Question about a Piston
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 819
Likes: 21
From: Johnson City, TN
Question about a Piston
Hey Guys,
Went for about a 160 mile ride today and came back and checked my plugs because I have been tuning with the sert. I took a mag-lite and looked down in the cylinder head. My piston is super clean around the outside, but right in the middle about the size of a quarter is some black, almost like carbon build up. Is that normal?
The plugs look good. This is my 08 883 with 650 miles on it.
Thanks
Jason
Went for about a 160 mile ride today and came back and checked my plugs because I have been tuning with the sert. I took a mag-lite and looked down in the cylinder head. My piston is super clean around the outside, but right in the middle about the size of a quarter is some black, almost like carbon build up. Is that normal?
The plugs look good. This is my 08 883 with 650 miles on it.
Thanks
Jason
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Question about a Piston
It's normal, but not desirable...a good way to get it out is to use Sea Foam in your next full tank and continue doing so once a month regularly. Flushes all the crap outta your heads. You may want to use 91 or better if you're not already. We have a couple places here to get 103 and 109 octane gas...it's AWESOME. 
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 819
Likes: 21
From: Johnson City, TN
RE: Question about a Piston
well bobber,
That is the thing, I have always run 100% SHELL gasoline in it and always the premium octane. With this low of miles makes me wonder a bit, if I am too rich or too lean.
That is the thing, I have always run 100% SHELL gasoline in it and always the premium octane. With this low of miles makes me wonder a bit, if I am too rich or too lean.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Question about a Piston
ORIGINAL: Zimbob
try a bit more wrist on the next few rides. sportsters like to wind up more than the big twins do, They hate to be lugging.
try a bit more wrist on the next few rides. sportsters like to wind up more than the big twins do, They hate to be lugging.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane , QLD Australia
RE: Question about a Piston
If there wasnt some carbon build up the I would be worried as running too lean the tops would be clean as a whistle.
Dont worry about it just give it a bit of throtle next run.
BTW do you take a torch and look up somewhere else after a big feed ???? residue has to sit somewhere.
Dont worry about it just give it a bit of throtle next run.
BTW do you take a torch and look up somewhere else after a big feed ???? residue has to sit somewhere.
Trending Topics
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
Likes: 6
From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
RE: Question about a Piston
Is it almost like carbon build up.... or is it a hole being burned in your pistion?
What does your exhaust pipes look like?
Do you idle higher/lower after tuning your sert...
You said you plugs looks good... what do they look like (color)...
All the things like this is important as to what direction (rich/lean) you're actually going...
Charlie D.
What does your exhaust pipes look like?
Do you idle higher/lower after tuning your sert...
You said you plugs looks good... what do they look like (color)...
All the things like this is important as to what direction (rich/lean) you're actually going...
Charlie D.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: Grosse Ile, Mi
RE: Question about a Piston
You might be looking too far into this. If the bike is running right, has good response and pull and, the plugs are clean, the exhaust is not sooty or, they are not glowing or, showing signs of being too hot,then you're probably good to go.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,122
Likes: 43
From: Boise Idaho
RE: Question about a Piston
It's normal and you don't need SEA-FOAM. Just ride it and stop micro-managing it. If you really want your SERT to perform properly then take it to the dealer and have it dyno tuned.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TOMMYBLAZIN
Engine Mechanical Topics
3
Nov 28, 2017 12:45 PM
