Hey all,

Here's the story leading up to the situation -- could be coincidence but figured it wouldn't hurt to tell:

I went to change the spark plugs in my 2000 Sportster 1200XL Custom the other day. Pulled the old plugs, inserted new ones (gapped correctly) and the bike wouldn't start. Finally, it started with the choke out and then died and wouldn't start again -- as if it ran out of gas.

I figured it was the new plugs, so i pulled them and replaced with the original/old plugs. Bikewouldn't start. I left it alone for 2 days then went to bike and it starts. I took it down the block 2 times and put it away figuring it was bad plugs. Last weekend, the bike won't start. After trying several times, it starts but then dies if i try to give any throttle or if not, on its own.

Could it be a fuel line or fuel filter clog? Coincidence that it happened when changing plugs?

Thanks all.

Keith

 

Bad gas, dirty filter, weak battery. Believe it or not, people have experienced this issue when their battery wasn't fully charged. They'll turn over, but not start.

I'd check the battery first.

 

Loose plug wire????? Or does the plug have one of those tips on it, like my Accel plugs?...I've found the tip on mine partially unscrewed before causing some missing/hestitation. Check for proper connections into the coil and plugs first.

 

when it did start, it would run then die as if out of gas. Still check battery first?

 

The first and easiest check is to disconnect the fuel line and turn the petcock on. Fuel should flow freely. Your petcock could be clogged and yes it could just be coincedence. If you have fuel at that point, you may have a stuck float valve that only allows a dribble to get by. That could be why it will start after a while, then die. Good Luck!

 

Also check that damnVOES switch...[:@]..Yours and mine are both '00s....My vacuum line was the original and a couple weeks ago it finally dry rotted enough to not function properly (not holding proper pressure), which works with the fuel system. It left me stranded on the side of the road......Here's a link to my post trying to figure it out.....https://www.hdforums.com/m_3280439/tm.htm Mine would start & ride fine...then just cut out like it's out of gas, it would re-fire in a minute of two, and then die again down the road.
Yours might be in the same situation.