Cold Blooded...

[InDaDogHouse]

Man, the Bulldog is cold blooded. And I live in Florida! What the hell? I read some good posts about the enricher. I have to use this thing(enricher) more than I should/or like. If I don't, I don't think I can keep it running. But if I do, the plugs are black. Not wet black, but just dry black. I am going to change plugs again and gap to .040, then I am going to turn her a slight bit leaner, and then I will try to start her the normal way by pulling the enrichner up, twisting the throttle twice and starting it, then shutting the enricher after a few seconds. However, I thing it will stumble and die. But maybe if I turn the idle up a little and turn it a little bit leaner, it will be ok. I read up on total adjustment of the carb, and jet talk, but that shit is like arabic to me man. Normally it takes like 20 friggin minutes before she will idle at a light and be ok. ANy suggestions?
Thanks!
Mike

 

[Shane]

??

I keep my bike in NC and do not use the enricher...read lots of bad stuff on fowling plugs etc. I can go from no start for weeks ( on the battery tender ) and twist two good shots of fuel and she will fire up....I have to nurse it a little to start but then she idles as advertised...

I am no carb man but it sounds like you need help with an adjustment....and your in the right place for help...these folks are great.

Good luck...post some pics of the Dog.

 

[waykool]

I keep my bike in NC and do not use the enricher...read lots of bad stuff on fowling plugs etc. I can go from no start for weeks ( on the battery tender ) and twist two good shots of fuel and she will fire up....I have to nurse it a little to start but then she idles as advertised...

I am no carb man but it sounds like you need help with an adjustment....and your in the right place for help...these folks are great.

Good luck...post some pics of the Dog.

Keep off of the enricher / plug fowler. 2 twist of the wrist and start.

 

[lee]

you need a rich mixture to start in cold conditions (cold fuel doesn't burn well so you need more of it) so leaning things out may not be the answer. Give 2 or 3 twists on the throttle before turning the bike on and then try it without the enrichener. Try not to twist the throttle whilst cranking.

 

[InDaDogHouse]

Yeah, okay. I will try twisting the throttle twice and starting it without the enricher and without giving it gas while it cranks. I will update this afterenoon. But the plugs are just a dry black. I know that is rich, but i always thought fouled out was a wet plug (like oil).

Thanks!
Mike

 

[waykool]

Mike since you have been using the enrichener to start your scoot you may want to clean or replace your plugs. Just sayin.

 

[InDaDogHouse]

Yeah man, they are black. I am going to replace them. I have an extra pair in the garage. (that is the first thing I am doing before starting it) I'll let you know.

later
mike

 

[Jersey James]

Hey Mike: I also live here in FL, and own a cold nature dog. I start mine with two twists, and the enrichener about half way. As soon as she fires, I cancel the enrichener and use the throttle for a fast idle, until she warms up. NO plug problems!

 

[Raywood]

Giving it two twists of the throttle doesn't mean anything if the accelerator pump is turned off or not adjusted properly.

How is your's set? S&S recommends 2 turns out but I use about 1 1/2 turns myself.

 

[Shane]

Great Point Ray!

 

[InDaDogHouse]

Ok guys, I am going for a ride now -or at least I am going to try. LOL I am going to try turning my accelerator pump screw all the way in (clock wise), and then back it out two turns (counter clockwise) then try and start it, and see. I will update in a little while. THANKS!:2thumbs:

Mike

 

[07bigdog]

I live in Canada where it gets cold and i never had a problem starting. I twist the throttle 3 times and hit the starter. Once it starts i set the cruisemate and let it idle for 5-10 minutes till the engine is warm.

 

[Raywood]

MAKE SURE you have the throttle shut when you are starting it too.

 

[InDaDogHouse]

Ok, here is the deal well let me fill you in from the begining. Sunday morning, I adjusted the clutch (was creeping in gear) I pulled the derby cover, and adjusted just like the post in here said. The bolt was so friggin tight, I ended up rolling the motor over, and still din't get the bolt loose, so I had to use an impact gun gently as possible to break it free. Managed to get it loose, and did my adjustment. Also had a problem with the allen in the center of the bolt. It is supposed to be a 7/32, but man, it just didn't seem right. I had to tap the allen in there?? What the hell man, what did I by a metric bigdog? But managed to get it adjusted. When I started the bike after, (the first time it was started in a week) it started like normal, but seemed to be popping, and backfiring more than normal. Just running like shit. So I pulled the newer plugs I had in, and they were black. Which we know has to do with the enricher being on too long. So today, I changed plugs again, checked coil wires, turned accelerator screw all the way in, then backed it out about 2 turns. I turned the fuel mixture screw in about a half turn, and turned the idle screw up a half turn. I cranked the throttle open twice, and started her up (without giving gas until it started) then I had to give it gas to keep it running. After about 3 minutes running, it stilll wouldn't idle without giving gas. So I put the bitch in gear and went. She was popping and spitting on and off all the way to the gas station she would run ok when I was on it, but on the decel, pop and backfire more than usual. I understand some backfiring due to no baffles, but this was accessive. I filled her up, and she started with a backfire. I could barely keep her running. So I pulled the enricher up about a quarter of a way, and she idled ok. It seemed alot better with the enricher on a little, not perfect, but better than without, and it would idle at a stop. And we are in the 70's today, so decent weather (not cold) Also I noticed when I cranked the throttle hard, there was a little pause/hesitation then it would go. This could be from me adjusting the accelerator pump screw. Because it never did that before. Sorry for the boring long winder, but at least you know exactly what I am talking about. I know I seem :loony: Hell, I am about to go get a new carb. But then i will fing out it is something like a cranksensor, or something electronic. She runs good at higher RPM's except the excessive backfiring on decel.
Thanks B ro's

Mike

 

[Staffy]

Slow down - Plugs or clutch?
Are either of your problems sorted out? Do you need help on either?

 

[InDaDogHouse]

Sorry man, had to edit and accidentally hit post:bang:

 

[InDaDogHouse]

I believe I have the clutch adjusted Ok now. And the plugs are new. Champion RN12YC.

 

[Staffy]

No worries - the clutch is OK :2thumbs:
On to the plugs. New - have you had a chance to ride the bike and check them out? Are you still running rich? If so...a good starting point would be - tell us what pipes and air filter you have on there along with your int and main jet size.
will take it from there and have you sorted out in no time...:2thumbs::2thumbs:

 

[InDaDogHouse]

Ok, I have no idea what kind of pipes, I will take a picture of them and post it later on tonight. The previous owner said that he had them custom made, but I think he had the end of them custom made (two pipes that go into one where they dump) As far as the jets go, Will that be a prob for me to take out? I am pretty touched when it comes to this bike.:willy_nilly: Give me an American Muscle car, and I know whats up. I had my 1200 sportster, for 5 years, and never had any issues other than replacing the spark plugs. This is a different breed here (electronics, etc)

 

[Raywood]

You just can't turn the air/fuel mixture screw in a half turn!!! Adjust it like the S&S instuctions state. When idleing turn it in till it about dies then turn it out till it starts to stumble. Happy medium in the middle or there abouts. No perfect setting for this cause everyone has didn't pipes, aircleaners and atmosphere conditions. Don't be afraid to adjust it back and forth.
Your popping, backfiring and such is cause you probably turned the air/fuel mix screw in to much and leaned it way out. Adjust it and you will find that it should be about 1 1/2 turns out from seated.

There are three ajustments screws on your carb. With the motor off screw each on in till seated (accelerator in till it touchs pump arm) and count/record the number of turns. Reset them and use this as your base.