MECHANICAL QUESTION

  • March 22, 2011 5:55 AM PDT
    I recently bought a '72 Sportster (having had two Sporty's in the 70's I couldn't resist!) This bike was parked in a garage for 20 yrs and was told it was running well when parked. I re-wired her, new plugs and wires, points, condenser, new battery, cleaned her up, etc. She's a kick start and had good compression. Has an S&S Carb. When she finally started (after kicking about 3 lbs off my ass) she was running wide open, loud and strong, but I shut her down to avoid any damage. Is this a carb issue? Don't rag me too much, it's been a few years.....

    Mac 
    • Moderator
    • 16870 posts
    March 22, 2011 6:15 AM PDT
    Either the carb, throttle, or cable is sticking.
  • March 22, 2011 6:24 AM PDT
    Thanks for your input. Atleast I'm still thinking in the right direction. Didn't appear to be the cable. Guess it's time to take the carb off and do some exploratory surgury.....
    • Moderator
    • 16870 posts
    March 22, 2011 6:42 AM PDT
    It probably is gummed up from sitting so long.
    • 0 posts
    March 22, 2011 8:10 AM PDT
    The needle is prolly stuck mate..Pull the carby apart and free her up..CHEERS BOOF
    • 5420 posts
    March 22, 2011 10:56 AM PDT
    Yep, any bike that set for that long deserves a good carb cleaning...
  • March 22, 2011 2:16 PM PDT
    that would be the first place i would start I have a 69 ironhead that sat for 20 years too and i dident even mess with the old carb but got a new one
  • March 22, 2011 7:38 PM PDT
    which S&S carb? If it is the B, you might be better off getting a newer carb.
  • March 22, 2011 11:40 PM PDT
    it is a B....think I'll go back to the Bendyx.....thanks for everyone's replies!
  • March 30, 2011 10:35 PM PDT
    I had a Super B on an '80 Iron. I loved that carb but alot of people don't...
  • March 31, 2011 3:17 AM PDT
    if I can get it to play right....I may love it too! I just want the damn thing to work.....
    • 9 posts
    April 4, 2011 12:56 PM PDT
    does this bike have a choke? may be stuck wide open...
    • 2 posts
    April 7, 2011 2:55 PM PDT
    I agree with the points above. Remove the carb and do a rehab. Clean and inspect thoroughly (carb and linkages). After sitting that long, it's a must do.
  • April 11, 2011 6:49 AM PDT
    Hey an S&S B with the atomizer is a kick ass carb as long as you're not running a full advance magneto! :-)