Front Cylinder not firing ?

Energy One
H

Hornet232

Member
Well I fixed my starter, then my ignition switch now I'm having a problem with the front cylinder not firing. I just got it last fall and I haven't riden a week straight this spring without something breaking and this one I'm really at a loss for what to do now.

On Memorial Day I was riding and came to a stop sign and it stalled. It was running ok before that but after I started it back up, it ran like a plug was fowled and only one cylinder was firing. I replaced the plugs(w/champion rn12yc) and thought it was ok when I started it up. But the next day it was still running like shit on one cylinder.

So today I picked up some extra plugs and have tried to narrow it down but I'm stuck now. Here's what I've tested so far:

2000 BD Husky 107in S&S

1 front cylinder is NOT firing. it doesn't even get warm
2 took front spark plug out and it IS firing
3 bike starts so it must be getting fuel and I can smell it
4 help?

It's getting compression out the exhaust but I don't have a compression guage to test it. Out the exhaust probably don't mean squat anyway I'm guessing. I'm not that schooled in internal engine stuff so that's why I'm needing some help and asking.
Thanks
 
V

V

Guru
Try swaping the spark plug wires from front to back and see if anything changes Could be a bad wire? If not then I'd be lookin at the coil? Also are the plugs real black? don't use the enrichener and flood it out.
Thats my .02
 
H

Hornet232

Member
thanks for the ideas. I'll try switching the wires tomorrow, and the plugs are new but I'll switch the plug that I know works also.

Usually it's fuel or spark, what is it if you have both or those?? damn
 
MARV

MARV

Well-Known Member
Hornet232 said:
thanks for the ideas. I'll try switching the wires tomorrow, and the plugs are new but I'll switch the plug that I know works also.

Usually it's fuel or spark, what is it if you have both or those?? damn
Click to expand...
compression
 
H

Hornet232

Member
I swapped the plug wires and gave the throttle a couple more turns before I started it just now and Vrooom WTF .... the front cylinder is firing now and so is the rear.

I'm relieved it's not compression, or at least I can't see how it could be.
I just don't know how it wasn't firing yesterday when I know the wires were all on tight and good to go. I'm gonna go ahead and replace those with new wires anyway. I want to know this isn't gonna show up again.

I get this kind of mystery crap all the time on my cars, truck, bike you name it.:bang:
I was really stressed today that this was gonna cost me a lot of money and time not riding if it was more serious.

thanks V
 
Gatlin5

Gatlin5

Active Member
Scott,

Hopefully it was just a bad connection and you got it fixed. I went through a similar problem awhile back on my 2001 Prosport. The front cylinder was cold and had a really week spark. In my case the new ignition module I had just put in was bad, initially intermittent and then just stop firing the front cylinder all together.:bang: Good luck hope it was just a connection.

Joe
 
V

V

Guru
Also see how it is at full operating temp. A friends did the same thing but would do it when it got hot. Was the coil.
 
H

Hornet232

Member
Thanks guys, I'm taking it to work today and see how it's running at oper. Temp.
Like I said I'm gonna change the plug wires just to be sure, and thanks for the tips in case it's the coil also.
Damn electrical problems drive me nuts, they do shit that don't make sense but at least I'm on the road again.

Semper FI
 
H

Hornet232

Member
Ok so I'm not on the road yet

This morning as soon as I pulled out of the driveway it lost the front cylinder again. I tried to get back home but it kept stalling and wouldn't run on just one like before, so I pushed it a couple hundred yards back home.

I guess I won't know for sure til I do, but I'm gonna replace the plug wires and the coil too, and hope the problem is in there. The coil does have a crack in it I found. At the bottom mounting bolt it's split. Could that have let moisture inside and caused problems?

Comparing it to pics online I think it's dynatek DC6-1 $67 on ebay

Any recommendations on what type coil I should use.
I can go to HD tomorrow to get wires, what Harley coil is compatible? Or are they pricey as hell? and no difference?

Thanks

PS I was just going over the bike again and found that the plug wire was almost off, even though I KNOW they were on all the way. I think they are the main culprit, a lot of aggrivation for a couple damn wires, but happy if it's a cheap fix.
 
Last edited:
V

V

Guru
If the coil has a crack ya might go ahead and replace that as well. The crack if not being a problem now will be later. most likely when you don't won't it to be.
 
stlmikie

stlmikie

I wish I had more money.
As far as the wires go. You can zip tie them as well. Install the like normal and just put a ziptie on the boot to help them snug up.
 
H

Hornet232

Member
I replaced the plug wires with a Screaming Eagle pair, they were the only ones that size that the Harley dealer had in stock. Took it for a ride tonight, about 15 miles only but seems to be ok now.
I'm still gonna replace the coil when I can and I need to adjust the carb. But at least I can make a local run this coming Saturday so I'm in a lot better mood.
Thanks for all the advice :cheers:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top