DOC HARLEY: FUEL TANK REMOVAL & THE PURGE

[@staffordguitar]

Hello Doc, Truly amazed! Having viewed your latest video I am speechless over the professionalism, the dedication to your work, the support, and true kindness you and your team have shown towards my quest for an answer to my problem. In all my years I have never received such a quick response and support from any person/company; you do not know me, have never met me and we do not even live in the same country yet you have gone out of your way to produce this video detailing the information I was in need of and have done so in just one week from my original email. Doc you are special, a true Gentleman. Should I ever find myself able to visit Charleston I will definitely look you up though my 2019 Heritage will have to remain at home in England. Once again my thanks for everything. Best Wishes Adrian

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you again for the suggestion. I was glad to have the dealership owner’s Heritage available to film the video with.

[@jontnoneya3404]

Great video - thank you for this. Do you have any suggestions for getting my Harley restarted? It's a 2008 Crossbones (FLSTSB) and it's been sitting for going on 8 years (only about 7,500 miles total on it), hasn't been run at all in those years. I'm already going to do the 3 hole oil changes and was just going to drain the tank with a pump and then refill it. Should I do more? If so, do you have any suggestions or are there videos on what all I need to do to make sure I don't cause damage?? I understand if it may not run perfectly and I have to address issues later. What I want to avoid is really damaging something by starting it when it could be avoided by a little work....maybe a lot of work. Thanks.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Fresh battery, don’t “jump start”. Remove spark plugs, purchase some penetrating spray, spray into spark plug holes. Let it work for 10- minutes. Two choices- if you can support bike, lift rear wheel, put trans in 6th gear and rotate motor or use the starter and rotate motor. Use the starter for 30 seconds at a time until the oil light goes out. Instal new spark plugs. With a gallon of fresh fuel start….Doc

[@jontnoneya3404]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson- awesome man - thank you so much!! Penetrating spray like Liquid Wrench or maybe 3-in-1 oil? I can support the bike. Got a motorcycle jack from Harbor Freight

[@blairakana9984]

I thought he was going to show us what is the entire process of removing the tank. His title says tank removal and purge. I guess he forgot that his title said tank removal!

[@insideout2600]

He didn’t forget anything . You assumed . He explained . Grow up !

[@mikeleger4767]

Great video as usual Doc! Planning to remove mine to polish the engine and change plugs. This helps a lot 🫡

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@jobeta22]

Excelent video and clear information. Thanks Doc and Low Country

[@maskgameing4260]

Thank you doc I’m trying to restore my dad old Motor cycle and the gas tank had a hole in it I’m hoping I can get my dads cycles restore soon

[@rocketman3534]

how about the removal of a 2004 FXSTB tank

[@steveledbetter9579]

I wish you gave a little more detail on the removal I have a short on my bike it says lo volt ? The gas pump light is on even when it’s full I had Harley check it once they said it was a wire and they fixed it for a little while but now it’s back . Any thoughts what it could be?

[@JohnSmith-qs5fg]

It's not on your copy of the receipt/work order? If not, I would go ask at the service dept. They should have a record of it.

[@paulhorvath9784]

Hi Doc 👋 Could you now essentially remove both the spark plugs under the tank ?

[@davidv.780]

Thanks for the good advice Doc , I'm just curious when you disconnect the fuel pump and you crank the motor over will that trip a code ?? Also would I have to purge my 2014 Dyna ??

[@HITMXXN]

This video helps and leads me to a question. I have a 2022 Street Bob, I would like to upgrade it to a larger gas tank like a 5 gallon. Would a Low Rider S Gast tank work since its also a softtail build? I need help. What tank do I need to order through HD in order to get a 5 gallon tank on my bike??

[@hokaheyrider059]

My current (03) is my first ever fuel injected bike and a few days ago, I performed a fuel filter, check valve and pressure regulator R&R. If not for having my Factory Service Manual, I'd probably still be looking for the fuel pump fuse and figuring out how to remove the holder without destroying it! Buy the FSM and your life will become much, much easier regarding doing any of your own service work.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for your testimony…..Doc

[@jamessharpe6951]

Hey doc harley I have a 2020 softail standard which wire is the ignition wire under the seat? I'm trying to connect a yellow wire for a dash camera system

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

No! Don’t mess with the ignition side. The BCM will stop all functioning. Find the accessory side to tap into….Doc

[@jamessharpe6951]

where is the accessory side to tap into?

