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Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
Based on the grounding strap I wold say your ignition is about 2-3 * to far advanced. Which will cause the detonation. retard that a smidgeon and I think you'll be ok....
Most plugs will burn white these days because of all the ethanol in the fuel. I would think both of those plugs seem slightly lean though, plus the specks suggest a slight pre-ignition problem, or even detonation.
Based on the grounding strap I wold say your ignition is about 2-3 * to far advanced. Which will cause the detonation. retard that a smidgeon and I think you'll be ok....
Seeing as this is an EFI bike, this can only be done in the ECM, right?
I just installed a new power vision on my bike and I have not done any auto tuning yet. I installed new plugs when I put the tuner on just so I can see how fuel Moto's map is running.
From the picture you can see my bike is running on the rich side with no detonation but excessive jetting. The heat/timing mark is spot on centered on the strap and the electrode is burning a little less than half way. These are oem spark plugs with about 70 miles on them.
Seeing as this is an EFI bike, this can only be done in the ECM, right?
I believe so. I've never owned an efi bike. If you go over to the Ignition/Tuner/Ecm/Fuel link here in HD Tech and Mechanical, you can get more info there.....
Here's where I am perplexed: the bike runs flawlessly IMO. No popping, no hesitation, good MPG. And believe me, I RIDE this sucker. I accelerate hard when it's safe, I cruise at 75 on the freeway, and it always feels/sounds like it's loving every minute of it.
Since I've only had it since last August, I didn't ride it a lot in real hot weather, but the times that I did, the engine never seemed excessively hot to me.
So basically, the only indication I have that there might be something wrong is the spark plugs.
Last point - I use 89 octane gas. Would that contribute to detonation issues? I've never felt a difference between 89 and 93, but if it's going to help, heck I'll just use 93.
The last pictures you posted indicate a slightly lean condition; the color is only about half way around the base ring. The color on the strap appears to be moving toward the tip which would indicate that you could go up on heat range. Running a bit lean is great for mileage but not so good for the motor.
I am wondering if throwing in some XiEDs is the quickest and cheapest way to a solution. The bike has stage 1 upgrades, and I don't plan to do anymore performance mods.
Run 93 it will be fine then, the little you got that should take care of it & it will still run strong.
Mine will deto if I run 89, just about like yours just barely. Premium & all good, just checked plugs & looked in the holes with flex light the other day. New plugs & 750 miles pistons & plugs look good.
PO of bike ran 87 with no issues but I ride harder & have some upgrades.
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