Low fuel flow in reserve mode

Forum rules
Please start new topics here: New Panhead and Flathead topics
Post Reply
mcraeav
Inactive member
Member
Posts: 92
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2009 6:05 pm
Bikes: 1962 Panhead
Location: Austin, TX
Been thanked: 1 time

Low fuel flow in reserve mode

#1

Post by mcraeav »

I drained the fuel on my 62 FLH today and notice I had good flow from the tank until I pulled the valve to reserve mode, then a very very slow trickle came out. I looked in the left tank and it still had about 3 inches of fuel in it but no matter what I did with the valve it just trickled out.
I have never taken apart the fuel valve but it this what I need to do?
RUBONE
Moderator
Senior Member
Posts: 8378
Joined: Sat Nov 15, 2008 4:09 am
Bikes: Multiple H-D, Ducati, BMW, Triumph, BSA,...
Has thanked: 478 times
Been thanked: 2933 times

Re: Low fuel flow in reserve mode

#2

Post by RUBONE »

Your valve should have a small hole in it for reserve. If it has a bunch of junk on it it will restrict the flow. Remove it, clean it, replace it.
Robbie
mcraeav
Inactive member
Member
Posts: 92
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2009 6:05 pm
Bikes: 1962 Panhead
Location: Austin, TX
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Low fuel flow in reserve mode

#3

Post by mcraeav »

Should I use a sealer around the threads when reinstalling the valve or teflon tape?
duoglide58
Member
Posts: 117
Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2006 3:05 pm
Location: Oklahoma City
Been thanked: 6 times

Re: Low fuel flow in reserve mode

#4

Post by duoglide58 »

Others may have a different opinion, but I have seen my fuel valve weep a bit of gas with teflon tape. I have used sealer now.
Doug
john HD
Moderator
Senior Member
Posts: 3711
Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2003 11:38 pm
Bikes: '42 WLA X 2, '55FL, '93 Ultra Classic, '91 Fatboy, '97 883, '03 Rokon Trailbreaker, '83 GPz 750.
Has thanked: 70 times
Been thanked: 128 times

Re: Low fuel flow in reserve mode

#5

Post by john HD »

copper linkert float bowl crush washers make for a nice drip free install.

no sealers or tape needed.

john
mcraeav
Inactive member
Member
Posts: 92
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2009 6:05 pm
Bikes: 1962 Panhead
Location: Austin, TX
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Low fuel flow in reserve mode

#6

Post by mcraeav »

Do I have to have the alignment tool that the manual talks about to reinstall the shut off valve? Or is there a way to take it apart without the special tool?
RUBONE
Moderator
Senior Member
Posts: 8378
Joined: Sat Nov 15, 2008 4:09 am
Bikes: Multiple H-D, Ducati, BMW, Triumph, BSA,...
Has thanked: 478 times
Been thanked: 2933 times

Re: Low fuel flow in reserve mode

#7

Post by RUBONE »

mcraeav,
The special tool is to repair damaged tanks or correct a problem. If your tank valve seats fine now you don't need it. Merely unscrew the rod and lift to reseve position. It can remain in the tank. Remove the fuel line at the lower connection of the tank valve, unscrew the valve, clean everything and replace it. As John HD said, use Linkert bowl crush washers instead of the stock brass ones and you won't have any leaking issues. Be sure not to twist the crossover line and use a proper wrench, no crescent BS.
Robbie
Post Reply

Return to “Carburetor/Fuel system”