Shovel-head Harley Question?

Ijust bought a 1976 HD, it's pretty sweet, here is a link to a pic of the bike (http://www bikerscustom com/images/DCP_0577.JPG).

The bike has been sitting in a shop for about five months, I went to get the bike and took it on a test drive. I went about half a mile and the bike broke down, the fuel filter was clogged with schlak. The mechanic selling me the bike cleaned it and it ran perfect again, later I rode about 70 miles and it started cutting out again, I trailered it home and checked the plugs, the rear cylinder was fouled. I sanded the plug and it ran fine again. The next day I rode it and it cut out again. I haven鈥檛 checked the plug yet, but I suspect it is along the same problem.

When I say cut out I mean that the bike looses power like it is running out of gas, or is not getting spark. It runs fine, then bogs down, then runs again, then bogs down, dies, starts again, bogs down, then will run if you just barely give it gas. What do you think the problem is?

that is what i was thinking is that there may be some bad gas in the tank, i'm going to drain it and see what it looks like. Does any one know of a good engine flush?

I would check the float bowl for sludge or debris, the tank and carb may need a thorough cleaning.

The symptoms you describe can also be caused by a faulty charging system, if your alternator isn't working right as you ride the power to your regulator and coil diminishes until you have too little spark to be effective. This will also show as a fowled plug.

Check your charging system along with the tank and carb.

You may have rust in the gas tank that is continually clogging the fuel filter.

Something(oil,road grime) might be getting into the plugs?
Or mabye bad/old gas is in the tank or the fuel filter is clogged.

after eying up the plugs put a little dry gas in the tank to clean it.
If you can access the fuel filter take it off and see if it's clean try and blow threw it see if it's clogged?

Dirty tanks and old fuel -Classic case
Drain the tanks clean carb new fuel filter Just for that extra touch maybe 2 oz of fuel inj cleaner in full tanks
Think ill take a look at the pics -My daily ride is a 77

Yep sounds like rust in the tank along with old gas I had that problem with my 56 Panhead.I finally had to clean the tanks out and coat them with a product called creme(i think that was the name)If it is rust try to leave your tank full of gas to prevent condensation which will just cause more rust especially during the winter They probably have better stuff on the market than creme now as it is a pain in the butt to apply

If the filter was plugged with "schlak", the entire fuel system is probably gummed up. any good carb cleaner should be a big help. That happens when they sit for a long time.

take a look inside the tank for rust that is flaking off and clogging the fuel filter.

there is a product called "kream" that we use to coat the inside of the fuel tank. this should cure your problem