1980 Harley FLT has been sitting for about 2 years...

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Flite · #1 Unread post by **Flite** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 9:18 am

I've currently got my father's 1980 Harley FLT that has been sitting for about 2 years, and trying to get it running again, so that we can sell it. The last time it was running it was only started and allowed to idle long enough to keep the battery up, for several months. Since the battery dropped too low anyway, it has just been sitting.

I've already replaced what little gasoline was left, and replaced the lightly carbon covered spark plugs. I've charged up the battery as well as it will charge (it shows a little low on the meter, but has enough juice to crank the starter for a few minutes (not all at once... I don't want to burn out the starter) before I have to recharge and try again the next day.

Is it possible that I need to replace the battery anyway, to get a full charge, even though it's got enough to turn the starter... maybe it's not turning it hard enough/fast enough?

Are there any other 'obvious' suggestions that I should look into before going crazy with dismantling the entire thing?

If anyone can offer some assistance (or to make an offer to buy it (I'm in Montgomery, AL)), I'd appreciate it.

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1980 Harley-Davidson FLT 'Garage Hog'

peterman · #2 Unread post by **peterman** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:21 am

Not to sound condesending, but it takes spark, gas, and air to get engines to fire (as I'm sure you know). Since you have taken care of the spark its just a matter of air and gas. Alot of that takes place in the carburetor. All the jets and needles have to be clean for the proper air and fuel mixture to take place. If the battery and spark plugs continue to let you down I would take a look at the carburetor. You may also want to look at gas lines and petcock to make sure gas is getting to where it needs to go.

It may take a while (even if everything is clean and in working order) to work the gas through the system and create the vacuum needed to get a good flow. I am not sure your battery would hold out, but only you will be able to tell. If it doesn't hold a charge too long, you'll need a new one. Just add the cost of the battery into the selling price to get your money back

sidecarguy · Fri Nov 04, 2005 3:55 am

hook it up to the car battery,

and if it works well then ur batery is bad!

i guess

Flite · #4 Unread post by **Flite** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 3:50 am

Thanks for the ideas... if it's not a battery problem, then I would certainly guess carburetor... I'll see what I can do with making sure it's all clean, and working as it should.

As for the car battery idea... I thought about that, but would the car battery not be bad for the bike, or vice-versa?

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1980 Harley-Davidson FLT 'Garage Hog'

#5 Unread post by **Sev** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 6:15 am

Was the gas stabilized when you garaged it? Gas starts going bad after about 6 months. In 4 times that long it seems to me you'd have a nice thick layer of varnish all along the inside of your lines and carbs. I'd suggest giving them a once over. There's lots of threads on here that will tell you how.

#6 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Tue Nov 08, 2005 10:00 am

Flite wrote:As for the car battery idea... I thought about that, but would the car battery not be bad for the bike, or vice-versa?

They're both 12-volt systems, and the car battery will provide enough power to little around trying to start the bike for a long time before going dead.

Flite · #7 Unread post by **Flite** » Wed Nov 09, 2005 3:17 am

No, the gas wasn't stabilized... I only drained and replaced it all, but I'll take a look at how to clean up the fuel system. Thanks for that idea as well.

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1980 Harley-Davidson FLT 'Garage Hog'

Just Jack · #8 Unread post by **Just Jack** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:23 am

I have recently had problems with my Harley because I got too tied up in other things and let it set too long. I replaced the small electrical parts and took my carb off and cleaned it good. I regapped my plugs and now it is starting good again.You may need a diagram of your carbuerator if you decide to clean it. Having been setting for two years I would think it would fire if it were cranking at full speed (need a good hot battery). Plug wires may be bad too. Do you have points or electronic? My advice is from my own experience.
God rides with me.
Just Jack