Motorcycle Repair: 2003 sportster XLH 883, xlh 883, vacuum problem


Question
This bike has 9100 miles,was running great,changed the engine oil and now it won't start. It has plenty of spark,took the air cleaner off and twisted the throttle and can see fuel spraying.I put new plugs in thinking the old ones could some how be fouled.Looks like there is a vacuum control that goes to carb.w/ wires to it, could there be a vacuum problem? Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer
I've seen this problem before and oddly enough it had to do with the lifters bleeding down and not pumping back up causes theres an air bubble in your oil system somewhere. Thus the lifters through your pushrods are not opening your valves, well not enough to start your bike anyway. Does your oil light go out while your tring to start it. If it doesn't I'd remove the oil filter and crank the engine over to see if any oil comes out, Hopefully while the filter is off it will push the air out while your turning the engine over.