Hey all,

New to the forum but I’ve had some great luck with asking questions here, so here goes -

Yes, another “it was running great, now nothing!” Post...

I’ve been working on my 2001 build all winter, and just wrapped up yesterday. I’m running a Mikuni vm36 carb with UFO from Lancer, with a screaming eagle muffler, 48 sportster tank, pingel NPT petcock. Everything worked great on trial runs, with a tiny bit of gas in the tank for testing startup, etc.

So, the plan after finally getting the new speedo wired up last night was to take it for a spin this morning. First thing I did was fill the tank with fresh gas from a can I keep in the garage.

Turned the fuel on, put choke on, and it started right up -  and then died. Haven’t been able to start her since.

Checked the carb for fuel, it’s getting fuel. Checked fuel lines. Checked spark. Getting spark.

The only thing I’ve done differently is try to run on a full tank.

I’m pulling my hair out. Riding season is here and I’m grounded.

I’ve had some battles with carbs in the past, and I thought I had this one running fine, so I hope that’s not the issue. It’s clean, with all new jets, etc.

Again, it has run fine every time I fired it up until now.

Does anybody live near Western Massachusetts? Sure would love if someone could come by and help me out. I would pay!!! There aren’t many mechanics in my area willing to mess with carbs... which is insane... but what can you do but try and muddle through?

Anyways... any advice would be great. I’ve read several other “won’t start” threads, but nothing I’ve read has gotten me where I need to be.

Also - battery is fully charged, had it on tender all night.

verslagen1 wrote on 03/28/21 at 10:51:13:


I was thinking the same thing - I’m letting the bike (and myself) rest for a bit, as I was getting fairly annoyed and usually it helps to put some distance between me and the problem when I get to that point.

Question - when it comes to this bike, what’s the best remedy for flooding? I read somewhere open choke, petcock off, WOT while turning it over. Accurate?

Everything was fine
You dumped
Gas in

Or did you?

Drain the carb bowl.
See how much is in it.
And make sure you used gas.

Gary_in_NJ wrote on 03/28/21 at 14:48:53:



There is no vacuum line on a vm36 carb!

verslagen1 wrote on 03/28/21 at 21:32:50:


Pulled spark plug again, and it was plenty sooty - I don’t think the previous owner ever changed it. Honestly, I’m surprised it had started at all. I should’ve changed it as soon as I installed the new carb and muffler - that’s my bad! Live and learn.

Popped in the fresh spark plug Lancer provided, and it started right up. Sounds stronger than ever!!! Thanks to everyone who weighed in!