Am I running too lean? Why?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 384
From: SoCal hi desert
Am I running too lean? Why?
My bike seems to be running a little lean and hot and it pings a little taking off from a stop ( not at speed though).
This is a change from how it was before. The only change has been new Autolite plugs this year and a change to the air filter. I found when I cleaned and reoiled it that it had been installed in such a way that the filter was sitting about .080 or so off of the base plate. I corrected that situation.
I used a water spray bottle to check for vacuum leaks but it didn't seem to have any.
It has V&H long shots with lollipop baffles only and the K&N air filter. Engine is stock AFAIK. Just pulled the float bowl to check jets. 48 pilot, 165 main.
The plugs especially the rear are very clean.
Anyone have any thoughts on what could be wrong here?
Thanks.
This is a change from how it was before. The only change has been new Autolite plugs this year and a change to the air filter. I found when I cleaned and reoiled it that it had been installed in such a way that the filter was sitting about .080 or so off of the base plate. I corrected that situation.
I used a water spray bottle to check for vacuum leaks but it didn't seem to have any.
It has V&H long shots with lollipop baffles only and the K&N air filter. Engine is stock AFAIK. Just pulled the float bowl to check jets. 48 pilot, 165 main.
The plugs especially the rear are very clean.
Anyone have any thoughts on what could be wrong here?
Thanks.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
If you've changed pipes/mufflers AND air cleaner, you need a stage 1 tune or flash. Changing one or the other isn't a big deal, but once you open up both ends with more air, it needs the ECM set to the proper levels for the air/fuel mixture.
At least, that's how it's been explained to me.
At least, that's how it's been explained to me.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Well crap. I didn't see the bike info under his name. Thanks for pointing that out to me.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
Sounds like your new plugs are not the right kind. Try a cooler plug, and higher octane gas.
See: http://www.theultralightplace.com/sparkplugs.htm
and
http://www.dansmc.com/sparkplugs1.htm
See: http://www.theultralightplace.com/sparkplugs.htm
and
http://www.dansmc.com/sparkplugs1.htm
Last edited by Druid; Jan 4, 2012 at 12:16 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,110
From: Florida
From lookin' at the plugs,they seem OK to me.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
They look a little too white to me. And that would explain the pinging.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 8
From: Vancouver Island British Colombia Canada
What gap you runnin on those plugs? Why you buy auto lites?
Have you adjusted your accelerator pump so it strokes on very early when you twist the wick? Give that a try. I don't think ypou have much raw fuel being sprayed into the throat of that carb when your launching off the line!
what is your top end performance like?
Hatch.
Have you adjusted your accelerator pump so it strokes on very early when you twist the wick? Give that a try. I don't think ypou have much raw fuel being sprayed into the throat of that carb when your launching off the line!
what is your top end performance like?
Hatch.
