CV Performance | Harley CV Carburetor Tuning Issues (2024)

4) Accelerator pump weak or not spraying. Check that fuel sprays from the accelerator pump nozzle when rolling on the throttle (test with engine off). The

will wear or crack over time or if left to sit in a fuel filled CV carburetor for extended periods and will eventually deteriorate.

5) Pinched or cracked slide diaphragm. If the slide diaphragm becomes pinched or is unable to seal, the slide will not function correctly. Slide diaphragms for the Harley CV carb slide are not sold separately, so the only fix is to replace the

.

6) Over-drilled slide port. On the underside of the slide there is an offset hole used to displace vacuum/air as the slide moves up and down. The size of this hole can adversely effect the position and rate of travel of the slide. For several years many articles and companies promoted the practice of drilling the slide using a 1/8" drill bit. This was later found to harm performance and cause erratic behavior as the slide attempted to bounce and search for correct positioning. Unfortunately those articles with the 1/8" recommendations are still widely published or found online and unsuspecting Harley owners perform that modification damaging the vacuum slide. The maximum recommended hole size for the slide port should never exceed 7/64". You can use a 1/8 drill bit as a gauge to check the vacuum port hole size. If your slide has already been drilled at or larger than 1/8" then complete replacement of the slide is recommended.

7) Exhaust leaks. While not often associated with a carburetor problem, an exhaust leak is often overlooked and can lead to off-idle hesitation and deceleration pops. The gaskets between the head pipes and the exhaust ports of the heads is a crush fit that will leak if the pipes are removed, reinstalled, or over/under torqued. Cool air drawn into the exhaust at these seals will result in hesitation or popping commonly misdiagnosed as a carburetor problem. Modified pipes and removing the baffles will also impact performance regardless of how a carburetor is tuned.

8) Gas cap venting. Another problem that will cause intermittent issues with fuel delivery is a gas cap with a malfunctioning vent. The built in vent inside the gas cap allows air to be drawn into the tank to displace the fuel as it is used. If the vent sticks closed a vacuum will build inside the tank thus slowing fuel delivery and sometimes starving the carburetor. Replace the gas cap as needed.

9) Worn float fuel valve. The float valve constantly meters the fuel level in the float bowl. If the rubber valve tip becomes worn the carburetor is prone to flooding. Also if the valve sticks due to a build up of lacquered fuel you may experience erratic fuel delivery.

10) Finally do not underestimate the importance of fresh clean fuel and a fresh set of spark plugs. Gasoline that is old or left to sit in the tank or fuel system will change over time, often becoming lacquer and clogging small passages. Old fuel also burns differently as it separates and evaporates which leaves an incorrect balance of fuel additives which the combustion process cannot burn as efficiently. Never attempt to tune an engine with fuel that has sat for more than 3 months. Refer to #3 if fuel has been allowed to sit in a carburetor for extended periods of time. Spark plugs even when cleaned can have internal cracks or fractures in the electrode that increase resistance and lead to weak spark.

Make sure your

has already been dialed in properly before and after any jetting changes.

As a manufacturer and supplier we are unable to provide telephone technical support. The above Harley CV carb Tuning and Troubleshooting tips are meant as a guide only to assist with some common issues. Please visit our

for post-purchase support of our products. When in doubt consult your factory service manual and/or a professional motorcycle technician.

Harley CV Carburetor reference diagram

Click on image below to view diagram with H-D part numbers.

View carburetor diagram and parts list.