2003 Sportster starting problem?

Question

I have a 2003 Harley Sportster 883. I have an intermittant starting problem. Sometimes it backfires through carb and exhaust, next it may turn over but not start(like no spark) and sometimes it starts up and runs fine. It acks as if something affects the timing/ignition. Not wet, 0r dirty

Any help?

Thanks

Answer 1

You sure the ignition aint just wet

Or a lead wire shorted from your pick up

OOPs didnt see the aint wet but im not starting over sure sounds like one of those

like the man said an air leak  there aint much that will act like that sprat WD 40 around the mating areas see if it changes tone or revs up a little might spray some on you module & coil just to make me feel better Ha Ha

Answer 2

usually, backfiring thru the carb is a sign of running too lean. have you changed the pipes or breather? or both? if you have you may need to rejet the carb. could also be a low speed jet partially stopped up.

Answer 3

It sounds like it is sucking air at the manifold. start there.

Answer 4

Check the points, The Battery and the gas these are usually the trouble spots

Answer 5

Start with the simplest check.  Put in a couple of brand new, correctly matching and gapped Spark Plugs.  In my view, a majority of backfiring problems are only due to the faulty spark plug.

Answer 6

Start with new plugs...then check the coil. Look for cracks or loose wire on the coil. last check the ing. switch.

Answer 7

wd40 makes a mess, use a butane or acetylene torch (unlit) to check for leaks, your rpms will rise if it has one

Answer 8

Sounds like a carb problem with the backfires.

There may be a problem with a return spring. or a sticky valve.

No start may be due to flooding. Does it work better when its warmed up?