Hard Start and Backfire

Question for Fix My Hog I have a custom bike and it has a 1995 Harley engine, Sportster 883. The problem the bike is very hard to start and it coughs or back fires from the carburetor and sometimes from the exhaust. Do you think it’s the carburetor? I live in Denver Colorado thin air and high altitude.

Via Email

Fix My Hog Answers Check for an intake leak. You may need to replace your intake seals. Might be time to refresh the carb.

Related Fix My Hog Videos:
Intake Seals Replacement
Carburetor Rebuild

Have more questions? Check out our Q&A index page to find some answers.

Share tips, start a discussion or ask other students a question. If you have a question for the instructor, please click here.

Make a comment:
characters remaining

2 Responses to “Hard Start and Backfire”

  1. Robert Duran

    Have'nt started a 87 harley engine n 5 yrs. What can I do to restart it.already changed the oils,hand cables.?

  2. Frederick schoen

    One cylinder Pops at idle comes to life with more throttle