02 Glide wont start : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

dak605 · 05-25-2009, 06:50 AM

Hi the FNG could use some help. I used a battery tender through the winter so I could periodically start my bike. One day it wouldn't start. I'm in the U.P. of Michigan and we had some -30 nights so I figured that was the problem. Well its warm now and the bike still won't start. Apparently it's not getting fuel - it fired briefly with gas down the spark plugs. Took fuel line off bottom of fuel valve, when I cranked it -fuel poured out of the valve. Is there a fuel filter that may have plugged? Is fuel gravity feed to gas valve or does it indicate fuel pump is working since gas didn't flow before I cranked the engine? Any ideas before I take it to a shop? Riding season's short here! Thanks in advance for any ideas.

shovelmike · 05-25-2009, 08:41 AM

The fuel system on that bike, being carbureted, is gravity fed, there is no fuel pump. The reason fuel did not flow until you cranked the engine is that you have a vacuum operated petcock, cranking produced just enough vacuum to open it.
Are you getting good spark?
Did you put Sta-Bil in your gas tank? If not your gas may be stale, these blends they sell these days don't store well. You may need to drain the tank and give her fresh fuel.
Regarding the petcock, I would convert to a manual one. Just get used to shutting the fuel off when parking the bike.
It is best for the bike not to start and run it for short periods in the Winter, it produces condensation and doesn't get the engine warm enough to drive it out of there. It can rust cylinder walls, bearings etc. Just stabilize the gas, hook up the Tender, cover it and let it nap.

wanna ride · 05-25-2009, 10:34 AM

If you got stale gas it will foul your plugs right quick. Check for spark ( get new plugs ), check fuses and go from there.

dak605 · 05-26-2009, 10:58 AM

It was running and quit like it ran out of gas. The tank is full of fresh gas. I had good spark but changed them any way before I posted. It will run if I put gas down the plug holes, or with a shot of starter fluid but immediately dies. The new plugs look dry.

Thanks about the tips on winterizing, I'll do it this year. Been starting the bike for years through the winter. Didn't realize the condensation thing cause I ran it until it would run without the choke.

Would spraying carb cleaner into the carb and cranking the motor hurt anything?

wanna ride · 05-26-2009, 11:06 AM

Possibly your petcock filter is clogged, I'd start by emptying gas tank , pull petcock , check filter , if thats all ok you may have to pull the carb and use cleaner on all the holes, if it starts with quick start , your getting spark or at least intermitting spark. Are your plugs wet at all with fuel?