98 Sportster 1800 - engine hard to start

[andyfest0719]

Hi everyone,

One of my 2 - 717's has become hard to start and doesn't like to run at idle. It also feels like it's unbalanced when I am running around 2,000-3,000 rpm (I can feel it under my butt). However, it seems to run fine when I am on a plane and running 5,000 to 5,500 rpm. It may be my imagination, but it seems to smoke a lot when I do get it running. I am pulling it out today to take to my local dealer for an appraisal of the problem, but was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and what I may be looking at. Thanks for your help.

 

[timmyboy76]

carbs

go thru them, and re-adjust accordingly. Set idles at 3k outta water, and think then, ur boat will be strate.

 

[andyfest0719]

Thanks timmyboy. I'll give it a go tomorrow night and let you know what happens.

 

[andyfest0719]

Just an update on my engine issue. I looked at it with my Bombie tech last night. Two of the engine bolts holding the engine to the mounting bracket had vibrated off allowing the engine to shake like hell. Hard starts are probably due to the engine being out of line due to the vibration, which also gave me my "unbalanced" feeling. Hopefully nothing is bent. Will let you all know what happens when we realign and tighten on bolts.