I own a 99 Heritage and lately the weather has gotten cold. The bike initially won't idle without the choke as I would expect, but lately there has been a problem. About five or ten minutes into a ride, the bike will stall and not restart for several minutes. During this time, the bike smell like fuel. Sometimes, the bike will make a sound as if pressure is being released in the engine, after which it immediately starts. Any ideas? Thanks!
2007-12-31 17:14:26 · 12 answers · asked by christopher y 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
First, thank you all for your answers. I'd like to provide a little more information. When this happened the first couple of times, I removed the gas cap to ensure that wasn't an issue. The pressure release sound I mentioned is coming from the engine, not the gas tank and again, it smells like fuel when it happens. After it restarts, it usually runs fine with no further problems once the bike is warm enough.
2008-01-01 05:16:51 · update #1
In regards to the stalling, it happens without warning. I can be riding at full power and then it simply dies. No warning. No sputtering. it just dies. Immediatly smells of fuel and won't start for several minutes afterwords. Thanks again.
2008-01-01 15:05:55 · update #2
maybe your fuel went frozen,,
2008-01-08 01:00:36 · answer #1 · answered by mackie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the bike dies, is it when you come to a stop sign, idle back or dies while under power? Does it spit and sputter or die suddenly without warning? Does your bike have a carb or fuel injection? Many injected bikes have a fast idle knob or lever that's labeled "choke" to keep from confusing traditionalists.
If a carb, the dying could be a result of too much choke if it dies when you stop or idle it. If injected, it could be a bad temperature sensor, fuel pump, pressure regulator or check valve.
Need a few more details to make a better diagnosis.
2008-01-01 05:50:00 · answer #2 · answered by bikinkawboy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There could be many reasons for your problem.
1) Clogged fuel line
2) Fuel filter to be changed
Or it could be as simple as... putting some 104 in your tank, just a tad though. Tanks do get condensation in them when the weather changes.
Myself, I ALWAYS put a tad of Marvel Mystery Oil in, and a tad of 104 in my tank on every fill, 2 count for both. This keeps everything clean as a whistle and running as they should.
Harley owner since 1969
2008-01-01 04:20:53 · answer #3 · answered by JD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Harley's are not designed to run on ethanol mixed gas untill you take it in for service to have them install the new ethanol burning modification. This could be some of your problem. Also the cap as mentioned can be clogged ie the whistling sound.
2008-01-01 02:36:01 · answer #4 · answered by swflsteelerfan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Harley is extra sensible outfitted in the present day than ever till now. they do no longer leak oil like they used to, however the oil tank on a softail can get robust warm while it is warm out. reckoning on your inseam, it would desire to consequence in a bad burn or a minimum of a few soreness. no longer real of the Dyna or Sportster fashions. expenses not extra to provider than the different motorcycle,the guaranty covers a era which will aid you get any insects out (there should not be any). they are no longer decrease priced, they are getting extra modern-day with gas injection and keyless ignition,however the inspiration of all of it is over one hundred years old. be helpful its what you %,inspect a Victory additionally.
2016-10-10 18:43:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
harleys have either a gas cap vent or a vent down by the engine, one of them is pinched or clogged, cold weather won't bother a harley unless the fuel freezes in the line.
2008-01-01 02:54:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Needing a choke to idle indicates a too lean carburetor.
The stall and air sound makes me think the gas cap is clogged. If air can't get into the tank the gas can't get out to go to the carb. Next time, just crack the cap open and retighten it, then try to start the engine. If it starts, you need a new cap.
I quit riding in the cold as soon as they dump salt on the roads. Man do I miss riding. But, if you can still ride I suggest you get some of those packets you can tear open and make heat. I once was close to hypothermia and didn't even know it. When I got off the bike my legs were so cold, I could barely walk. Good thing I stopped to pee because that was when I realized I was really cold. It snuck up so slowly I didn't realize it. Use layers of clothing and tuck those heat packs in wherever you need them. I like the kind with the adhesive backing. They stay put where you want them. I have even just used my rainsuit when I was out in the fall and got caught in a surprise cold spell. It broke the wind much better then just my leathers.
2007-12-31 17:21:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
the gas cap is not venting... you're getting a vacuum in the tank.
In light of more information...
Fuel could be leaking from the carbs, causing a short somewhere. See if anything is wet. The pickups for the ignition system may well be behind a cover, but where the wires come out, fuel can get in. That's where I would look first.
The hissing sound could very well be normal, motorcycles make wierd sounds all the time, people just notice them when something doesn't work.
2007-12-31 17:20:49 · answer #8 · answered by Fabio _ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Clogged fuel line....fuel filter.....
2007-12-31 17:17:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like an intake leak when it heats up they usually leak less.
Check it with a quick shot of carb cleaner to the intake where it meets the head AWAY from the carb while running.
2008-01-01 06:40:16 · answer #10 · answered by Ronsoy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the vacuum operated fuel valve is bad.
2008-01-01 16:46:42 · answer #11 · answered by austin j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