2001 sportster random hesitation issue

[Saverok]

Ok need some help here guys. Got an issue my 2001 sportster has an issue where it will hesitate/stall/hiccup however you want to put it at any speed and at random times. Some rides nothing some rides every few minutes. It never threatens to die or anything like that just a quick pause in power kinda like a misfire. I have rejetted the carb and installed a SE aircleaner kit, I have also installed new spark plugs. Tho it has lessened the strength of the pause so it doesn't give such a powerful jump now it still does it. SO annoying in a turn feels like you just hit something.

I'm not sure what the cause could be. I have a few thoughts but wanted to get a good idea first. 1. could it be faulty spark plug wires? 2. could it be low octane gas? I have always used 87 3. could it be a faulting ignition coil or ignition module? 4. I have also been told it could be a bad ignition sensor..... Any ideas would MUCH be appreciated. Thanks...and this is my first post here.

[Dr.Hess]

Is it like missing a single firing or multiple firings? Is it like there is no power at all or just a burp? Any backfiring? Can you make it do it with certain throttle/load conditions?

Could be plug wires. To check: Aligator clip lead on screw driver, other end on ground, run screwdriver over plug wires. Any arcing is a bad wire. Even easier way: Use your finger instead of a screwdriver. This way hurts a lot more.

Otherwise, I'd suspect an ignition issue if it runs OK otherwise. Could be a broken wire in the pickup circuit, bad module, dirty connection on the ignition module or between the module and the pickup. When pickup sensors go, they usually die completely or until it cools off, but a broken wire inside the insulation or shorted to the frame where you can't see it can give you intermittant problems. Coils also usually are either totally dead or dead until it cools off.

Intermittant problems are a biatch to track down.

[Saverok]

Originally Posted by Dr.Hess

Is it like missing a single firing or multiple firings? Is it like there is no power at all or just a burp? Any backfiring? Can you make it do it with certain throttle/load conditions?

Could be plug wires. To check: Aligator clip lead on screw driver, other end on ground, run screwdriver over plug wires. Any arcing is a bad wire. Even easier way: Use your finger instead of a screwdriver. This way hurts a lot more.

Otherwise, I'd suspect an ignition issue if it runs OK otherwise. Could be a broken wire in the pickup circuit, bad module, dirty connection on the ignition module or between the module and the pickup. When pickup sensors go, they usually die completely or until it cools off, but a broken wire inside the insulation or shorted to the frame where you can't see it can give you intermittant problems. Coils also usually are either totally dead or dead until it cools off.

Intermittant problems are a biatch to track down.

Ya its a single fire kinda like a burp then just keeps on trucking.

[Dr.Hess]

Then I would guess electrical rather than of fuel related. Check the plug wires, wiggle the wires from the module down to the cone, clean the connections, etc.

[Saverok]

appreciate it I'll let ya know. going to dig in to it again tomorrow. thanks

[Fourcats]

Check the vent line on the tank is connected {right side of tank above the rear cylinder}
Maybe...It sounds like the needle in the carb may be a notch to far down. That will give you a consistant burp at highway speeds, but not as much around town.
Spend the extra 50cents and run the good stuff.

[Saverok]

The rear plug wire is rusty at the connection going to change the wires and see what i get. its been pouring down rain here so it might be a day or two.

[Saverok]

just wanted to say thank you and update...it ended up being just simply the plug wires. thanks again guys.