HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => EVO 1340 => Topic started by: mikesevo2001 on November 10, 2010, 09:45:43 AM

Title: 1988 1200 Sportster, Hard to start
Post by: mikesevo2001 on November 10, 2010, 09:45:43 AM
Hey everyone,  My wifes sporty is not starting unless I remove the breather and cover intake.  New filter was installed, gas is making it to the carb. The enricher is pulled out all the way.
I seem to have gas in rear cylinder but not the front.
Title: Re: 1988 1200 Sportster, Hard to start
Post by: codyshop on November 10, 2010, 12:08:41 PM
Intake manifold seal leak?
Title: Re: 1988 1200 Sportster, Hard to start
Post by: WML57 on November 10, 2010, 01:39:21 PM
Could be a plugged pilot jet. Also check your spark plugs for fouling.
Title: Re: 1988 1200 Sportster, Hard to start
Post by: mikesevo2001 on November 11, 2010, 10:37:05 AM
Yes, Checked intake manifold and replaced.  Also spark plugs and wires have been replaced. Once I do get it to start it runs fine after about 5 minutes of warming it up.
Could it be an intake valve? :smileo:  Front cylinder is not heating up as fast as the rear, checking it with a laser thermometer. 30 - 40 degree difference.
Title: Re: 1988 1200 Sportster, Hard to start
Post by: PaJoe on November 12, 2010, 05:20:05 AM
I think the rear cylinder usually runs a little hotter than the front cylinder and I read on the http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/ (http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/) web site the rear cylinder usually runs a little richer than the front cylinder. 
Title: Re: 1988 1200 Sportster, Hard to start
Post by: Hillside Motorcycle on November 12, 2010, 05:29:35 AM
Quote from: mikesevo2001 on November 10, 2010, 09:45:43 AM
Hey everyone,  My wifes sporty is not starting unless I remove the breather and cover intake.  New filter was installed, gas is making it to the carb. The enricher is pulled out all the way.
I seem to have gas in rear cylinder but not the front.

Where is the jetting, and where do you have the timing??
Scott
Title: Re: 1988 1200 Sportster, Hard to start
Post by: mikesevo2001 on November 12, 2010, 10:56:47 AM
All stock settings. 
This problem seemed to gradually get worse  over a month until one day I needed to cover the carb just to get it to start. And then needed to keep covering on and off until motor warmed up.
Since this all started I purchase my wife a new Heritage, (Last weekend) she needed the upgrade anyway.  But now I'm looking to sale the sporty and well I cant advertise until I figure this problem out.
Anyone interested in a hard to start sporty? :hyst:
Title: Re: 1988 1200 Sportster, Hard to start
Post by: codyshop on November 12, 2010, 03:03:10 PM
Have you done a compression check?  Ray
Title: Re: 1988 1200 Sportster, Hard to start
Post by: mikesevo2001 on November 13, 2010, 06:29:52 AM
  No, but will now and report readings.
Title: Re: 1988 1200 Sportster, Hard to start
Post by: mikesevo2001 on November 14, 2010, 08:11:38 AM
   Got it.  Vacuum piston in carb had a 3/16 hole in it. :banghead:
Thanks everyone for your support.