Exhaust System Topics New and old exhaust system discussions. Fitment issues to sound bites and suggestions. Post them here.

103 Upgrade Gone Wrong

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 7, 2011 | 04:18 AM
  #11  
Hillsidecycle.com's Avatar
Hillsidecycle.com
Sponsor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12,084
Likes: 829
Default

Want to help you, but without compression test numbers, and a leakdown test, along with any cylinder head flow numbers, I'm at a loss at this point.
Could be so far out of tune, ie timing, fuel curve, that is what is causing your lack-luster performance.
Mighty easy to push out 105-110 hp and 115-up ft/lbs from a tame 103"er.
Scott
 
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2011 | 07:31 AM
  #12  
gnirtsnod's Avatar
gnirtsnod
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Macon, GA
Default

Originally Posted by Hillsidecyclecom
Want to help you, but without compression test numbers, and a leakdown test, along with any cylinder head flow numbers, I'm at a loss at this point.
Could be so far out of tune, ie timing, fuel curve, that is what is causing your lack-luster performance.
Mighty easy to push out 105-110 hp and 115-up ft/lbs from a tame 103"er.
Scott
I'm going to talk with the mech tonight about getting those numbers. You guys are great. We can guess all day; however, without the numbers, we can't move toward a solution. Thanks again. ...Don
 
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2011 | 09:57 AM
  #13  
djl's Avatar
djl
HDF Community Team
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,776
Likes: 2,607
From: san antonio
Community Team
Default

Originally Posted by gnirtsnod
I'm going to talk with the mech tonight about getting those numbers. You guys are great. We can guess all day; however, without the numbers, we can't move toward a solution. Thanks again. ...Don
Have you checked for sumping?

In addition to compression and leakdown test data, it would also be good to know who bored cylinders and fitted pistions (you should have been provided a sheet showing the four axis measurement at top, center and bottom of bore), KB pistons but which ones? hypereutectic or forged? domed or flat top?, and who ported the heads and what was done, i.e., were the heads decked? what is the chamber volume? What head gasket thickness?

The compression test data won't help without the details of the build. This sort of diagnosis via the internet is difficult at best, so the more detail you can provide the more help you can expect.
 

Last edited by djl; Nov 7, 2011 at 11:09 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2011 | 10:25 AM
  #14  
Twigg's Avatar
Twigg
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Keyser, WV
Default

Originally Posted by djl
In addition to compression and leakdown test data, it would also be good to know who bored cylinders and fitted pistions (you should have been provided a sheet showing the four axis measurement at top, center and bottom of bore), KB pistons but which ones? hypereutectic or forged? domed or flat top?, and who ported the heads and what was done, i.e., were the heads decked? what is the chamber volume? What head gasket thickness?

The compression test data won't help without the details of the build. This sort of diagnosis via the internet is difficult at best, so the more detail you can provide the more help you can expect.
+1 on all that...Were the heads ported and flow bench tested? A lot of so called head porters have made things worse by just making things bigger when a properly done smaller runner can make more power. Comp and Leakdown numbers, Cam timing , as well as a proper tune are all big factors. Harleys are not the most hitech units out there, however they still ned to be machined and assembled properly. I'm making 80hp and 89lbs tq with 96" and stock cams.
Good luck
 
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2011 | 12:22 PM
  #15  
gnirtsnod's Avatar
gnirtsnod
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Macon, GA
Default

Originally Posted by djl
Have you checked for sumping?

In addition to compression and leakdown test data, it would also be good to know who bored cylinders and fitted pistions (you should have been provided a sheet showing the four axis measurement at top, center and bottom of bore), KB pistons but which ones? hypereutectic or forged? domed or flat top?, and who ported the heads and what was done, i.e., were the heads decked? what is the chamber volume? What head gasket thickness?

The compression test data won't help without the details of the build. This sort of diagnosis via the internet is difficult at best, so the more detail you can provide the more help you can expect.
Revolution Cycles out of Iowa was responsible for the boring and porting; however, I don't believe they do their own porting. The pistons are, I believe, KB hypereutectic, flat top. The stated compression ratio is 9.9:1. I don't believe the mech used the head gasket supplied in the upgrade kit, but opted for an HD gasket instead.
 
