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when bike runs hot, something happens to engine ...

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Old Jul 15, 2011 | 10:49 PM
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Default when bike runs hot, something happens to engine ...

This has happened 3 times already. After about 20-30 minutes in stop/go traffic moving less than 5mph on a hot day ... obviously the bike is near overheating

when completely stopped the idle has a completely different, very persistant pattern/rhythm which is much different than usual. Its the same every time im in this near-overheating situation. I also notice as i let the clutch out to move a few feet, either its not grabbing right, or the torque is very different.

Obviously this is heat related, i just wondered exactly what is happening?

My buddy riding 40+ years on 20 bikes or so, says he never heard of such a thing. Says my bike is too old to have a "rear cyl shut off" or something, so he doesnt know what could be happening.

I seek answers here

Again im not a moron it is obviously heat related, just wondering exactly what it is thats happening.

Also, what would happen if i continue to ride my bike under these conditions? I mean if i just keep pushing it, would it eventually just overheat and shut off? Would it damage anything?

As of now the 3 times i heard this odd idle, i have pulled off the road for 20min and let it cool off, it seems to go away.

thanks

oops, 2004 FLSTCI
 
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Old Jul 15, 2011 | 10:57 PM
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sounds just like when my rear cylinder does the shut down thing. Do you know if the ECM was ever replaced?
 
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Old Jul 15, 2011 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by av8or
sounds just like when my rear cylinder does the shut down thing. Do you know if the ECM was ever replaced?
Thats what he says ... except he said when his rear shuts off on his bike, it is very clear that it is missing.

Mine just sounds like its cam'd wayyyy down, and has a very steady rythm

I dont know about ECM. I know i bought the bike with custom exhaust, and the air filter is pushed out so i know prev owner went that far, i dont even know if he did download, or even had it tuned.
 
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Old Jul 15, 2011 | 11:20 PM
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The first rear cylinder shut of program was in the 06 Dyna's only. 07 on it was in all families.

What year is yours?
 
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Old Jul 15, 2011 | 11:31 PM
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Originally Posted by lh4x4
The first rear cylinder shut of program was in the 06 Dyna's only. 07 on it was in all families.

What year is yours?
mine is 2004 ... so if not a rear shut off, exactly what is going on? Why the odd rhythm at high temps?
 
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Old Jul 15, 2011 | 11:56 PM
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If bike’s ECM was upgraded stage 1 then it should have had the newer ‘Parade Mode’ built into its MAP setup.
if not I suspect the odd rythm is a byproduct of an overheaded engine miss fireing.
Have you checked your plugs to see if one or both have been slightly fried?

If you expect to be riding in situations like that very often I would start thinking about getting an oil cooler.
Preferably one with a fan that will push air through it while your idling in traffic.

Now a lot of people will tell you that an oil cooler without a fan will not prevent it from happening again, and that may be true.
But even without a fan it will help to keep the engine’s temps down longer.
As well as bring the oil and engine temps back to a more normal level a lot quicker once you get moving again.
This is important because the longer the oil stays at those high temps.
The shorter the lifespan of the additives in it that help your engine live longer.

It’s my personal preference to change the oil anytime I think the oil temps exceed 250 degree’s (in the tank) for a total of more than 5 minutes.
So far, since I installed an oil cooler I haven’t had the engine ever exceed 250, even in the worst traffic.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2011 | 08:34 AM
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sounds like the ecm is going into limp mode , just protecting the bike , might be getting close to shutting it down , need to try to stay away from those situatios , car bike or what ever not good to keep getting them hot
 
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Old Jul 16, 2011 | 08:42 AM
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sounds like it is running super lean and needs a good tune my 11 ultra limited ran way hot and would act strange till i installed jackpot head pipe and had dyno Bob at RC cycles tune it. now it run a hell of alot cooler
 
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Old Jul 16, 2011 | 08:57 AM
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Limp Mode on '04s? I don't think so.

It sounds like an ignition component going bad. All too often it's heat related when your cam sensor, coil, or ignition module starts showing signs of malfunctioning.

You can isolate the issue by using a heat gun directed at the components while idling. If there is a heat break down issue you will sense a change in the engine performance.

I'd say start with taking off the derby cover and heating the cam sensor.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2011 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnnyC
Limp Mode on '04s? I don't think so.

It sounds like an ignition component going bad. All too often it's heat related when your cam sensor, coil, or ignition module starts showing signs of malfunctioning.

You can isolate the issue by using a heat gun directed at the components while idling. If there is a heat break down issue you will sense a change in the engine performance.

I'd say start with taking off the derby cover and heating the cam sensor.
Are any of those things very expensive, or complicated to fix? Im asking because i only have 15 days of warranty left ... if these are major issues ill make a stink and have them address it.

if its minor, i will just do it at my leisure.

thanks!

Also i will have the bike tuned when i get my new pipes soon
 
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