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Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
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  #1  
Old 09-20-2009, 07:37 PM
K3JN K3JN is offline
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Default 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....
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Last edited by K3JN; 09-20-2009 at 08:16 PM.
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  #2  
Old 09-22-2009, 02:57 PM
mjmangus mjmangus is offline
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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.
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Old 09-22-2009, 09:41 PM
K3JN K3JN is offline
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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?
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Old 09-22-2009, 09:44 PM
K3JN K3JN is offline
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Default 03 Sporty

I read you should shut off the gas supply in case of failure; to put the gas in the oil. I have never shut off the gas in any b4. Maybe I should start now? Thanks Joe
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Old 09-23-2009, 08:01 AM
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WVHogRider WVHogRider is offline
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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?
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Old 09-23-2009, 12:27 PM
mjmangus mjmangus is offline
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The 03 is basically an EVO and wont display any trouble codes.
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Old 09-23-2009, 03:02 PM
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Yes it will......, just as my '00 will.
http://www.sportster.org/tech/evo-te...edo-diag.shtml
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Old 09-23-2009, 10:02 PM
K3JN K3JN is offline
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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
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Old 09-23-2009, 10:03 PM
K3JN K3JN is offline
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I will yhave to RTFM to see how to read puter if there's one there
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Old 09-23-2009, 10:04 PM
K3JN K3JN is offline
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YES it has Stage one Update !
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1200, 2003, 883, custom, davidson, good, harley, ignition, jump, setting, sporter, sportster, start, starting, timing, wont


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