2004 Harley Davidson XL 883 Sportster Logo
Anonymous Posted on Apr 06, 2009

Large knock at start up.

Hello, I have a 2004 Sportster. I have installed a Screamin Eagle air cleaner, slip on on mufflers & a carb kit. All Sceamin Eagle. When I installed these parts the bike was an 883. I then had my local Harley dealer install the 1200 upgrade. After that when the bike was hot, when I would start it there would be a big knock. Not all the time, but most of the time. The dealer says it's nothing to worry about. It's just starting on the compression stroke. Maybe... But it's a loud knock! When I installed the carb kit, before the 1200 kit, the instructions had me reduce the main jet from 175 to 170. I have since went from 170 to 180 & now have a 190 jet in it. The knock has almost disappeared. I doesn't blow any black smoke when I "romp" on it. I live at about 2000'. Some rides take me over passes that are about 4500'. My question is, Did I do the right thing? Also, can I go to a larger jet? I still have a 200 jet in the carb kit. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time. Dave. Colville WA.

  • Anonymous May 11, 2010

    Dave, simplest way to determine that is reading the plugs.... if they are whiteish means its running hot and could use a larger jet .... Have u tried that ?

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  • Harley Davidson Master 420 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 08, 2009
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Joined: Mar 02, 2009
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All anyone is doing at this point is guessing on the jet size. With all the work you've had done I would go ahead and pay for a dyno tune up.

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