Engine popping
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Elite HDF Member
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From: St. Petersburg Florida
Engine popping
What grade of gas is an Ironhead supposed to run on?
The reason I ask that the engine seemed to run rough and the exhaust was popping and leaking through the cylinders where the pipes go in. I guess the exaust gases where ingiting? I shut it down and tried to figure out why is was running like that since it ran fine last time. Then I remembered that I refueled with 93 octane after I shut down last time. So I went to the gas station and got some 87 octane and put it in. It sputtered and popped again and then cleared up. So I assume the gas I put in last time had something to do with it.
The reason I ask that the engine seemed to run rough and the exhaust was popping and leaking through the cylinders where the pipes go in. I guess the exaust gases where ingiting? I shut it down and tried to figure out why is was running like that since it ran fine last time. Then I remembered that I refueled with 93 octane after I shut down last time. So I went to the gas station and got some 87 octane and put it in. It sputtered and popped again and then cleared up. So I assume the gas I put in last time had something to do with it.
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Engine popping
If it has stock compression, ignition, etc. it'll take the 93 octane. I wouldn't run the 87 or 89 stuff; while it may do OK most of the time, it'll prolly start pinging under load. Sounds like you got a bit of bad gas, or maybe some crap in it.
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Elite HDF Member
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From: St. Petersburg Florida
RE: Engine popping
I was thinking the same thing which is why I put 93 in. Then when I fired it up today, it it kept popping like it was going to blow a headgasket or something because smoke was comming out with each pop. I hope it was just bad gas. Is there anything else that would cause that?
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RE: Engine popping
it depends on compression. if your bike runs fine on 87 or 89 but like crap on 93. i would say the 93 is causing a rich condition so unburnt fuel is igniting outside of the combustion chambers. check your plugs if they are black then the added octane is the problem.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Engine popping
ORIGINAL: Johnny
93 octane? Can't say as I have ever heard of it. You wouldn't be meaning to say 91 octane...would you?
93 octane? Can't say as I have ever heard of it. You wouldn't be meaning to say 91 octane...would you?
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RE: Engine popping
The last time I had an engine act like that it was due to water in the fuel. If you refueled and let it sit over night the suspended fuel droplets would have fallen to the bottom tof the tank overnight. Pull your filter and have a look. You can sling the extra fuel of of the filter onto a flat smooth surface and any water will appear as droplets. If this is what you have then a complete system clean out will be needed. Including the carb to prevent future problems. Good luck.
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