Nightster cutting out
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Nightster cutting out
I have a 2009 Nightster with Vance & Hines Shortshots and a Bulletpruf Spade Air Cleaner. The stealer installed the V&H last year when I purchased the bike. It ran great for the 5000 miles I put on it. I just installed the Bulletpruf Spade Air Cleaner last weekend and called the stealer to see what they would say about getting a FuelPak or similar system. The tech there said there really is no reason to tune the bike as the computer will adjust for what mods I have done. I rode the bike to work today and around a bit after just enjoying the sun but something just wasn't quite right. Every once in a while, the bike would just cut out. I guess choking is the best way to describe it. It wasn't a backfire but I could hear it through the air cleaner. It would do it once or sometimes twice and then be fine for a bit. I didn't notice anything I did that made it happen more than another. I brought the bike home and pulled the cleaner off. The butterfly on the throttle is definitely dirtier than when the cleaner went on 50 miles ago and I could really smell gas when the butterfly was open. I am wondering if the new cleaner is actually restricting air and causing me to run to rich. I also pulled the plugs and they were definitely on the black side. Any input is really appreciated. THANKS!! Eddie
Last edited by JohnsonPstFls; Apr 23, 2009 at 10:00 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
If the bike was running lean, the plugs would not be black. I did some research on the aftermarket cleaner and found out that the flow of this one is no better than the stock filter. Continuing the search on the bike, I found out that my crankcase breather was not functioning properly. After getting that all straightened out, the bike runs like it should. I am definitely going to keep an eye on those plugs just to make sure I don't start running lean.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
From: Marion Ill
Even though you got it figured out, it still wouldn't be a bad idea to look for some sort of tune in the future. It is FI, so the computer will do a little bit as far as compensation, however as far as fuel injection goes, the system is fairly primitive, so it won't go to far.
just a heads up
just a heads up
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,208
From: Ohio
The computer isn't going to do much at all to adjust for exhaust or intake changes. The HD system uses narrow band 02 sensors which means they can only compensate about .5 on the AF ratio at the most. Read again...AT THE MOST. Your bike...but I would not take a chance on running the bike without knowing the AF is right. The bike is air cooled and the results could be devistating. The bikes are lean as hell coming out of the factory anyway. Thats why they run so hot. JMHO.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
That's not actually how a narrowband O2 works. The narrowband can only report three conditions; Lean, 14.7:1 & Rich. Depending on the report, the computer is what makes the adjustments until the O2 is properly reporting. Your statement of a .5 compensation might be absolutely correct, but it's from the limitations of the ECU, not the O2. I do appreciate your input and will likely have the bike put on a dyno just for my own comfort to see where it's at. Thanks!
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
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,208
From: Ohio
That's not actually how a narrowband O2 works. The narrowband can only report three conditions; Lean, 14.7:1 & Rich. Depending on the report, the computer is what makes the adjustments until the O2 is properly reporting. Your statement of a .5 compensation might be absolutely correct, but it's from the limitations of the ECU, not the O2. I do appreciate your input and will likely have the bike put on a dyno just for my own comfort to see where it's at. Thanks!
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
You are absolutely correct on the workings. I just kept mine very generic in logic. The only thing I do remember with the narrowband is that they can't report the actual rich or lean condition (via voltage), just that it is not the 14.7:1 that it should be. This is where the wideband is so much more useful.
I appreciate all your input and insight. Thanks!
I appreciate all your input and insight. Thanks!
Last edited by JohnsonPstFls; Apr 24, 2009 at 10:14 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
