Hello there! 3 days ago I asked about why my 1979 Harley Davidson FXEF 1200 wasn't starting and you suggested removing the carburetor, disassembling it, cleaning it, and reversing the process. I have done this and need to know if and how to prime the carburator. I used to see a stream of gas come out of a tiny needle looking device in the carb air intake area but don't see it now. Thanks for helping!
Okay, where does one find the float valve or a picture online that shows it? There is fuel coming from the fuel hose, so I am guessing there is a jam in the carburetor.Okay, where does one find the float valve or a picture online that shows it? There is fuel coming from the fuel hose, so I am guessing there is a jam in the carburetor.
It's a keenan (or a carb starting with a K) carburetor, I think it's the stock one.It's a keenan (or a carb starting with a K) carburetor, I think it's the stock one.
You can't post conmments that contain an email address.
- If you need clarification, ask it in the comment box above.
- Better answers use proper spelling and grammar.
- Provide details, support with references or personal experience.
Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.
Tip: The max point reward for answering a question is 15.
You are not getting fuel into the carb or at least that is what it sounds like. You said that when it stops, "it doesn't shoot any fuel from the needle in the carb air intake area". You didn't mention what type of carb is on the engine. I'm going to assume that it's the original stock Keihin butterfly type carb. If it squirts fuel and then the engine stops and it no longer squirts fuel, this indicates that the float bowl is dry. You could take the float bowl off immediately and see how much fuel is actually in the bowl. Then with the bowl off of the carb, turn the fuel petcock on just long enough to verify that the fuel is actually flowing into the bowl. On the front face of the carb are four holes. Three of them are for the bolts that hold the air filter to the carb. The fourth hole is the float bowl air vent. Make sure that this hole is not blocked and is open so air can vent out of the float bowl. Also, try leaving your fuel cap off the fuel tank and try it. The tank vent is in the fuel cap and if it's stopped up, not a lot of fuel will flow from the tank before a vacuum builds in the tank and stops the fuel flow. Good Luck finding a shop that will work on your Shovelhead. Most dealers will not work on them and fewer and fewer independant shops will mess them anymore. For more help with you Shovelhead, contact me directly at [email protected]
The fuel strainer is on the petcock and is up inside the tank. What does the inside of the carburetor look like? If the plastic strainer on the petcock is gummed up, the carburetor will be as well unless it was drained before it was allowed to sit up.
If the bike has been sitting for six months, the fuel that was in the float bowl probably evaporated. When it does this, it leaves behind a gummy substance that is actually the additives that the refineries add to the fuel for various purposes. The problem is that it has probably plugged up the jets in the carb. You need to take the carb off the engine, disassemble it completely, and soak it in professional grade carb cleaner. If you don't have the mechanical knowledge to do this, I'd suggest that you take it to someone that does. If the carb is a stock carb, it's a Keihin butterfly type carb and they can be very finnicky about the float needle setting.
That's a strange one. The only things I can think of suggesting are:
Clogged gas cap vent. The next time is starts running poorly, remove the gas cap briefly and see if things improve. If so, then the cap is not venting as it should.
Moisture trapped in float bowl. Drain the contents on the carburetor float bowl into a clean container and check for dirt, rust, water, or anything else that doesn't belong there.
Dirty fuel filter. If there is one, replace it.
Air leak between carb and engine. Check tightness of clamps and manifolds for cracking. WD-40 sprayed around those areas with the engine idling will help detect any leaks.
That's all I can think of. Please let me know if any of my suggestions fixed it.
×