Unreliable Fuel Gauge & Odometer Countdown

[jestoever]

I posed a question on this subject a few years ago after I first got my '09 FLHT. Back then I took it to the dealer and they added a "breather tube" to my tank and things got better.

Things are bad again. Here's what's happening:
My fuel gauge is unreliable, if I sit on the bike in front of my garage the gauge reads 1/2 full. When I get to the end of the driveway, about a 50 foot trek, the gauge now sits on EMPTY and the digital readout on the speedo tells me that I went from 71 miles remaining to 52 in that 50 foot ride. Then I'll get out on the road and the gauge will move up to nearly full and then after a few miles drop back down again. Same with the digital read out. My mileage has plummeted. I used to average about 244 miles per full tank and now I'm lucky if I get 200 out of it. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet because I'm a bit leery of what they'll say it is, and the bike is out of warranty. Is this a tank pressure issue? When I shut the bike off I smell gasoline but don't see any accumulating anywhere. I'm going to pull the plugs to check them but the engine runs fine so I doubt they're clogged. I checked the MoCo site and there are no outstanding recalls on my bike.

I'd appreciate any help in figuring this out. At over $3.30 a gallon I'm not happy refilling as often as I have to.

Thanks,
Jim

[SquidGlide]

Does that model have a charcoal vent filter? I could be way off base, but it’s my first thought.

[SquidGlide]

This is from 2008:

2008 Harley Davidson Flht Fuel System, Gasoline Recall 08V357000

NHTSA: Action Number: N/A Service Bulletin Number: 08V357000
Report Date:
Jul 30, 2008
Component:
Fuel System, Gasoline
Potential Units Affected:
47579
Manufacturer:
Harley-davidson Motor Company



Summary: Harley davidson is recalling 47,579 my 2008 flhp, flhpe, flhr, flhrc, flhrse4, flht, flhtc, flhtcu, flhtcuse3, flhtp, flhx, and fltr motorcycles. These motorcycles may experience a cracking of the fuel filter shell leading to loss of fuel pressure. This loss of fuel pressure can cause diminished performance and, in some cases, may cause an engine stall or a no-start condition.


Consequence: This condition could lead to a crash which could cause injury or death to the rider.


Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel filter shell free of charge. The recall began on july 31, 2008. Owners may contact harley davidson at 1-414-343-4056.


Notes: Harley davidson recall no. 0135. Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www. Safercar. Gov.

[Badinfluence]

When your bike is on the kickstand the gas goes to the left side where the gauge is and reads 1/2 full. Ride to end of drive and the gas evens out, and reads almost empty. Sounds normal to me.

[jestoever]

Badinfluence: I guess I wasn't clear. The gauge says 1/2 full when it's sitting straight up and then goes to E after riding to the end of the driveway, still straight up.

[Kainam]

If it is recall related, there is no time limit in which you needed to bring it in.

[facn8me]

I know them new fangled gas checker thing a ma jiggys are supposed to make life easier yet they don't. Here is what I have done on every motorcycle I have ever owned with a trip odometer. Reset it to zero at each fill up. I need a gas station at 160 miles, I'm desperate at 174...

[Kainam]

Originally Posted by facn8me

I know them new fangled gas checker thing a ma jiggys are supposed to make life easier yet they don't. Here is what I have done on every motorcycle I have ever owned with a trip odometer. Reset it to zero at each fill up. I need a gas station at 160 miles, I'm desperate at 174...

Thats what I do as well. With the dual trip meters, I reset the "A" meter every time I fill up, and reset the "B" meter every time I change the oil.

But mainly I use the "A" trip meter as a backup to the fuel gauge, as the mileage I get changes quite a bit depending on the mix of city/hwy riding I do.

[facn8me]

Cool suggestion on the oil change on B. Guess ya learn somethin new every day..

[Badinfluence]

I wonder if the float is getting caught up on the fuel line in the tank? Either you have a bad fuel gauge or the float is rubbing or getting caught on something in the tank.