[@coltonmacgregor8616]

After doing a tabk removal and puttin my tank back on my slim and my fuel back into the tank the bike wont start. It just turns over. What is the process of gettin the bike to run?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

The fastest way is take it to someone who has a Factory Service Manual. For you, remove the fuel line. Clean the connection. Pull up on the connector and slide the fuel line in All The Way. Try again to start. Now if you are pulling my leg, because it did not start before you took the tank off😆…..Doc

[@coltonmacgregor8616]

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks for the quick response. The bike was starting and running before I did a tank drain to donsome intake work. I'll use your guidance to resolve my issues!

[@lanebyron4097]

Does the disconnect fitting have an o ring? We removed the tank and put it back on the disconnect line leaks at the fitting. Wondering if the o ring came out. Or do we need a new fitting on the tank? Thanks

[@MM-hc9nr]

hey sir, bike sat for 2yrs while I was overseas. '19 streetbob, fuel went bad, besides vacuuming out the tank what about in the lines? or should I just pour fresh gas n give it a go? thanks for the assist. awesome vids.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I would prefer you empty the tank and have your dealer flush the rest out with their cleaning fluid in a pressurized can attached to the fuel line. If that is not an option, then yes after cleaning all the old fuel out, pour in high test and run the bike….Doc

[@MM-hc9nr]

high test you mean like high octane fuel or an octane booster? after the holidays ill see what the dealer will charge if its too high then yea ill have to diy.@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

[@peterhickey5889]

Hey Doc, I love following your videos. Very informative. You have asked for topic suggestions. I hear from various people about the issue of bikes with the tendency to pull to one side when you take your hands off the bars. I have a 2017 Street Glide Special and it does it a bit. This is not related to camber on the road. I even asked at a local HD dealer. Their answer was "They all do that" which I don't believe as I have ridden bikes that don't. I know on the touring models, of at least recent years, the back axle snail adjusters cannot be adjusted independently. The loose one is locked to the axle by the flatside machined in the axle. So the rear wheel cannot be adjusted left to right as it can be on most H-D and other brands of motorcycle. I have heard people say it is because the motor is not vertical. Therefore the rear wheel is not vertical due to the swing arm being attached to the power train and an adjustable front stabiliser is needed. Please explain the issue, how to check that all is aligned and how to fix if not. Thanks, Peter

[@apollocormo8383]

When purging the system in my 07 wide glide, my positive battery terminal overheated and started smoking… Does anybody have an explanation for this??

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Loose connection…..Doc

[@apollocormo8383]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks for the fast reply doc!! It’s strange because with the fuel pump fuse connected I don’t have the problem… but as soon as I took it out and cranked the starter to purge the line it started burning the rubber boot immediately🤔 I’ve always had a problem when I start the engine it seems like it cranks forever before starting, and I’m curious now if there is something wrong with the fuel pump.

[@TomHanson-l8c]

How do you go forward and remove the fuel lines going into the engine?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Start with a Factory Service Manual. Gather the parts you will need seals and clamps. Make sure you use correct tools and protect the fuel tank at all cost. To answer your question; you can not unscrew the line and pull out until you disconnect from inside….Doc

[@manfredotrondle332]

Thx. Doc...this was a very good explanation..lessons learned

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad it was helpful!...Doc

[@carystarke8000]

Is anything harmed by not purging and removing fuse (FI) on a 2000 Road King ? Other than getting sprayed , like I did , and an endless amount of fuel still pouring out to collect ?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

😆….No…..Doc

[@carystarke8000]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson ok. I was just Googling it. So you only purge if you don’t want to Spray yourself and tool box and dog and crotch ? I had already removed my Dash to tilt Tank and put on Stabilizer bar and check negative ground for Horn. Which looks wiggly to me. But what a wonderful place to put a Horn ground. I’m just gonna get one for my Handle Bars like on the Kid’s Bikes 🚲 next time. I thought 💭 the tank held only 5 gallons, but I think I got 8 out !?!?!

[@bronwynjacobs3758]

can you help with the key that is stuck .... it's a brand new bike that has been standing covered but now the key goes in and just will not turn???? what advice can you give as we have tried putting in some oil and it turns a little but still can not open the fuel tank

[@awedihdaira2786]

Doc , thanks Soo much for the lesson sir ! I learned Soo much from your videos 🙏

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad to hear that…..Doc

[@WinfordCummings]

Hay Don. My name is Winford. I have a 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 low. I would like to get my bike road ready. My bike has been setting up for a while. I would like to take the tank off and clean it. And clean plugs. Not really sure what all needs to be done

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

If you are going to work on your own bike. First purchase a Factory Harley-Davidson Service Manual. It has all the information you need. Don’t rely on Certified KZbin Mechanics…..Doc

[@waltstovall372]

Please do a video on the complete removal of the Fuel tank on the new Heritage. Thanks.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Take a look at your service manual and let me know if there is anything specific that you have a question about (like the purge shown here). My goal is to share tips, not to do “how-to” videos. There are several great resources out there for how-to videos.

