Carb Question

  • July 26, 2011 1:15 AM PDT
    Ok, here goes....'72 Sporster with an S&S carb. Got the bike running after sitting for 20 yrs. Cleaned the carb. Was running strong, but now it seems to be blowing fuel out of the intake and wanting to cough and sputter. Is it the carb, or do I have more serious problems with the bike? Ideas?
    • Moderator
    • 19049 posts
    July 26, 2011 2:12 AM PDT
    I had a similar problem on my 73 bonnie when I first got it. The problem was too much back pressure from the exhaust. Removed the mufflers and it ran fine. Final fix was new carbs and exhaust.
    • 5420 posts
    July 26, 2011 3:20 AM PDT
    Agree with Mike that back pressure may be causing it.

    Is it the same exhaust that has been on the bike while not running for 20 years? I imagine you wouldn't have to run that too long before all the rust and debris almost completely plugged it up.
  • July 26, 2011 4:00 AM PDT
    Thanks guys...change the pipes and the carb. ....if I'm reading you correctly!
    • 1 posts
    July 26, 2011 8:23 AM PDT
    I would try the exhaust first.
    • 1 posts
    October 11, 2011 2:14 PM PDT
    Hey Mac, you ever get that thing up and kicking?