed some light on. The bike leaks,(I think primary oil), after it sits for 3-4 days without riding, and misses every couplebeats at idle for a few minutes until warmed up. The local HD dealer said this is normal, I don't think it sounds normal for a bike to miss, cut out at lowidle. Also the carb had new jets put in 300 miles ago. Thanks for any input.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
Welcome.
Check for intake leaks, when the bike is missing, spray WD40 on the compliance fittings where they mate with the head and intake. If the engine speed changes you've found a leak.
As far as the primary, it could be a gadget, seal or even the tranny seal, I wouldn't worry too much but, keep an eye out to isolate it.
Check for intake leaks, when the bike is missing, spray WD40 on the compliance fittings where they mate with the head and intake. If the engine speed changes you've found a leak.
As far as the primary, it could be a gadget, seal or even the tranny seal, I wouldn't worry too much but, keep an eye out to isolate it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
I am new to riding and just purchased a 1987 FLHS, love the bike. I do have 2 issues and am hoping someone could help shed some light on. The bike leaks,(I think primary oil), after it sits for 3-4 days without riding, and misses every couplebeats at idle for a few minutes until warmed up. The local HD dealer said this is normal, I don't think it sounds normal for a bike to miss, cut out at lowidle. Also the carb had new jets put in 300 miles ago. Thanks for any input.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 94
From: SE Michigan
Leaks happen and are "normal", but not good. Clean the area then see if you can identify the leak with a little foot powder. As far as the carb, if it's only when warming it up, it is normal. Carb bikes cough and sputter until they warm up a little. If the bike sat the carb might be dirty. Riding it might clear it up. Add a fuel treatment and see what happens. If that doesn't help and it's not an air leak take the carb off and clean it.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 186
Likes: 5
From: philadelphia
Hey nice bike! So you have a 26 year old harley that leaks a little oil and has a slight stumble at idle.....no worries! I have my fair share of antique bikes and if I had your bike I would ride it like it is and never give it a second thought. If it aint broke dont fix it right? Now if it really bugs you then you could chase these problems until theyre fixed but that might be better left as a winter project. Just ride it!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
Missing during warmup at idle sounds pretty normal to me for an Evo. I suggest you pst in the evo section here to get another opinion but my Evo did that too to some degree. If you're leaking primary oil you should fix that as its harder to keep an eye on the level on a regular basis. Chances are you're leaking oil from there constantly, not just after a few days, it's just taking that long to pool sufficiently after being ridden to form drops that hit the deck.
It's surprisingly easy to end up with virtually no oil in the primary even when you think the leak is virtually non existent. The LAST time I had my evo serviced by the dealer was the time they told me I had less than a cup of oil in my primary and I should be more careful. This was a service 2500 miles after they had previously serviced the bike. My being more careful constituted never having my bike serviced there again!
It's surprisingly easy to end up with virtually no oil in the primary even when you think the leak is virtually non existent. The LAST time I had my evo serviced by the dealer was the time they told me I had less than a cup of oil in my primary and I should be more careful. This was a service 2500 miles after they had previously serviced the bike. My being more careful constituted never having my bike serviced there again!
Last edited by davessworks; Jun 6, 2013 at 09:42 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Stage IV
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 466
Likes: 2
From: Bothell, WA
I had an '86 FL and it never leaked or missed. I sold it a few years ago to a friend and is still going strong. Do you have the stock carb on it? I switched mine with a CV and it made all the difference in the world. I also had the heads flowed, cam, Suppertrapps, and KB racing pistons (bumped the comp up one full point). It went like crazy and very dependable. The early EVO's were pretty much bullet proof. Stock hp is about 52, mine dyno'ed at 74. You will have fun with it.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
Loved those old Electraglide Sport bikes (early Roadking). Those pre-CV carbs never ran on choke or cold too great. It also is "marking its territory". But the rubber intakes on early Evos did get to leaking and older bikes have had all kinds gas/crud through/in the tank. Make sure it's a primary leak. If it only does it after a few days my guess is a bad check valve allowing the oil tank to drain into the crankcase, overfilling it. Pretty common.
Last edited by 0ldhippie; Jun 12, 2013 at 05:23 PM.