QuestionQUESTION: I bought my wife a 2004 Heritage Classic in August. The previous owner replaced the exhaust (Python) and drilled out and replaced the main jet. Had a problem with that and had it repaired. Now she has an "intermittent spark" according to my mechanic. He's pulled off and replaced all kinds of things, coil, ignition switch, wires, etc. (which I'm not going to pay for) and STILL can't find the real problem! Any suggestions?
ANSWER: What makes the mech think that you have a spark problem? What is the bike doing?
Mike
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QUESTION: Sorry - I knew as soon as I hit send, I didn't give enough detail.
We went for an hours ride one evening - it was around 50 degrees temp. As we were pulling back into the garage, her bike began "missing", blowing black smoke and stalled - would not hold an idle. I figured it was a re-occurrence of the carb problem. The next day I drove it to the shop (about 5 miles away). Soon as I pulled up it stalled, began blowing black smoke and wouldn't hold an idle. (you can keep it running by holding the throttle). The mech says the carb is not the problem and through whatever means - came up with the "intermittent spark". Has tried a new coil plus other items? Bike had 7,200 miles at August purchase - now has 9,600. He says he's "lost"! Now I'm concerned, "seems" like this should be fairly simple. Not a Harley dealer but pretty reputable - "Great American Chopper" in Clawson, Michigan
AnswerBlowing black smoke is either an ignition problem or a motor problem. Since he replaced most of the ignition parts and didnt help, then I would lean towards a motor problem.
First, have him do a compression test and a bleed down test and let me know the results
Mike
