Petcock/FuelTank Problem - Harley Forum

tguil · #1 07-18-2008, 03:41 PM

I have about 25,000 miles on my 2002 Dyna. A few weeks ago I had problems which felt like I was running out of fuel. I reached under the tank and flipped the petcock without even thinking about which way I turned it. I haven't touched it since. Today I had similar problems and noted that the petcock was actually in the reserve position. The bike has been running a bit lean recently (popping when I roll off the throttle).

After I limped into my driveway, I called my dealer's service department. The tech I talked to said it sounded like the petcock and that a Pingle petcock would probably take care of it. He had a similar problem with his Dyna and that was the fix.

Is this a problem with carbureted models when they get a few miles on them. Also is this more of a problem in hot humid weather?

I had a petcock problem with my 1995 Sportster and installed a Pingle petcock. That was the best fix back then. I would have hoped that that the MoCo had come up with a improved petcock since them.

OR could it be the tank liner peeling? I had this problem in the Sportster too. It is my understanding the the MoCo has quit using a tank liner. Anyone know if the 2002 Dynas had a liner.

My Dyna has not left me stranded on the road YET, but it has come darn close several times. I don't want the experience of being on the high plains of Colorado waiting for a tow truck for three hours. I had that experience with the Sportster when it was about six years old. Right after that I ordered the Dyna.

Tom

Wrightturn · #2 07-18-2008, 05:42 PM

Hey Tom,

The stock petcock does have a screen inside the tank that can clog. Another common problem is the vacum line to the petcock. If the line is bad you don`t have enough vacum to open the petcock properly and the engine starves. You also have an air leak which causes the bike to run lean resulting in your other symptoms.
You may have picked up some water in your gas which will give similar symptoms. The Pingel is not vacum operated and will flow more gas if you need that. It is also expensive. There are less expensive non vacum petcocks.
I live in Fla and enjoy the heat and humidity most of the time. You do have to replace hoses and vacum lines more often but I do get to ride all year.
I have a 99 Dyna and an O2 Rk both with stock petcocks.
Check the gas. Replace the vacum line, vent line, and drain the float bowl (screw on the bottom of the bowl). Cheap fix.

JCourneyaP · #3 07-19-2008, 01:53 PM

I agree with Wright.

I am sure you were not just running out of gas?? First and easiest would be to check the vacum line. If it looks good. Pull the petcock and check the filter on it. Mine is a synthetic rubber/plastic thing. Wouldnt hurt to clean it up or replace. I believe in the Maintinance Manual it should have been Pulled, Petcock and filter cleaned and filter depending on condition replace per the miles on your bike. Get some good gas in her and run. Pingel's are nice. But there are cheaper.

Geez I hope you were not just running out of gas.....

evoKENevo · #4 07-19-2008, 01:54 PM

Sounds to me like you ran low on gas..switched to reserve which got you going again...left it on reserve and possibley/probably got any sediment from bottom of your tank clogging something somewhere. Wright's and JC's solutions seem to be the most logical...and efficient !!

Which reminds me...I have'nt switched to reserve or flushed my tanks in "AWHILE" now...and,probabley should

huh !?!

tguil · #5 07-19-2008, 03:00 PM

I'll check the vacuum line, etc. out. Plenty of gas. It has something to do with gas getting to the carb. I'm a little paranoid about this because of the problem with my 1995 Sportster -- a bad petcock and a couple of years later the liner "came unglued". That's one of the reasons that I bought the Dyna.

Tom

tguil · #6 07-25-2008, 01:00 PM

Thanks guys.

The problem was just a partially clogged fuel filter -- the usual crud that accumulates in 20,000 miles. I'm pretty careful about the gas I buy, but "stuff" still happens.

Tom