| Author | Message | ||
     Friday |
I bought a stock 2000 Blast with low miles that had been kept in storage for a couple of years. I took the bike to a local reputable bike shop that fully serviced the bike. Including jetting the carb. The bike ran great for about 2 days. Then, I experienced hard starting with backfire through both the exhaust and carb. When riding I experienced an intermittent loss of power and backfire through the exhaust - and possibly the carb, can't really recall. I replaced the intake boot (manifold coupler) which did have a small crack. This resolved the issues while riding the bike - loss of power and backfire. Now, the first time I start the bike, it fires right up and runs fantastic. But, if I shut the bike off and come back 5-10 minutes later, I can't get it started and it will sometimes backfire through the exhaust and at other times through the carb. If I wait more than 10 minutes or so, I can usually get it started with a quick twist to the throttle. If I wait 20-30 minutes, I can start the bike without issue. I checked the installation of the intake boot and for good measure carefully reinstalled it. I don't think this is the issue. All said I feel once the bike has warmed up, it seems overall that the idle is set really low and the fuel mixture lean. PLEASE HELP with this perplexing problem! It's annoying and driving me crazy - especially because the bike otherwise performs very well! | ||
| Yttikcat |
Good morning - my problem seems kinda similiar to Fridays. Two issues - the bike backfires when I am on it, that is once I get it started. I have not been riding it a lot, but lately when I go out to start it, it turns over, but does not make the final kick to actually turn on the bike. It sounds like it wants to turn over, but just won't make it. While I try this, you can smell exhaust (smells liek it is running rich, but what do I know), but it won't go all of the way. After I do that, turning on and off the bike for about 10 minutes, if I turn off the bike and do something else for about 15 minutes, when I go out it starts right back up. It is almost like something is blocked. The battery is new and the ignition switch seems fine. I am going to take it in to the dealer this month, but before I do I would like to have an idea on what might be wrong so they can't screw me over. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Barbara  | ||
| Swampy |
You have fresh fuel right? Check your intake boot it sounds like that might be loose, spark plug(new just incase) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Apparently we missed Fridays post. My apologies (I was on sabbatical at the time). Weird or inconsistent starting/running problems often indicates something electrical (especially with random backfires). My first guess is the ignition module since you seem to indicate that nothing really changes between starting procedures. It wont start, then come back 10 minutes later it fires right up (I assume you meant the bike was cold). But there isnt one set symptom for a bad module. Common symptoms yes, but anything can happen. I had one where the bike wouldnt start, but you had to let it sit with the key on and wait. Then the engine would backfire and you knew it was ready to start! It rarely exhibited any other symptoms. Your profile says the bike has lots of performance mods. This may contribute to your problem also. Do you know what they are? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Since you're not going to be actively pursuing a diagnosis on you own, but just trying to be informed and not get ripped off, here are some things to watch out for: "It just needs a tune-up": No such thing. Air filter and spark plug are about the only things to change and a dirty air filter wont cause intermittent starting problems.They are hoping they'll do something to make the problem go away. "The carburator needs to be rebuilt". VERY unlikely unless you have very high mileage or it has been subject to great abuse or harsh conditions. This is again hoping they'll do something to make the problem go away. Any kind of 'blanket' repair is an indication they dont really know whats wrong. Example: If it is the carb, then there is something very specific that is wrong such as a bad auto enrichener, clogged jet or broken wire. How many miles on your Blast? Also, anything Swampy says I'd probably agree with. | ||
| Ezblast |
Ignition - lol EZ | ||
| Yttikcat |
The bike has fresh fuel and a full tank. I have replaced the intake boot, but will check it tonight. I will also try to check the spark plug. It has around 10,000 miles and does needs a tune-up or the 10,000 mile check up and an oil change. I have the Buell Blast shop guide and will try to make some sense out of it tonight. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Tune-up=no such thing, and I'm 99.99% sure an HD dealer would charge you the same price as a twin  It needs a new spark plug. At 10,000 miles its toast. The fuel tank isnt as hard to take off as it seems and although you can remove the plug without removing the tank, its not advised unless you have a lot of experience replacing plugs. You also dont need to disconnect the fuel line to remove the tank. Just undo the 3 bolts, 2 rubber stoppers and dipstick O-ring holding it on and set it off to the side of the bike (where the seat sits). It will balance there, but have someone hold it. A new plug isnt guaranteed to solve your problem, but at 10k miles it will cause problems. | ||
| Swampy |
If it still acted up after installing a new spark plug I would look to see if the LED on the ignition module is flashing when you crank it, if it isn't then I would replace the ignition module. | ||
| Ezblast |
Concur! I just assume everyone has switched over to the racing Iridium by now - as far as plugs go - lol - damn plug could outlast the life of the bike if care and inspection are initiated; at least you don't have to worry about fowling. EZ | ||
| Yttikcat |
OK - you guys gave me the confidence that I needed to not take it to the dealer. Yesterday, I grabbed my Buell Blast shop manual, went to the Harley store and both the last few items that they had for the Blast. A new spark plug, new oil filter, new oil, new transmission lub, and then I went to Cycle Gear and bought one of those stands that hold your bike up straight. A friend and I changed the spark plug and changed the oil. (I think that maybe I had previously overfilled the oil tank because there was dirty oil all over the bike, but not dripping on the ground. It starts like a charm now. Now I need to work on the fact that it is still running rich, but I think I need to buy s tool for that and a tool to change the transmission fluid and look at the carb (maybe). Thanks for everybody's help and thanks to the handy Buell shop manual! Barbara |
