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92 XLH 883 Sportster will not idle

 
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  • Answered by:steve
  • motorcycle mechanic, Sub Vet
  • Positive Feedback: 98.1 %
  • Accepted Answers: 5468
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in Motorcycle

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Fast and accurate answer. Good tech & would recommend !!!
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Customer Question

92 XLH 883 Sportster will not idle

 

Optional Information:
Year: 1992
Make: XLH883
Model: Sportster
Engine: EVO

Already Tried:
tear carb down clean new kit installed

Submitted: 328 days and 1 hours ago.
Category: Motorcycle
Value: $28
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  steve replied 328 days and 1 hours ago.

Welcome. Thank you for choosing Just Answer.

did you perform any maintenance or add any accessories before this started?

was the bike parked for an extended period?

tell me everything you can.
I have to run some errands....be back soon.
Steve

Customer replied 328 days ago.

Sat up this Winter put in new battery noticed fuel leaking and would not idle i asumed ethanol problems

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Expert:  steve replied 327 days and 23 hours ago.

your fuel has decomposed to a varnish like substance and fouled your carb.

since the engine does start and run, you may be able to clean it by using SEAFOAM in the fuel. it will gradually clear up.
the 10% ethanol in most fuels will not harm your carb.

before using a fuel system cleaner, like SEAFOAM, you should drain all the old fuel and add fresh fuel before treating.

your other option is to remove the carb and clean the jets by hand.

if your carb continues to overflow out the tube, you should remove the float bowl and replace the float needle. the rubber tip will harden over time and they do require periodic replacement.
let me know if you need more help.
Steve

Customer replied 327 days and 23 hours ago.

Steve i hav removed tank cleaned tanked and carb installed new kit in carb including float needle motor runs just will not idle

Picture
Expert:  steve replied 327 days and 23 hours ago.

that indicates your slow jet is fouled.

a fuel system cleaner will eventually clean it out, but if you need immediate results, I would remove the jets and clean them by hand, THEN run a fuel system cleaner for a few tanks to clean everything out.
here is a diagram of your carb showing the main and slow jets and their locations:


G is the slow jet, L is the main jet and the main jet holder.
there is a rubber plug under the slow jet passage.
let me know if you need more help.
Steve

Customer replied 327 days and 23 hours ago.

Steve i see how to remove main jet &jet holder since they are slotted the slow jet u mentioned can it be removed the same way it does not have a slot and all these jets are accesable after removing cover from float bowl correct

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  steve replied 327 days and 22 hours ago.

that is correct. once you remove the float bowl you can access the jets.
the main jet has a large slot....the slow jet has a small slot.

the slow jet tends to be tight and it is brass.
if you don't get a good grip in the slot with the screwdriver, you can foul the slot and then you will have to remove it with an easy out and replace it.

use a good screwdriver, get a good fit in the slot, push hard and unscrew it like you mean it.
Steve

Expert Typemotorcycle mechanic, Sub Vet
Category: Motorcycle
Pos. Feedback: 98.1 %
Accepts: 5469
Answered: 5/12/2012

Experience: 30+YRs,MMI,HD tech,HD early,engine rebuild/perf,bike builder,kit bike program manager, cci 2001-2004

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Customer replied 327 days and 20 hours ago.

Steve thanks Bro back in the wind

 
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