Surges right off idle

Energy One
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Got_Sum

Member
I've searched, and can;t find something similar to this...
I just got a 2006 Chopper with a 117 S&S. I have ridden it a couple of times, and have an issue with surging just off idle. I try not to, but find myself in traffic occasionally, and in any gear, just above idle, it surges. I have no idea what jets are in the bike. I also haven't pulled the plugs (on my LOSTD tomorrow). I have heard from some Harley guys that it is an air/fuel mix screw issue. If you need clarification on the issue please feel free to ask. The biggest issue is trying to make tight turns, and feathering the clutch and throttle, it gets a little squirrely. It also does it going straight. Bike runs fine otherwise.
 
francoblay1

francoblay1

The Spaniard
It definetly sounds to me you have to adjust your Carb properly. Also, could it be dirty?

What I would do is:

1. open up the Carb and give it a good clean up, specially the Jets, at the same time you will know what jets you are running.

2. Then reassemble carb and tune it as per S&S manual.

If you need some documentation on "How To" you can do a search in the Forum or click on the link in my signature block or contact me and I will send it in PDF format to you via email.

Keep us posted.

Also, how do your spark-plugs look like?
 
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BWG56

BWG56

Guru
:iagree: have to start somewhere, and this is the first place to start, then look for an air or vacuum leak around intake
 
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Got_Sum

Member
I checked the plugs, they are fine. The weather was too shitty yesterday to do any tuning, I'll have to wait till it clears up a bit to get to work tweaking. Thanks for the info guys. :bang:
 
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Got_Sum

Member
I don't think it is wandering around in the transmission between gears. This happens at low RPM in whatever gear, although more pronounced (since I don't generally idle around in the higher gears) in first. When it does surge, and I am finally able to give it some throttle, it goes fine, it doesn't lug down like it's in the wrong gear.
 
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C.A. Jones

Member
My bad...I just scanned your post and didn't notice that it happens in every gear. Generally, when a bike is surging hard enough to make you worry about safety issues, it is jumping into a higher gear. Maybe check to see if your throttle cables are adjusted a little to tight.
 
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Got_Sum

Member
Surging is the best descriptor I could come up with. Basically, it sounds like a carb adjustment issue. Thanks FrancoBlay1 for the info, I am gonna try to tweak the carb a little this weekend.
 
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bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
If it is truly surging...Surging is normally caused by a lean condition. This can be caused by a number of things. As mentioned already, check the rubber plug/s above carb. They might be dry rotted or even may have fallen off the nipple/s...replace with 1/8-3/16" rubber plugs that you can pick up at most any automotive parts store.

Another thing to check is the intake manifold seals. If they are leaking, it will cause an intake leak and can cause this surging feeling, especially while riding at a constant speed. To verify if they are leaking, run your motor at idle while at operating temp. Do not run with your enrichner on. Use some parts/brake cleaner and spray one cylinder at a time. Start with front, from air cleaner side, spray the area where the intake manifold meats the head with the 2 bolt flange. If idle changes at all, you have a seal leak and it needs to be replaced. Just make sure you are not spraying into the air cleaner. You will get a false reading this way.

Another common problem is the accelerator pump and pump nozzle. The nozzle is only around .005" gap and can clog very easy with contaminated fuel. You might have to take this apart and clean it. I would suggest getting a manual or having a shop that is familiar with the S&S carb clean it for you. You can send it to me and I'll rebuild it for you if you would like.

The adjustment on the accelerator pump is important as well, and if it's closed off too far, it can cause acceleration problems. If open too far, that can also dump in too much fuel and cause a hesitation.

The fuel mixture screw is important to check and does wear out after time. But, this should not cause the surging. The fuel screw is only $8, so it might be worth replacing for piece of mind.

Another thought...what type of air cleaner is on the bike? Factory or a spike?
:cheers:
 
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Got_Sum

Member
It is running a factory air cleaner. I looked at the vacuum caps, the one I could find looks ok. How many are supposed to be on there?
 
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Got_Sum

Member
One other thing, do I need a rebuild kit? Gaskets and such? Does anyone make a kit with reusable gaskets (like the blue Holley gaskets)?
 
francoblay1

francoblay1

The Spaniard
Got_Sum said:
One other thing, do I need a rebuild kit? Gaskets and such? Does anyone make a kit with reusable gaskets (like the blue Holley gaskets)?
Click to expand...
Right here are several members who are also vendors... they will chime in soon enough, KaptinAmerika, McGroom, etc.

Long time ago I did buy some from Amazon... you will find it there too, I think!

:2thumbs:
 
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bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
Got_Sum said:
One other thing, do I need a rebuild kit? Gaskets and such? Does anyone make a kit with reusable gaskets (like the blue Holley gaskets)?
Click to expand...
Nothing reusable, but you can buy any parts you need. I would first diagnose the problem and then order parts accordingly. I myself can get you what you need, or message one of the other guys on here as Franco already stated.
 
BWG56

BWG56

Guru
Andrew, I think Franco is really bustin in on your tech tips, I'll send you a check for that 385 cam for him. :moped:Somebody has to slow this boy down.:lol:
 
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bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
Ahahaaha!! :lol: I have a bunch of .546's laying around that I can switch for his .585 :roll: Maybe switch out his G carb for an E as well? :lol: And put some restriction plates inside the intake manifold for some real power!! :lol: I believe he also has the programmable ignition module, so we can retard the timing a little as well :lol: Maybe bring some of this shit fuel we have here in the States and swap it out with your 96 :lol:
:cheers:
 
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