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2011 | 12:31 PM
  #16  
gnirtsnod's Avatar
gnirtsnod
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Macon, GA
Default

One additional point, I use an LCD oil level and temperature dipstick on my bike, which since the build, has developed a leak, pushing oil into the display area of the dipstick head. Didn't matter much to me since the display stopped working some time back and I planned on replacing it anyway. Could this be because of increased pressure in the crankcase caused by a ring failure? I guess the compression check will verify that, huh? You guys are making me look at things a lot closer. Thanks, ...Don
 

Last edited by gnirtsnod; Nov 7, 2011 at 01:46 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 08:25 AM
  #17  
Dalton's Avatar
Dalton
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,663
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
Default

There is just so many things in your information that lead to more questions. First, the tune is waaaaay off if only getting 29mpg and having to baby it to get into the 30's. Most 120 inch engine still easily get 40+ mpg so your 103 has a real problem. A way rich tune will wash down the cyl walls, not allowing the rings to seat and this then leads to blow by which you indicate by the statement of oil out the exhaust or possibly unburnt fuel. Also by the pressure in the crankcase. Pull your dipstick, smell the oil, is it black? Smell like gas? - Rich tune. Get the tests done that others have indicated to at least have a starting point.
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 09:36 AM
  #18  
pnw_hd_rider's Avatar
pnw_hd_rider
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 210
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
Default

Originally Posted by Dalton
A way rich tune will wash down the cyl walls, not allowing the rings to seat and this then leads to blow by which you indicate by the statement of oil out the exhaust or possibly unburnt fuel.
How would blow by or rich mixture have anything to do with oil coming out the exhaust? Burning oil has nothing to do with compression rings. Oil scraper rings (in the bottom groove) don't have to 'seat' the way compression rings do. Excessive piston wash does not effect the ability of oil scraper rings to do their job.

Blue smoke means burning oil. Gray smoke means rich mixture.
 

Last edited by pnw_hd_rider; Nov 8, 2011 at 09:45 AM.
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 02:32 PM
  #19  
Dalton's Avatar
Dalton
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,663
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by pnw_hd_rider
How would blow by or rich mixture have anything to do with oil coming out the exhaust? Burning oil has nothing to do with compression rings. Oil scraper rings (in the bottom groove) don't have to 'seat' the way compression rings do. Excessive piston wash does not effect the ability of oil scraper rings to do their job.

Blue smoke means burning oil. Gray smoke means rich mixture.
Hmmmm, lets see, I am soooo confused. This must be a master mechanic that is "schooling me".

Lets see if I can get this right. You are right, blue smoke out the exhaust means burning oil, but grey smoke indicates water vapor (this was not a water cooled v-rod), and black smoke means unburnt fuel.


You are correct, oil scraper rings do not seat the same as compression rings, but if the cyls are washed down with fuel, there is initially no lubrication which will allow the walls to be glazed smooth and the oil control rings will not work either, as well a the compression rings allowing blowby which will increase crankcase pressure resulting in oil being forced throught he intake system in the cyls for burning and also oil not being scraped off the cylinder walls, thus being being burned. If crankcase pressure is high enouhg oil can even be pushed down through the valve guides and burnt. Oil scraper (oil control) rings are designed to leave a certain amount of oil on the cylinder wall with each pass, this lubricates the compressin rings, the pistons and prevents seizure.

Also excessive piston wash as you call it will eventually lead to piston skirt wear and piston slap, which leads to rocking of the pistons which leads to poor ring seating and further oil problems.


Hmmmmm,
Maybe I have had it wrong all these years.

I think not - the easiest way to damage a new build is to tune it too rich, it will lead to an engine that performs poorly due to compresion and leakdown issues and to one that will use oil.

There are other things that also could be wrong such as a compression ring in upside down. As with any internet diagnosis, without all the facts, all we can do is throw out possibilities.

OK, I am ready to learn more !
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 05:09 PM
  #20  
Hillsidecycle.com's Avatar
Hillsidecycle.com
Sponsor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12,084
Likes: 829
Default

Your mean.
Scott
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:32 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE