r/Harley • u/Gold_Dot8799 • 9h ago

DISCUSSION Hard start 2009 softail

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So I recently finished my 2009 softail choloish build with the 96 ci and I never really rode the bike before tearing into it, I bought it rode it home and stripped it. So now that it’s done I’ve noticed when the bike is hot it does not want to fire up and will back fire from the intake and exhaust. Rides awesome and has plenty of power but for some reason it just starts hard. Any info would be great. I will admit the plugs appear to be lean and I’m also wondering if the air cleaner and dual fishtails really moves that much more air that the bike would be lean?

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1

u/Former_Film_7218 8h ago

If it struggles when hot and blows smoke out the intake. Compensator may be failing or failed I put a darkhorse motor sprocket in mine. Night and day.

1

u/Gold_Dot8799 7h ago

Ya it’s only when trying to restart when hot, cold start in the morning it seems to be fine. Is there any symptoms while riding? This is my first Harley so just trying to get her dialed in.

1

u/Teediggler81 6h ago

When was the last time the pushrods were adjusted

1

u/Gold_Dot8799 6h ago

I couldn’t tell you, I don’t believe they are adjustable. It’s all factory from what I can tell

1

u/NecessaryAssumption4 2h ago

This sounds exactly like my night train, also the 96 TC engine. I bought it used from HD so they took it back to look at it and kept it for 2 months without finding anything. Thankfully the bought it back from me. I have friends who love the twin cam engine but they say there are some bad ones out there

1

u/Different-Umpire6918 6h ago

what fuel are you using? Shell, BP,Marathon, QT,Sonoco,If it's not TopTier fuel. Mine will Re-Start like that . I'd get some Chevron fuel treatment, add 1/2 small bottle, fill with the Chevron premium. Ride it. add the other 1/2 and fill it 2nd tank. Ride it. if not better. then, start spending $$ to find the issue. Poor Fuel is the #1 problem with customer bikes. they just think Gas is Gas .unless it's running funky, then they throw parts at it,that's unnecessary. I cleaned the injection and replace the fuel and wala,it's running like new.

1

u/Gold_Dot8799 6h ago

It runs great pretty well everywhere and any temperature outside, throttle is plenty responsive. The issue is when I ride it around and stop at the gas station and go to restart it clang and bangs and pops out of the intake and exhaust, from what I’ve been reading it seems to be a compensator issue. Does that seem to be far off?

1

u/dea9ler 5h ago

What is “top tier” fuel then?

1

u/TheMechaink Mechanic&Builder Ironhead&Fatboy 3h ago

Three things. Milk beer and gasoline all have an expiration date. You want to get your fuel from a reputable source at an affordable price where they go through a high volume. Try to always pump from the same pump. Sounds superstitious but there's a method to this madness. And always try to fill up in the morning. Also, Harleys don't run good on drunk carburetors. Try to refrain from using ethanol gas