[@waltstovall372]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks Doc. I have reviewed the service manual. Don't see any problem. Thanks again.

[@markjefferson5945]

Doc need help i install battery Now I don't have no power at all

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Please tell me you did not install the battery backwards in bike or fob…Doc

[@hueyboyt972]

Doc , do you have a video on changing out a voltage regulator on a touring bike?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That's an electrafying Idea...Doc

[@robertvillarreal7590]

Hey doc I purge the system change the plugs when I put it back together she won't start she turns over but she won't start can you help thanks.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

When you turn on the bike, have your ear on the tank. do you hear the fuel pump come on? if not I would trace the wire from the the fuel pump connection at tank. I also found out recently that the fuel guage on 1996-98 has to be connected so the fuel pump has a ground. On some models the fuel pump goes through a relay. Make sure this relay in not corroded...Doc

[@apx28000]

working on my RK 2002 classic with two fuel valves on the gas tank, forgot which on is the return, front or back...anyone knows? pls

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Return is back….Doc

[@apx28000]

Tanks! Maybe better rely on your ..the DOC Harley answer…the back one on the gas tank is the low pressure return! On another HD forum someone got the same ansver..but was told the front one 😅 crossing my fingers

[@carlohiomile]

What about the line on the bottom front connecting one side to the other?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes this cross over fuel line will need to be removed on one side. Fuel will flow out of this. So remove as much fuel as you can and be ready to catch what comes out….Doc

[@jordantserghanos2604]

Good video as usual. May I ask what would be the difference between the method you posted to disabling the fuel pump and just unplugging the fuse that powers the fuel pump and then cycling it? Wouldn't that have the same effect as reaching under the tank and disconnecting the connector? Is there a reason just removing the fuse for the fuel pump wouldn't work?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Good question. Late models with BCM don’t have a fuel fuse. If your model has a fuse I think your method is good. Thanks ~ Doc

[@kenpacheco4426]

I really enjoy your videos as the content is pertinent and easy to understand. Keep it up!! You're always reference the service manual. Where is the best place to get a service manual for my 2019 Triglide Ultra? Thanks in advance .

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Dealership would be the best place to go, not all order more than their technicians need so make sure you call first.

[@hawaiibikekahuna8204]

Why is there two check valves on a 2001 Road King with MM FI?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

This was in the design of MM to return the excessive pressure and fuel back to the tank. It’s an Italian thing….Doc

[@hawaiibikekahuna8204]

You are a God Doc. And following your advice, I purchased a service manual which verified what you just told me. I couldn’t believe there was nothing on KZbin about it.

[@Richard5873]

What are the bad issues side affects if you did not start it like you diid The Purge ?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

When disconnecting fuel line...pressurized fuel spraying all over the bike and in your eyes....Doc

[@sarahzammett2944]

Thank You Doc!!! 😅I learned Something New Today.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Great!…..Doc

[@edwardwilliams9923]

Doc How long does the pressure stay in the line? The bike I'm doing has been crashed the battery is out and I really don't trust it to hook a battery to it.The bikes I work on mostly have antique plates on them so injection is new to me.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Wear face protection. I’m guessing the crashed bike has been sitting for a while. Pressure should be very low. Go ahead and disconnect. Thanks ~ Doc

[@robertgreear8013]

I am in desperate need of a 139 tooth inch and half wide final drive belt for my 2003 road king it's my dad's bike and I am trying to surprise him with it being fixed

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Drag Specialties offers a range of belts for Harley-Davidson bikes…..Doc

[@nate1920]

Wow!! Everyone needs to watch this for sure!! Thank you

[@Bionic_man09]

Hey doc I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction…I started having problems on the bike, an 08 ultra, heading home from work like it was sputtering and not getting any throttle an was for a lack of better words it would bump when I gave it throttle and it was hard to ride home. I have no idea why. It was running perfectly fine the last time I rode it. I could barely get it to move from a stop. It even did it on the highway where I couldn’t get into 5th gear without it sputtering. Any ideas?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

There are several areas to check. 08 has several years on it so it could be fuel, ignition, condition of bike. To spend the least amount of time, duplicate the problem. right down everything you visually see and hear. RPM, lights full on or flickering, voltage gauage reading, throttle reponse, etc. Take your seat off and look for a date on battery. near or over 4 years old replace..check connections. Did you change anything from the last ride? add accesories? Then bring all your information to the Dealer tech that you trust. He/she can plug in computer to see if it is an electrical issue. due you have records of Services? over 25K better have fuel filter changed. if this issue started after a fuel fill up could be bad gas....as you can see this is not something I can fix over the Net...

