'04 FLHTC--Sputtering on acceleration

[Ratfade]

As the title says, a friend of mine has some sputtering and hesitation when he rolls on the throttle. It's intermittent, but becoming more frequent. Having experienced this same issue on at least one bike, I'm thinking it's the fuel pressure regulator.
Any thoughts?

[Hossamania]

Has the fuel filter ever been serviced? Does it happen with a low fuel tank? The hose in the tank has been known to rub a hole in it and lose pressure when exposed to air due to low fuel.

[Ratfade]

I was going to suggest he replace the fuel filter along with the regulator as long as he's in there; may as well look for holes in the fuel line as well.

[kd]

A hole in the fuel line should show up as a spraying sound in the tank when the switch is turned on and the system charges up.  If it is too small or oriented into / under the fuel level it may not be audible but may be visible as turbulence with the cap off.  Finally, the leak will cause system pressure loss and after the pump is up to pressure and cycles off, it will come back on to recharge.

[xlfan]

FLHTC? Or FLHTCI?

[Ratfade]

I

[RoadKingKohn]

If I remember correctly. When you buy a fuel filter you get a replacement hoses with it.
Last time I purchased it was from quantum.

[Ratfade]

Thanks for all the advice; I will follow up.

[Tacocaster]

...and follow-up with your results here for the next guy/gal, please.

[Fugawee]

I have an 03' FLHTCUI.  I experienced a similar problem with sputtering and coughing with the Bike shortly after start-up.
Going down the road with it would cause a few "hiccups" as well.
After fully checking the Fuel System and Fuel Pressure, as well as Electrical Sensors and Injectors...they all proved to be OK.
It turned out to be the Intake Manifold Seals.
They were shot and got replaced.
No more sputtering, coughing, or hiccupping.

[Ratfade]

Now that you mention it, I had a similar problem on an old evo that turned out to be the intake manifold seals. I'll throw that in the mix.
I will report the results, but I have to persuade my friend to take action. He can be kind of needy. I'll help him, but I won't do it for him.