| Author | Message | ||
     Johnnymceldoo |
My S1 started idling very low today when pulling into the mall parking lot. I went in to pay a bill and came back out and fuel had leaked out from the air filter. I got it running after wiping the fuel off figuring it was a stuck float needle. When I got back to work it didnt do it again but when I left and got to the gas station it did it again. I pulled the carb later on tonight and inspected the float and needle and didnt see anything that stuck out. No visible dirt and the needle looked fine. I know from lawmower carbs a worn out float needle may not LOOK worn out but it can be. I got the carb back together and filled up and it didnt leak again. I didnt start it though. The bike has 8200 miles on it and probably sat around alot being a 97. Maybe its time for a carb rebuild? Do most harley shops carry the kits for this carb? Its the factory carb. | ||
| Djkaplan |
A dealer should have one. I've had the needle stick on my carb before; it almost left me stranded when the rear cylinder flooded. Probably some debris that got caught in the cut-off valve seat. Been in a few lawn mower carbs too, eh? Those infernal little things never cease to amaze me. | ||
| Ratbuell |
If you're going to be in there anyway, it's a good time to upgrade to a Thunderslide kit from Dynojet. I'll doublecheck with the techs...but there's a recipe for the best response. I think it's using the Thunderslide shutter (plastic, not metal - quicker response) with the stock shutter spring so it doesn't "float". The kits are usually around $45 or so, and you get an assortment of jets in there as well as a handy-dandy instruction sheet with pictures, which I always need  | ||
| Sparky |
Are you turning off the petcock when parking the bike? If not and you notice gas drooling out the air filter, be very careful when attempting to start the engine. A leaking float could flood a cylinder with gasoline which potentially could result in hydraulic lock and major engine damage. Having had my S1 leak like this once, I did a tap, tap, tap on the start button to see if the engine was going to rotate through a cycle before trying to start it. It was OK, but if it wouldn't rotate, I was prepared to remove a spark plug to squirt out any accumulated gas. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Sounds like a little gunk in the carb. Needles are cheap, so it wouldn't hurt to replace it. But on the other hand, if it ain't broke now... | ||
| Johnnymceldoo |
I have it at work today and am on lunch right now. No leaks so far. Ratbuell, the previous owner had a buddy change jets when he added a vance and hines. I dont know the extent of mods but this bike has ran pretty good thus far. Seems like alot of people say switching to a makuni is big change in feel. At least from what Ive read. | ||
| Ratbuell |
The only thing I don't like about the Mikuni (and again, this is preference...YMMV) is they seem to be more of an on/off switch rather than a progressive system. They're great for drag racing where you're all or nothing, but on the street I prefer a properly built stocker. Just my .02 (and some folks will tell ya it's not even worth that!). | ||
| Djkaplan |
I rode a Mikuni equipped S1 just recently and was pleasantly surprised at the crisp throttle response. Now I have to have one. Thanks for the ride on the S1, Tim! | ||
| Johnnymceldoo |
Still no leaks(crosses fingers). Till then anyone know a good source for rebuild parts? |
