V.O.E.S. System Questions
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Anywhere we stop
V.O.E.S. System Questions
I'm unclear as to there being any reason to keep it intact. I am in the process of redoing almost eveything on the EGS and I see no reason to keep the smog system intact. Is there any reason why I cant plug the vacume port that the V.O.E.S. is connected to?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,202
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From: NW AR
Uh, your bike needs it? It's not a smog system?
Vacuum Operated Electrical Switch. It tells the ignition module (computer) if your bike is under a load or not. If not under a load, it can handle more advance on the spark. If under a load, you need to back that timing off a bit so it won't ping. That's what the VOES does. It's like the lack of vacuum retard (in my opinion, incorrectly called "vacuum advance") on carb based cars.
Vacuum Operated Electrical Switch. It tells the ignition module (computer) if your bike is under a load or not. If not under a load, it can handle more advance on the spark. If under a load, you need to back that timing off a bit so it won't ping. That's what the VOES does. It's like the lack of vacuum retard (in my opinion, incorrectly called "vacuum advance") on carb based cars.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 41
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From: Washington state
Kowboy-FWIW, my 86 FLST doesn't have the VOES. Taken off by a previous owner. It has a Sportster ignition.
I haven't heard any pinging or detonation. I guess it could still be and I don't hear it, BUT it runs and accelerates great. I was concerned when I discovered it was missing shortly after I bought the bike, (thought about replacing it) but it hasn't been an issue.
One thing it might make a difference on is gas mileage. I seem to be getting about 35-38 MPG with a full size windshield. I always run Premium. It might get a little better gas mileage with the VOES.
I know on the old cars and trucks it was important to have the vacuum advance set correctly for optimum gas mileage.
One could argue that it also might shorten the lifespan of the motor if you run too advanced all the time. Your bike might run a little cooler with the VOES too. That all said,my bike is over 25 years old and while I don't know all that's been done to the motor I know nothing has been done to it for quite a few years and it's still in one piece. It'll probably grenade tomorrow since I said that!
I haven't heard any pinging or detonation. I guess it could still be and I don't hear it, BUT it runs and accelerates great. I was concerned when I discovered it was missing shortly after I bought the bike, (thought about replacing it) but it hasn't been an issue.
One thing it might make a difference on is gas mileage. I seem to be getting about 35-38 MPG with a full size windshield. I always run Premium. It might get a little better gas mileage with the VOES.
I know on the old cars and trucks it was important to have the vacuum advance set correctly for optimum gas mileage.
One could argue that it also might shorten the lifespan of the motor if you run too advanced all the time. Your bike might run a little cooler with the VOES too. That all said,my bike is over 25 years old and while I don't know all that's been done to the motor I know nothing has been done to it for quite a few years and it's still in one piece. It'll probably grenade tomorrow since I said that!
Last edited by Fernf5; Feb 24, 2012 at 02:58 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
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From: SoCal & West TN
Uh, your bike needs it? It's not a smog system?
Vacuum Operated Electrical Switch. It tells the ignition module (computer) if your bike is under a load or not. If not under a load, it can handle more advance on the spark. If under a load, you need to back that timing off a bit so it won't ping. That's what the VOES does. It's like the lack of vacuum retard (in my opinion, incorrectly called "vacuum advance") on carb based cars.
Vacuum Operated Electrical Switch. It tells the ignition module (computer) if your bike is under a load or not. If not under a load, it can handle more advance on the spark. If under a load, you need to back that timing off a bit so it won't ping. That's what the VOES does. It's like the lack of vacuum retard (in my opinion, incorrectly called "vacuum advance") on carb based cars.
The Solid State Ignition (V2) Harley first used has two MAP ignition charts in the memory. The VOES will tell the ECM to select the correct one according to the load on the motor. This is based on the vacuum in the intake. The ECM is the solid state replacement for the "Breaker" and counter weight used on the original ignition.
The ECM will still operate without the VOES in place. Without the VOES in place the ECM will not adjust to the correct operating curve. It can result in poorer fuel economy and some pre-ignition. The motor can "kick back" and cause damage to the starter and the bendix gear, but may not. You could hear some "Pinging" or not. This depends on how you ride and the grade of fuel used. It is like using the older "Counter Weight" advance system with the weights rusted and not moving according to the speed of the motor.
Last edited by Ultra89Rider; Feb 24, 2012 at 04:32 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,706
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From: Farmington ,MS
- "Crisper" acceleration
- Protection against detonation
- Better gas mileage
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
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From: SoCal & West TN
Detonation, Just because you don't hear it doesn't mean it isn't happening.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 5
I take it from your earlier post, you did not actually set up the original ignition system in your bike . A stock bike, with STOCK Harley ignition computer (also called a microprocessor, but too hard to spell) should run with VOES. It is part of the ignition system for a reason as explained by Ultra perfectly. Having said that, if you have an upgraded ignition computer, either a previous owner install--like the Sporster one mentioned earlier--or an aftermarket unit that calls for its removal, then this is a no brainer for your bike. I have a factory manual and a parts manual for my model/year that explain this really well.
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Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Anywhere we stop
OK, I wrenched all day on the beast. The carbon canister was hooked up to nothing and i gone now from under the seat. I'm in the process of redoing the venting systems so that it doesnt drip oil on the ground in front of the rear tire anymore. I dont believe that the ignition is stock anymore, there is no module on the side of the steering neck, but I could be wrong. I didnt know what the VOES did and am cleaning up all the systems on the bike and wanted some opinions.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
module is under the right side cover on fxr and flh models- you don't say what you are working on.
I've run stock, cop and crane ignitions on evos and the voes allows for better tuning for operation under a wider range of operation
mike
I've run stock, cop and crane ignitions on evos and the voes allows for better tuning for operation under a wider range of operation
mike