Total Motorcycle Community Forums

So here's something wierd that has only happened twice over three years.

Firstly, motorcycle details....03 softail deuce, 10k on odometer, tfi (electronic fuel injection) box needed because Vance & Hines pipes that were added in 04, other than that standard engine...etc

About 18 months ago took the bike out after a lot of rain, within 3 miles of not getting over 30 mph the engine sputtered and you could smell the gas. Let the bike sit for about 20 mins and it started up with a touch of white smoke which cleared up very quickly.

This weekend, out riding, after a few hours stopped to top off the tank, within ten miles of going 50 -70 the bike sputters. Pulled over with a strong smell of gas and again let it sit for 20 mins and it started up with a touch of white smoke which cleared up very quickly.

Always use high quality gas, regular oil changes etc....

Does this happen to other riders? Any ideas?

I think the problem might be on the side of the tank... Your kind of bike has a self-diagnosing gas tank. Usually the problem starts with an H and ends with an "arley-Davidson"
Just kidding!
Honestly if it's white and the bike sputters, you might want to 1. check the spark plugs. and 2. make sure that if it starts to sputter you pull in the clutch and try to rev up...
Wrider

Wrider wrote:I think the problem might be on the side of the tank... Your kind of bike has a self-diagnosing gas tank. Usually the problem starts with an H and ends with an "arley-Davidson"
Just kidding!

LOL Nice
Also Acceptable: Rhymes with "Darrly-Havidson"

In all seriousness, you said you use "High Quality" gas. Do you mean "High Octane"? Cause my understanding was that's bad for most bikes no?

High octane....yep....93(??) thats what they told me to use when I bought it.......

I'ver scheuled the bike with the guy who installed the pipes and additional TFI box to check the settings make sure its not running too rich....

Gee....

I wonder if you've somehow gotten some water in the tank???

High Octane doesn't describe the quality of the gas it describes it's properties. You need high octane on most motorcycles because of it's compression ratio. The higher the octane the harder it is for it too explode.
So i don't think it;s the type of gas. Check Your plugs.
Maybe you got some water in your tank and that is what caused it.

I did wash it down before the ride, and it had rained heavily before the last episode....

so maybe.

Thanks for everyones help:)

Sounds like your getting water either in ignition under cone or a connection. Both times your bike has had an encounter with water. Check where coil wire goes into cone make sure hole is sealed. Also check the gasket formally known as a points cover gasket. (on later models may require drilling of rivets) It is probably more of a seepage or condensation than a leak. Wipe out inside of cone with paper towel and use sparingly some WD-40 or another water dispersant. Re assemble and re-time motor, paying attention to condition of gaskets.

I'd also check the seal of your gas cap, it may need a new gasket...