Tune-up Blues
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 442
Likes: 3
From: Warren, Ohio
Tune-up Blues
Is sudden discoloration of pipes a sign of a mis-tuned engine?
Got my '06 FLSTCI back from the shop with its 5,000 mile service (actually 6,100 miles). First thing I noticed was my V&H Straightshots were even louder than before--that's good with me. (I had the Stage I breather kit and remapping done when I bought the bike back in May of '06.) Performance increased too. Lots more crackling and popping even at only 60-70 degrees temp outside. Usually this happens to this degree only when it's hotter, like 80-90. All this is still OK with me. However, I noticed on my staggered Straightshot pipes, some golden and bluing discoloration, but only on the second pipe where it is directly exposed to the exhaust from the first pipe. (These pipes have heat shields which are not supposed to discolor, but this is, as I said, from direct contact with exiting heated exhaust gases.) I have never noticed this before, and it got worse as I rode through the day. This is all still OK with me if this is the price for the sound and performance. I just don't want to be hurting my engine.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Got my '06 FLSTCI back from the shop with its 5,000 mile service (actually 6,100 miles). First thing I noticed was my V&H Straightshots were even louder than before--that's good with me. (I had the Stage I breather kit and remapping done when I bought the bike back in May of '06.) Performance increased too. Lots more crackling and popping even at only 60-70 degrees temp outside. Usually this happens to this degree only when it's hotter, like 80-90. All this is still OK with me. However, I noticed on my staggered Straightshot pipes, some golden and bluing discoloration, but only on the second pipe where it is directly exposed to the exhaust from the first pipe. (These pipes have heat shields which are not supposed to discolor, but this is, as I said, from direct contact with exiting heated exhaust gases.) I have never noticed this before, and it got worse as I rode through the day. This is all still OK with me if this is the price for the sound and performance. I just don't want to be hurting my engine.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29,598
Likes: 19
From: Oregon
RE: Tune-up Blues
Wow, I'm really new here and not an expert, but it sounds like that sucker is running way too lean.
If the fuel/air ratio is too low (not enough fuel in the mix) you won't have the cooling (refrigeration) effect of the vaporization and you will run really hot.
And yes, it can damage the engine, especially the valves and other top end parts.
Did they just do a computer download? Sounds like they did??
JB
If the fuel/air ratio is too low (not enough fuel in the mix) you won't have the cooling (refrigeration) effect of the vaporization and you will run really hot.
And yes, it can damage the engine, especially the valves and other top end parts.
Did they just do a computer download? Sounds like they did??
JB
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 442
Likes: 3
From: Warren, Ohio
RE: Tune-up Blues
ORIGINAL: JBaker421
Wow, I'm really new here and not an expert, but it sounds like that sucker is running way too lean.
If the fuel/air ratio is too low (not enough fuel in the mix) you won't have the cooling (refrigeration) effect of the vaporization and you will run really hot.
And yes, it can damage the engine, especially the valves and other top end parts.
Did they just do a computer download? Sounds like they did??
JB
Wow, I'm really new here and not an expert, but it sounds like that sucker is running way too lean.
If the fuel/air ratio is too low (not enough fuel in the mix) you won't have the cooling (refrigeration) effect of the vaporization and you will run really hot.
And yes, it can damage the engine, especially the valves and other top end parts.
Did they just do a computer download? Sounds like they did??
JB
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 581
Likes: 7
From: Portland, OR
RE: Tune-up Blues
First thing I noticed was my V&H Straightshots were even louder than before--
I'd take it back quick or call and ask WTF did they do. Maybe they now owe you a new heat shield.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29,598
Likes: 19
From: Oregon
RE: Tune-up Blues
Nice catch, priceamp. I missed the part about louder. More airflow.
BTW, please tell me where you live. I want to steal your bike. Kidding of course, but that's a bitchin combo of chrome, stance and color.
JB
BTW, please tell me where you live. I want to steal your bike. Kidding of course, but that's a bitchin combo of chrome, stance and color.
JB
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 442
Likes: 3
From: Warren, Ohio
RE: Tune-up Blues
ORIGINAL: priceamp
WTF? Did they pull the baffels out? Now days with an EFI bike or car for that matter, all there is to a "tune up" is to replace the plugs and air filter.
I'd take it back quick or call and ask WTF did they do. Maybe they now owe you a new heat shield.
First thing I noticed was my V&H Straightshots were even louder than before--
I'd take it back quick or call and ask WTF did they do. Maybe they now owe you a new heat shield.
Anyone else out there got V&H Straightshots & SE Stage 1 breather?
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29,598
Likes: 19
From: Oregon
RE: Tune-up Blues
The inner pipes will discolor and glow red but the heat shields? BS. V&H Heat shields have never discolored on me.
Sounds to me like your mapping has the idle circuit too rich and the main circuit too lean.
I'd get a second opinion, for my $.02
JB
Sounds to me like your mapping has the idle circuit too rich and the main circuit too lean.
I'd get a second opinion, for my $.02
JB
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