sportster issue

[estein]

Okay got a 86 sporty 883 it starts fine runs for one min than shuts off and can't restart it has a new coil,wires and plugs that are gaped correctly cause i thought that was the problem and know i have no idea has a mikuni carb hs40 i believe that seems to be getting gas please someone help im out if ideas

[Dave63]

When it shuts off, take the can of starting fluid out of your pocket (hint, hint) and spray it into the air cleaner.

If the bike fires: It's fuel related. Likely a pinched line or blocked up internal tank, fuel screen.

If the bike doesn't: It's electrical. Could be a faulty (when hot) cam sensor, or even an ignition switch with worn internal contacts.

[Louisville Joe]

And don't overdo it with the starting fluid or you may blow the head right off.

Louisville Joe

[eagle1]

if you use the starting fluid just use it in short burst,(like clicking a ball-point-pen)
if the engine keeps running as long as you do this then fuel isn't getting to the enging sufficiently to keep it running.
1. have to taken the float bowl off & cleaned out the residue (if any) ?
could be the float lever os not at the correct level.

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by Louisville Joe

And don't overdo it with the starting fluid or you may blow the head right off.

Louisville Joe

You *could* blow a spark plug out of the head (aluminum threads), or possible blow the head gasket from a cold engine, but you'll never break 5 steel bolts let alone get the head to release. At worst case, and even that's a stretch, you could pull the studs from the aluminim case, or loosen them, or pop a hole in a piston.

But I know what I'm doing with that old lawn mower I have out back..........

[eagle1]

have you checked out ronnies microfiche online.com
can you start the bike up & raise the speed just off-idle.
does the engine die after 2 minutes or so?
have you checked for a vacuum leak at the intake ares , or hoses?
one way is to spray wd40 or starting either in short spirts when the engine is (overnight) cold to see if the rpm,s pick up. you can only do this 1 short spray on each side then if you have to shut the engine off & let the either evaporate.
again wait overnight to try again if needed.
after to have corrected these problems if any. then go back & check the settings on
the idle speed screw.
you've got a chock lever assy. (#19) wonder if its not opening up .
if you can get the bike to run slightly above idle. do so & touch the reah head cylinder.
after about 5 min. if its warmer or too hot to touch then the bike is warmed up
& the choke should be fully opened. if not then adjust the cable.& try again.

[estein]

Ok thanks guys i did the wd-40 for air leaks that was fine but ill try the starter fluid trick tonight ill let u know how it goes if it is the cam sensor where is it located on the bike and is there a way i can check it and the ignition switch before i buy a new one (im a biker on a budget) lol

[Dave63]

Cam sensor is in the right side cover, over the cams. You may be able to run the bike and run a heat gun on it, to replicate the failure. As well, inspect it for heat discoloration and or bruned wiring.

http://parts.drivebike.ru/fiche/brow...diagram=551666

[GotGold]

Real stupid question but I'm gonna ask anyway. If you flip the petcock to reserve does it make any difference?? I had a petcock with a screen that failed and covered my regular opening, but not reserve.

[estein]

Not stupid but i already checked that fuel running fine on both res and reg tank but thanks ill try any tips