[@Tuleyne]

Doc, what would you advise for this situation. I had to come out to Florida to take care of my Dad; thought I'd be here 1-2 months. Here it is now 2-1/2 years, and my '06 Deuce is sitting in storage back home with what was a 1/2 tank of gas. I'm guessing it's jelly now; what procedures would you recommend when I finally get back?

[@Bloodred.Tac0]

Good little step to know! I just got my shop manual. I’m going to attempt a tank swap on my streetbob to a 5 gal tank. Anything I should be aware of? From what I’ve read all I need is a matching fuel pump with a secondary pick up. Easy to install?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Patience is the key! You have a small opening with big hands. Be careful with the fuel gauge float arm. Make sure all hoses are not bent. Use a lubricant when forcing fittings into o-ring. Patience is the key. Thanks ~ Doc

[@floydrturbo1]

Hey Red - How did the tag swap go? I’m doing the same thing to mine tonight on 9/17/22.

[@Bloodred.Tac0]

@@floydrturbo1 it’s super easy. Everything lined up perfectly. The only issue I have is the fuel gauge it always off.

[@martincvitkovich724]

Well I didn't do that on my 2003 RK and noticed nothing. What would be the worst scenario??

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

“Danger, Will Robinson, Danger” possible gas spill, damaged paint...

[@jonnycando]

I’m getting ready to do tank derustification on my FLTCU.....wish me luck!

[@markraney8131]

Good content again Doc , always learn things watching your videos.Thanks for all you do.

[@Crowbar381]

Where can I buy a hard copy of one of those service manuals like you have ? Everyone asks this question don’t they 😬

[@daviddunn5264]

Thanks doc, always great info 👍

[@mountaindew8042]

😰 Hey Doc what do i got do .every time my girl get on bike with me the back tire keep going flat.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

The seat screw is too long...Doc

[@tomqueisser7706]

Another great video Thanks Doc !!!!!!

[@joshmatthew4125]

Great content thanks!

[@flyhouseoftruth470]

wouldn't it just be easyer to put a hose down through the top fill and siphon the old gas out to put fresh gas in?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes you could. I just got tired of swollen gas…..Doc

[@cj8172]

You don't need to purge before removing, just don't turn on or prime the fuel pump first. All you have to do is disconnect the fuel line from the tank.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

CJ I follow the Factory instructions. They are safety protocols….Doc

[@cj8172]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I understand and respect that. Appreciate your videos Doc. Cheers mate

[@danieltaylor2340]

Had a question about fuel. The other day I had to stop and was forced to buy 87 octane gas. Had to drive a few miles to the next gas station where I fueled up the rest of the way. Will that hurt my bike in any way?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

A rider has to do what a rider has to do. Mixing it up will not hurt your bike to get home..Doc

[@davot.9717]

Good morning Always Love and Enjoy your videos you've been teaching me a lot for almost three years now since I picked up riding really wish you would do some videos on Sportsters especially the Roadster like mine :-) I do my best to take care of everything Services cleaning maintenance Etc any tips and advice would be more than welcome when you have the time thank you so much doctor be blessed

[@duckdogers4438]

Doc, you are the man. Thank you

[@michaelkrause2430]

Thank you

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Thanks Doc...👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@smokeeater9677]

Good video, thanks

[@boomerpaschall]

Thanks Doc ✋️

[@stuartbusby719]

Can't you simply pull the Fuel Pump Fuss run the bike until it stops, fuel pressure should the be clear. ?????

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes but not all models have a fuel pump fuse now...Doc

[@GMan-cv9ig]

Thank you!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching G man….Doc

[@mathewczaster5896]

Love you Doc!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks Matt….Doc

[@Balisong-jh7zs]

Thanks Doc this help a lot.

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Doc.

