, just as my '00 will. 
2003 sportster 1200 custom won't start
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: PA
2003 sportster 1200 custom won't start
One day i decided to start the bike and at the end of the battery it backfired out the pipes. We found the plugs were blackened so installed new plugs. It started right up. After sitting a few weeks went to start it up again and same thing backfiring out the pipes. After drilling out the timing cover and turning the module contained therein; it started. On the road it runs good and strong. No probs. But, when you shut it off it's the same thing again ....no start...............then if you play with the setting of the module it seems to start again. What's up with this? It has like 8k miles....
Last edited by jnorbros1; Sep 20, 2009 at 07:16 PM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: High Desert of So Cal
By turning that module you're changing the timing. You might want to check the wiring harness for damage or check the connector. Everytime you move the module you're pushing and pulling on the wires. Are you shutting the fuel off when it sits? You may need a battery tender if you don't ride it that much.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: PA
Hello and thanks for the input. We checked the connector under the frame today thinking a poor contact. We are thinking it's an intermittent module...$ 255.00 + tax........... what a price huh?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
We really don't have enough info to point you in a direction for a fix.....Does the bike have the Stage 1 done? It could just be that the jetting is wrong causing the fouled plugs. Who's telling you it's the timing? If you're not shutting off the gas, the carb could be gunked up messing with the jets which could foul the plugs. It could be a number of things, but we need more info before pointing at one thing like timing. 
Have you checked for any codes?
Have you checked for any codes?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: PA
Thanks People for the concern. Today I started turning off the gas, but it seems as though it was timing; this is why we decided to make movements in the timing module which then it did start. Yesterday we pulled apart the timing/cam module under the frame and disconnected and connected ( many times then sprayed with WD 40 ) also we soldered the cable from the battery to the starter; heard that could starve the iggy. Well, tried to start bike today about 3 or 4 times and it started every time , so we will keep close watch from this point on ! Should it fail to start I am gg to try to put a heat gun on the module to see if that does anything. I appreciate the inputs Joe
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
