'97 FXSTC is slow to start?

[ezriderga]

My '97 Softail custom is slow to start and I don't know why so I'm asking for your help. The bike is basically stock with stage 1; K&N filter, main/170, pilot/48, with V&H straight shots.

When it finally starts it warms up normally and once warm runs great!
When I first go to start it, I twist the throttle 2 or 3 times, pull out enricher and push the start button. It just turns over but doesn't even try to start. So I stop for a few moments and give it more juice and try again. After the third time it finally starts.

I recently installed new fuel tank grommets, throttle cables and grips. I don't know anything I could have done to cause this. What am I missing here? I have recently installed a new battery and I put fresh fuel in it (100% gasoline) after I got the tanks back on.

Have any of you experienced this problem? Do you have any ideas as to what might be causing this? TIA for your help.

[webco2]

Originally Posted by ezriderga

My '97 Softail custom is slow to start and I don't know why so I'm asking for your help. The bike is basically stock with stage 1; K&N filter, main/170, pilot/48, with V&H straight shots.

When it finally starts it warms up normally and once warm runs great!
When I first go to start it, I twist the throttle 2 or 3 times, pull out enricher and push the start button. It just turns over but doesn't even try to start. So I stop for a few moments and give it more juice and try again. After the third time it finally starts.

I recently installed new fuel tank grommets, throttle cables and grips. I don't know anything I could have done to cause this. What am I missing here? I have recently installed a new battery and I put fresh fuel in it (100% gasoline) after I got the tanks back on.

Have any of you experienced this problem? Do you have any ideas as to what might be causing this? TIA for your help.

Does the carb have fuel in it before you try to start it?

[ezriderga]

When I take the air cleaner off and twist the throttle I can see a stream of fuel going in.

[fxstc1999]

Try this. It works with my S&S carb and other S&S owners I've told. It may work on a stock CV carb as well. When bike is cold, twist throttle (not full throttle)a couple of times; and when bike is warm, twist throttle only once. Do NOT pull out enrichener. Hit start switch and twist throttle when starter engages. You're basically doing what a fuel injected bike does.

[ezriderga]

Ok, I'll give that a try.

[speedfreak]

Originally Posted by ezriderga

My '97 Softail custom is slow to start and I don't know why so I'm asking for your help. The bike is basically stock with stage 1; K&N filter, main/170, pilot/48, with V&H straight shots.

When it finally starts it warms up normally and once warm runs great!
When I first go to start it, I twist the throttle 2 or 3 times, pull out enricher and push the start button. It just turns over but doesn't even try to start. So I stop for a few moments and give it more juice and try again. After the third time it finally starts.

I recently installed new fuel tank grommets, throttle cables and grips. I don't know anything I could have done to cause this. What am I missing here? I have recently installed a new battery and I put fresh fuel in it (100% gasoline) after I got the tanks back on.


Have any of you experienced this problem? Do you have any ideas as to what might be causing this? TIA for your help.

the stock petcock have a vaccum hose to let the gas flow pherhaps a small leak
on that.
maybe a sticking needle valve in the carb
any smell of gas around the bike.
just thinking loud here.

speed.

[ezriderga]

Some good thoughts there. I have tried several approaches based on others suggestions. I went out today turned on the gas, pulled the enricher and twisted throttle 2 half turns. It fired right up.

I am going to try it again tomorrow. I think it was flooding as I was twisting the throttle 3 times after pulling the choke out. I don't know why I thought it needed so much fuel.

I'll try it again tomorrow and see what happens.