Harley issues

McDirkale

McDirkale

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Well...had kids a few years ago and got quite busy in life. My Harley took the punishment of time constraints. Oh sure, I would go out and start it every so often and then that got more spaced out in time. Then one day, while trying to start it with the gas in it that had inevitably gone bad, the battery got low on power and something happened resulting in nothing happening when the switch was pushed. I think something in the line of ignition components got fried. Give me some suggestions on where you would start. Battery is on the way, working on getting to the fuses.
H
I know, I know....but give me some credit.....I didn't cave in and just sell my bike.
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He had starting problems first and then his electrical to go. Could be because he has gunk in the carb and and it just cranked and cranked until the load caused the electrical fail. Could just be the battery. Either way it still needs the tank and carb cleaned and all other fluids changed too since it's been sitting.

Ikarus1 said:
He has electrical problems. I don't think seafoam will fix those.
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Yep. I wouldn't worry about the carb until you get it to turn over again, however. chicken and egg.

I have purchased many a toy that "ran when I parked it" but wouldn't turn over when I put a battery in it.
 
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Battery definitely will need replacement. Drained gas from tank today, smelled a bit like thinner but dam it gives a mean chemical burn. Pulled electrical side to check fuses, see all breakers..joy. Dropped the tank bolt and washer and they found the deepest part of the center between the engine and trans...time to go fishing for those. Going through it bit by bit. My biggest concern is when voltage drops, it can damage parts. The last time it ran it popped and backfired and was hesitant to take throttle so I know carb is going to have to be done.

I appreciate all the input.
 
I had an '02 Sportster. Then I got married. We bought a house and closing was December 7th.

We went up to my old place to get the bike. It wouldn't start. Battery. Fortunately I lived on a fairly steep hill, so I figured that if I can jump start my standard truck on a hill, I can do it on the bike too.

The first time it didn't work. I forgot to turn the ignition on. So I walked up the hill and got a rope and had my bride tow me back up the hill to try again.

The second time it didn't quite catch. Another tow.

Third time was the charm.

Then I drove to the new house. It was an hour ride.

I said it was December. Did I also mention that it was in New Hampshire? Probably about 10°F. Cold!

I couldn't feel anything by the time I got home. It took a whole day before I felt warm again.

My ride had a hose from the low point of the gas tank to the carburetor. I drained old gas out every spring. I also opened up the carburetor and drained what was in there.

I'll burn old gas in the lawnmower, but not in my Harley.
 
Low Rider? What year? I have the service manual for an '04. Voltage regulator fried on mine.
 
Pull sparkplugs and verify you get a healthy spark. Hang in there it will run and you will ride again!
 
Looks like a superglide (lowriders have black cases).. Twin cam, so 99+. Throw the new battery on, see what it does. Test the solenoid line for 12v when the start button is pressed. If you have voltage there it aught to turn over. If no voltage there check relays and fuses. I might would jump the starter to see if you have spark (with plugs pulled) with the ignition turned on.

I'm no harley mech, but there isn't much to them.

If you give up and want to off load it i'm local and don't mind challenges lol. Drop me a pm if you need a second set of eyes or another brain to pick.
 
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I've had my FLH for almost 35 years, been through all your problems once or 12. Evo's are a bit new for me. Shovelhead for me.
Don't try to crank it much on low battery voltage as this is hard on the ignition module.
Unhook the headlight so you are not cranking with it on
Pull plugs and spin to pump oil up to lifters, they will bleed down after long resting spells.
Pull air cleaner and make sure accelerator pump is squirting, they will dry out and crack.Hard to crank without it working. This gives it the fuel until vacuum builds, hence the pop.
Wish I was closer, be glad to help.
 
beamernc said:
My 2004 Lowrider has no black on it other than the frame.
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Interesting. Every lowrider I've ever seen had black cases and black/machined fin jugs. It was my understanding that was one of the biggest differences between the super glide and low rider (aside from chrome bits).

Learn something new every day.
 
I think it’s your blinker fluid, probably got stale while sitting. Kidding aside I would check the voltage regulator. A new battery is a good start, can’t do much diagnostic work without juice, and I would go ahead and change the oil at least before you run it very much. Before putting it back on the road I would also replace the tires and tubes if it’s got spoked wheels. I hope you can get her going again. It’s a nice looking scoot and not much compares to knees in the breeze.
 
If the voltage regulator fried it could have taken out the stator. You can use a multimeter and check the stator. I forget what the readings should be but google should tell you.

hp468 said:
Interesting. Every lowrider I've ever seen had black cases and black/machined fin jugs. It was my understanding that was one of the biggest differences between the super glide and low rider (aside from chrome bits).

Learn something new every day.
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I'm the opposite, have never seen a Lowrider with the black cases.
 
It's a '99-'01 FXD Super Glide.

Dead battery will do exactly what you described.

Clean all the crap & gunk out of your fuel system. Rebuild the carb with OE parts & replace the intake seals. Put it back together with fresh gas, fresh battery & fresh, gapped plugs. Maybe a dab of Seafoam in the gas to help get that carbon/burnt oil build up out of yer combustion chambers & off yer pistons. Check the fuses & see what happens. That will clear up damned near any of the usual suspects. If still a n0-go, have your voltage regulator & ECM checked out.

You can order the very comprehensive HD service manual online, no sweat. It's not cheap, but worth every penny if you turn your own wrenches.
 
Go to your local airport and get a gallon of 100 octane avgas. Use it to clean your carb parts. I store my 4-wheeler, mower and pressure washer with avgas in them in the winter. Avgas doesn’t gum up and works great as a cleaner for tarnish. Just remember that it has lead in it (not very much, but still has some).
 
Is there a reason this should stay in the DIY forum instead of being moved to the Garage?
 
Slosolo2 said:
I don't like Harleys.
I found this interesting anyway.
https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/wtatwta-why-harleys-leak
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Great read on the HD oil leaks. I've always tried to explain this to people,that some oil leak is by design. The rear chain oiler is the most often mis adjusted.
O ring chain on shovels and belt on this evo helps solve a lot of the oil problem. I still run 60w,but some guys try 10w30 or 20w50 and it leaks worse.
 
McDirkale said:
Where she was before and shall be again....

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Nothing like a nice Super Glide. Love my '02 FXD & will ride it till I can't hold it up anymore. Then I'ma put a sidecar on it & start taking my dogs with me.

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Nice bars, I had them on another bike and seriously thinking about putting them on this one. Tell me about your setup.
 
FLST legs in FXST trees. I raided the parts catalog with forks, front wheel, headlight, shocks & footboards off 5 different models & as many model years. Love, love, love the ride & handling of a 16" front & with a good seat, the footboards & 12" apes, she is all day comfortable.

If yer gonna stay with yer stock front end, Burly makes a really nice set of narrow apes & I ran their 14"s before I did the fat front end. The 14"s were a tad more comfortable, but I could never be sure whether I was fighting them or the stock 19" front while turning.

For shortish dollars, you can really wake that ol' girl up with a free flowing air cleaner, re-jet & tune the carb & a set of slip on mufflers.
 
When you guys say "all day" comfortable with apes, how many miles are you talking about?
 
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