Ross McCallum
New Member
I have a 2008 1200 Sportster. Spark, all fuses and relays ok, can hear the fuel pump engage but only starts when I spray starter fluid into intake. runs and quits.
shuts off after a couple seconds. Whistling sound if I have the throttle open a little after cranking. Guys at HD in Honolulu told me to check fuel pump pressure. Said there could be pin holes in the line causing loss of pressure. Only smell fuel after cranking but no lingering fuel smell. This all began after just sitting overnight. cranked but battery was low. removed battery (it's HD original and less than a year old). positive screw was welded in , head twisted off with light pressure on 1/4" drive ratchet. Couldn't get stub out after several attempts. HD replaced it as warranty item because post was partially melted. Have put new plugs, checked all fuses and relays, saw spark when plug was grounded on engine but only attempted to start after removing intake cover and filter and shooting starter fluid.Does the fuel pump keep running or does it shut off when it builds pressure?
Also you may want to do a full pressure test.