Bad Fuel or something else? - Harley Davidson Forums: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Forum

JWise · 10-22-2009, 12:46 PM

Hello all from Nashville TN, it has been awhile since I added a post so I though I sould say hello again.
Heres my problem. I was out riding all day on Tuesday, had a great ride no problems until I got really low on fuel and had to fill up at a little rundown gas station. After I filled up it statred fine but less than 1/2 mile down the road it began to hesitate and backfire, had to contantly rev engine just to keep it from stalling which it still did often, I could twist the throttle all the way back nothing for a few seconds then jerking, eventually I got it going good enough to get it to a shop a few miles down the road, Bike would not go over 60 though and fuel pump light came on. Stopped and waited a few minutes and it fired right back up and took off. Dealer had already closed when I got there but it was running good enough to get home without stalling. Yesterday when I started it I couldn't keep it running. Is this just bad gas ( since it didn't start until I filled up) or is it something more serious. Thanks for any help.
2007 Sportster 1200 EFI

**Dave63** · 10-22-2009, 12:49 PM

First, check for codes. It *could* be badk fuel, but it also could be just a coincidence that it started this right after getting gas. If there's no codes, then drain tank, refil with fresh gas, add a little Seafoam and try it. Looking at your plugs will tell you if something is up as well. They should be crappy and dark. If they're white as a ghost, then it may be a fuel delivery issue.

Tennjack · 10-22-2009, 01:18 PM

Howdy Tennessee here too mine ran real crappy last week after filling up with high test it was hesitating and cutting out i put some 87 shes run pretty good ever since i think were getting some watered down gas lately.

JWise · 10-22-2009, 01:25 PM

Thanks for the help. I'm hoping it is just bad gas, I'm gonna drain the tank and get some fresh gas to see if that helps since its supposed to rain here for a few days.
Dave only thing I could find running Diagnostic Mode was
P0131, P0134, P0151 hoping this is nothing any idea?

Thanks again

**Dave63** · 10-22-2009, 02:39 PM

P0131 Front Oxygen Sensor Low

P0134 Front Oxygen Sensor Inactive

P0151 Rear Oxygen Sensor Low

I'd drain the fuel and replace it.

MusicnHarleys · 10-22-2009, 02:52 PM

Hey seems like we are all having that problem here in Nashville. I filled up last week and she started sputtering and what not. Came home, drained the tank, fresh gas and no problems.

**Dave63** · 10-22-2009, 02:59 PM

Ethanol is Hygroscopic. It attracts water. Depending on where/how it's being stored, as well as how old it is, can all be factors in the water levels it may contain.

didymuss · 10-22-2009, 02:59 PM

Do yall read the pumps when filling up? I'm not being sarcastic, just most don't...Down here ya can have a 25% mix of ethenol...I'm ole fashioned and won't touch the stuff

**Dave63** · 10-22-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by didymuss

Do yall read the pumps when filling up? I'm not being sarcastic, just most don't...Down here ya can have a 25% mix of ethenol...I'm ole fashioned and won't touch the stuff

25%......*ouch*.

See my testing method for this. Easy to do.....

Ethanol percentage fuel and you.

I got a 100ml graduated cylinder off Ebay for $12 shipped, or close to that.

MusicnHarleys · 10-22-2009, 03:04 PM

It's only "supposed" to be 10% ethanol. It's hard to find a station that doesn't sell gas without it.