[@raymondpontremoli4500]

Hey Doc, Yeah, its me again...Sorry.... Well the entire primary is rebuilt and not a problem...Runs like silk however, as soon as I went to start the bike up , normally the fuel pump comes on, pressurizes and then shuts off. Mine is not doing that, the pump is running continuously....I also have noticed the engine popping now on decel and a little loss in power...Im thinking fuel pressure regulator, cracked fuel line....just replace everything in the tank...It's 20 years old...filter has been changed alot...LOL

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Sounds like you pinched a wire between the seat and tank. a fuel pump wire is smashed into a ground so the power is on instead of the brain connecting the ground...Doc

[@raymondpontremoli4500]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Uggh.....I'll go look and check. So if I take the seat off and inspect the wires and see that nothing is pinched then with the seat off...I can try to start it and see if the fuel pump pressurizes and shuts off...right.?

[@raymondpontremoli4500]

I just replaced the entire stator, rotor and voltage regulator with the Cycle Electronics one you told me to look at. The hookup was simple and went uneventful. There's nothing in that wiring that would cause the fuel pump problem right....That's just the charging system...

[@raymondpontremoli4500]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Doc, removed the seat and looked very carefully at the wire routing and configuration. I do not believe I have any wires pinched or shorted to ground. One thing that I did notice however, is that before when I turned the ignition on the fuel pump had a nice high pitch "weeee" sound for a couple seconds and then quit. Exactly like its supposed to. Now the pitch is much lower and more like the pump is not getting the full voltage it needs plus, it doesn't shut off. I did however about two weeks ago replace the ignition switch, the old one rusted and fell apart. Is it possible that I pinched a wire under the dash cover.??? It just seems funny that I would do all this work to the bike and then when I was done, another problem that wasn't there when I started. That tells me that I fixed the primary and charging system and then induced some problem when installing either the stator/charging system or the dash panel is pinching off a wire. The dash was a bitch to put back on and get down on the tank in the proper position.

[@rywa5788]

Sooooo have the dealer remove the tank. Got it.

[@larrys.3992]

Doc, your the man!

[@Wooley689]

Well that's really good to know.

[@twocents2557]

What happens if you don’t Purge it first

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

“Danger, Will Robinson, Danger” possible gas spill, damaged paint...

[@jasonhemstreet4226]

I think “otherwise okay” o rings might go bad too?

[@dashriprok5852]

Thanks

[@michaelkozak7295]

Ok. Why didn't you follow through.. total removal ??

[@timbuck2066]

Not sure that just cranking it over a couple times would be enough to burn all the fuel in the gas line.

[@jayonez137]

You absolutely do not have to purge. I remove my tank all the time on my 14 street glide. I just remove the fuel line from the tank from the quick release fitting and a little bit dribbles out for a second. Always catch it with a rag. Problem solved. I don’t even remove my center consul. Everything comes off as one unit. I just pull out the breather tubes and disconnect the sending unit connector. Loosen 3 torx 40 bolts and WALA!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing. I have to show the safer way of disconnect..Doc

[@timmix331]

And that's why I ride a 1996 carb Evo.😂😂

[@martincvitkovich724]

come on, you are smart enough to understand this tech!!LOL I had my 2003 RK for 9 years before I had to remove my gas tank! It took a lot of courage. Pondered over it for weeks!

[@MrNetnut]

Thanks Doc /;-)))

[@raymondpontremoli4500]

This way you can read the email and take all the time you need to sort this out before we talk....

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Sir I do not understand your comment...Doc

[@raymondpontremoli4500]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Doc, Sorry, my computer is not working right obviously...I wrote a bunch more than that but only the last line went thru....Not to worry....I appreciate you answering me...

[@mdwillowswillows5414]

👀👂 👍

[@waynesiminski8268]

👍🏻

[@raymondpontremoli4500]

Doc, please accept my sincere apology for sending you on a wild goose chase. OMG do I feel stupid.....There is nothing wrong with my fuel pump or any other part of my fuel system. The pump comes on and then shuts off 3-4 seconds after I turn the ignition on just like it should. What doesn't shut off is the damn fan on the brand new LED Headlight bulb that I just installed. I couldn't hear the fuel pump cycle because the fan is louder than the fuel pump. So it was coming on and turning itself off like it should but the fan noise was drowning out the fuel pump sound so I really couldn't hear it. When I said it sounded different that's because it was.....The Fan sounds completely different than the fuel pump.....God do I feel dumb....Im sorry to have wasted your time and KZbin space....Bad Ray, Bad!!! Get in the box and stay there....

[@roncoburn7771]

I just let it sit overnight and disconnect

[@dimitrikostakis7775]

2 jerks thumbs down What is wrong with people

[@Mytwistedvoices]

my fuel tank is under my seat.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Hope you’re enjoying your V-Rod