Engine started backfiring and losing power/compression
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Golden, Colorado
Engine started backfiring and losing power/compression
Hey everyone> I own a 2014 Superglide (13.5k miles) and today it suddenly started backfiring when I downshifted (pulling the clutch in) and losing power, first in high gear (6th) 65-70 mph, then gradually 5th, 60 mph, and the 4th until i arrived home at 50 mph. When I got off the hwy, in 1st gear, it sounded like a bubble popping machine, as close as I can describe. Is it an exhaust valve? Or a WTF is wrong part? I am lost and can't afford a $120.00 hr mechanic right now, it's my first day on a new job. I was a hit-n-run victim last August, and had surgery in November, but have been riding since a few months after my surgery. It's my baby, I treat it like one, and am sick about what this will cost to repair. Thanks for any advice or suggestions.
Gregg
Gregg
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 1,168
From: florida
we will need some more info in order to help you. are you mechanically inclined? did you get a check engine light when this happened, is it on now? if you are mechanically inclined, i would recomend that you remove the spark plugs and do a compression test. this simple test can give you and us a lot of diection in how to help you diagnose and repair your bike and keep costs down.
m
m
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
We need more information but as has been suggested, a compression test is in order. Easy DIY process, just need to spring for a decent tester like OKC. A compression test will reveal the condition of the top end.
Has the motor been modified? Doe the bike start up as normal? Does the motor idle as normal? Does the motor rev without a load as normal? Don't panic yet, could be something quite simple and inexpensive to repair. Could be a bad sensor; a load of bad fuel;
Has the motor been modified? Doe the bike start up as normal? Does the motor idle as normal? Does the motor rev without a load as normal? Don't panic yet, could be something quite simple and inexpensive to repair. Could be a bad sensor; a load of bad fuel;
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Golden, Colorado
No engine light, plugs are clean? Thanks for responding. I think its' the exhaust valve? I put two gallons of regular unleaded and 2 super premium. It just started happening at 40 mph. On the hwy, it wouldn't stay at 60 mph. Sounds like what a bubble machine would sound like.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Golden, Colorado
No engine light, plugs are clean? Thanks for responding. I think its' the exhaust valve? I put two gallons of regular unleaded and 2 super premium. It just started happening at 40 mph. On the hwy, it wouldn't stay at 60 mph. Sounds like what a bubble machine would sound like.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Golden, Colorado
Panicking! Thx for the insight. No modifications barely stays running on idle. Sounds like Pop, Pop, Pop, etc like a loud bubble machine. I've heard it before, like single cylinder Japanese bike with a bad muffler. Underwater type sound.I'll try to find an OKC tester. Thx for your response, greatly appreciated. I am panicked. Wanted to ride with the boys to Cripple Creek this weekend, but not now. I just want my child healthy.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 160
Likes: 14
From: North of Denver
If you want to borrow a compression tester just send me a PM, I'm in the local area but they're only $15 on Amazon and handy to have around.
Do you have adjustable pushrods in the bike?
I had a similar situation in a bike when the jam nut backed off and the rear exhaust pushrod spun down.
Either way a compression test and a leak down test will give you a great indication where to start.
Do you have adjustable pushrods in the bike?
I had a similar situation in a bike when the jam nut backed off and the rear exhaust pushrod spun down.
Either way a compression test and a leak down test will give you a great indication where to start.
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Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Golden, Colorado
I do have adjustable push-rods and checked them already. I really appreciate your advice and insights. I will definitely keep you posted. I live in Golden, do you know of a good mechanic or dealer I might have to take it too?