Riding tips - Some HD models have the old style manual fuel shutoff. A few models w/fat bob tanks have the shutoff to the rear (near the seat) of left tank. Unforetunately, the coil w/twin plug leads are within an inch or so from said valve. I had torn down the bike and reassembled same. The tfe tape on the threads (shutoff valve) was a perfect wick to the wires and coil. Luckily, I noted the loose fitting/raw fuel on my jeans AND I had a new, tight electrical. I caught all this at 80+- mph. It could have been kaboom. Always check and double check your fuel lines, fittings, etc. I THOUGHT I had. Good riding.
Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are solely those of the writer, and may not reflect the beliefs of anyone at Outlaw Biker World.
This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of political, human rights, economic, democracy, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
You must be logged in to read all comments or to add comments
You may only post comments on a article for 15 days
fuel shutoff
Posted by fxrider97 on
6/29/2007 7:56 AM
I think this comes under the title "No Brain-er". However, for the riders out there that are not too experienced with Harley Davidson fuel Shutoff valves, they have basically been on the same side of the gas tanks for over 50 years and believe it or not I doubt a little fuel seepage on the spark plug wire at 80mph will cause a cataclysmic detonation. Unless of course your wires are old and leak and then you may have figured out that the wires are bad about the time the bike ignition starts to miss at 30 mph.Also in the past 35 years I have had experience with the fuel shut off valve leaking through the valve itself, not at the threads. Leaking through the threads seems to me to be a rare occasion,that is unless you happen to just screw up and not install the valve properly in the tank (remember, righty tighty, lefty loosey) basic motorcycle mechanics 101. Hey but who am I to say, maybe since you just laid down over 18 grand on your first Harley and you have never really experienced riding a motorcycle for more than lets say the time it takes to get to the HOG rally or your local "Biker Bar" checking that fuel shut off valve for a potentially catastrophic fuel leak may just be the right thing to do. So I guess you should make a point of doing that every time you saddle up that road warrior on Friday and Saturday.
Home
