damage from running lean?

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Sep 21, 2008 | 01:48 PM

aggro_jo

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Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

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From: STL

damage from running lean?

Aight, I have my samson pipes installed and my Screaming Eagle intake on, I ran the bike for a few minutes to check for exhaust leaks and then shut it down. The back pipe is yellow at the head. The bike seems to run fine with the expected popping on decel.

So my question is, The bike is scheduled for a SERT install/Dyno tune in 3 weeks. Can I put around town before then or will it trash the pipes and/or bike from running way lean?

Better safe than sorry but man I want to ride if even to the corner and back. Opinions?

Sep 21, 2008 | 02:20 PM

85FXWG

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 2,687

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From: Florida

I'll bet it didn't make that much of a difference. Ride it a little bit and then pull a spark plug to see how it is burning the fuel. My buddy changed his backing plate and pipes and didn't do anything else and it runs fine after 10,000 miles.

Sep 21, 2008 | 05:32 PM

robzuc97

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 1,223

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From: Peoria, AZ

...or it could turn your pipes blue or honey-colored like my V&H did. Definitely, pull plugs after a short ride & check for tan to light color at tip of plug.

Sep 21, 2008 | 05:34 PM

bigoscycles

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 191

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From: Clanton, Alabama

Yeah, check the plugs, they will tell, I would guess you would be ok riding it. They come lean from the factory.

Sep 21, 2008 | 06:40 PM

tmitchellof PG

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Punta Gorda,FL

If it was my bike and I couldn't stand the wait, I would put the stock air intake back on until I got the SERT done.
Tom

Sep 21, 2008 | 06:44 PM

Hangfire1

Tourer

Joined: May 2008

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From: Orygun

My understanding is if it is popping or slight backfire on deceleration you are running rich.

Sep 21, 2008 | 08:19 PM

custom roadglide

Intermediate

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 44

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From: bartlesville,oklahoma

the popping is caused by a rich set=up.harley does this so you dont hurt the motor.the dyno run and re map will fix this and make a big change in power curve