BAD GAS???
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 0
From: Olympia Wa.
RE: BAD GAS???
Glad you got your problem figured out without having to spend major coins doing it. How bout when you get it put back together, we ride on down to Taco Bell for lunch, then over to 7-11 and leave some "bad gas" of our own!!
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: South Austin Texas
RE: BAD GAS???
Well the problem is not yet solved...
After removing the tank I also removed the canopy with the fuel pump/filter assembly so that I could reach down into the tank with aclean shop toweland get any residual fuel and/or debris wiped out. That way I knew that when I re-assempled everything that I'd have fresh, good fuel running through the lines.
I purged the lines, put in fresh premium fuel - about a gallon - and cranked her until she fired.
Stil same problem.
Now I know that fuel WAS an issue... the fuel I removed looked cloudy and not at all normal. But now I clearly have ANOTHER problem that may or may not be related to the bad fuel that ran through the engine. I'm concerned thatthe bad fueldamaged my injectors or my fuel modulator although the service tech at the dealership says he has never seen this happen before. (they are thinking it is the crank positioning sensor which doesn't add up to me)
In a few minutes, as soon as I finish this post, I'm calling the dealership to have them pick up the bike and check it out.
Oh, and the fuel line that broke - it was just a plastic nipple actually - that wholefive inch line with fittings sells for $45 and was not in stock at either Austin dealership and will take seven to ten days to get in. So I just shoved some 5/16th inch fuel line on it and clamped it down with a hose clamp. Works fine.
Good thing is - I'm becoming more amd more intimately acquainted with the various workings of my bike. I PREFER to work on it myself and AVOID taking it to the dealership for anything that I can do myself. But I'm afraid that I'm in a spot where I need to hand the ball off to them and hope for the best...
After removing the tank I also removed the canopy with the fuel pump/filter assembly so that I could reach down into the tank with aclean shop toweland get any residual fuel and/or debris wiped out. That way I knew that when I re-assempled everything that I'd have fresh, good fuel running through the lines.
I purged the lines, put in fresh premium fuel - about a gallon - and cranked her until she fired.
Stil same problem.
Now I know that fuel WAS an issue... the fuel I removed looked cloudy and not at all normal. But now I clearly have ANOTHER problem that may or may not be related to the bad fuel that ran through the engine. I'm concerned thatthe bad fueldamaged my injectors or my fuel modulator although the service tech at the dealership says he has never seen this happen before. (they are thinking it is the crank positioning sensor which doesn't add up to me)
In a few minutes, as soon as I finish this post, I'm calling the dealership to have them pick up the bike and check it out.
Oh, and the fuel line that broke - it was just a plastic nipple actually - that wholefive inch line with fittings sells for $45 and was not in stock at either Austin dealership and will take seven to ten days to get in. So I just shoved some 5/16th inch fuel line on it and clamped it down with a hose clamp. Works fine.
Good thing is - I'm becoming more amd more intimately acquainted with the various workings of my bike. I PREFER to work on it myself and AVOID taking it to the dealership for anything that I can do myself. But I'm afraid that I'm in a spot where I need to hand the ball off to them and hope for the best...
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 3
RE: BAD GAS???
Mine went out and the bike started, but would sometimes start idleling rough and miss. A restart of the bike would immediately correct the problem. I would be riding along, stop and the bike would just lose power. Once it was replaced I never had any more issues.
This does not always throw a code either.
I don't know for sure, but the cloudy fuel could be caused by the chemicals that were put in to "clear" the injectors as well as residual crap in the tank. Besides as often as we gas our motorcycles everything that goes out is a "coincidence"right afteradding fuel. In this case I would think that if the gas was that bad others would have had a similar experience.
Admittedly I have limited mechanical knowledge and can only speak from own experience. And speaking from that experience - Have you replaced your spark plug wires from stock? If so put the stock ones back on and see if it clears up. My wife's bike had braided cables on and after about two years it started acting up. It ended up being the wires arching - simple replacement fixed the issue.
This does not always throw a code either.
I don't know for sure, but the cloudy fuel could be caused by the chemicals that were put in to "clear" the injectors as well as residual crap in the tank. Besides as often as we gas our motorcycles everything that goes out is a "coincidence"right afteradding fuel. In this case I would think that if the gas was that bad others would have had a similar experience.
Admittedly I have limited mechanical knowledge and can only speak from own experience. And speaking from that experience - Have you replaced your spark plug wires from stock? If so put the stock ones back on and see if it clears up. My wife's bike had braided cables on and after about two years it started acting up. It ended up being the wires arching - simple replacement fixed the issue.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: South Austin Texas
RE: BAD GAS???
I tend to lean toward a gas related issue here as well Glide. Like you say, just too coindidental for the CPS to go out at that exact moment. Could be, but my money is on injector or filter or something along those lines.
The bike is only a few months old. I just have overy 5K on it. Changed plugs but got the same issue. Made no difference.
So I'm pretty frustrated. Called the dealership first thing and the guy I've been talking to is off today. Best they can do is "try" to pick it up late this afternoon. I don't like people giving me wishy washy statements. Maybe, hopefully, probably, possibly are words I don't use and don't like to hear others using them. Tell me exactly what you can or can not do. Don't fart around.
When I bought this bike if I had told them "maybe, hopefully, probably I can make monthly payments on this motorcycle" they would never have let me drive it off the lot. I expect no less of a commitment from them in return.
We'll see. I'm trying real hard to be patient.
The bike is only a few months old. I just have overy 5K on it. Changed plugs but got the same issue. Made no difference.
So I'm pretty frustrated. Called the dealership first thing and the guy I've been talking to is off today. Best they can do is "try" to pick it up late this afternoon. I don't like people giving me wishy washy statements. Maybe, hopefully, probably, possibly are words I don't use and don't like to hear others using them. Tell me exactly what you can or can not do. Don't fart around.
When I bought this bike if I had told them "maybe, hopefully, probably I can make monthly payments on this motorcycle" they would never have let me drive it off the lot. I expect no less of a commitment from them in return.
We'll see. I'm trying real hard to be patient.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From:
RE: BAD GAS???
It'll be interesting to see what the outcome is. As said above too many start stretching for answers picking at different parts.
I have found when the solution in most but not all cases lies with the last thing you did to or with the bike, in this case filling up with gas. From the symptoms you describe , it surely sounds like a fuel related problem to me. I could be wrong here, but I'm just judging from the facts that have been presented here.
Sometimes the obvious can be overloocked when a small fact that would be noticable in person is overlooked when relating a problem.
Only time will tell now.
Good luck with the stealer.
I have found when the solution in most but not all cases lies with the last thing you did to or with the bike, in this case filling up with gas. From the symptoms you describe , it surely sounds like a fuel related problem to me. I could be wrong here, but I'm just judging from the facts that have been presented here.
Sometimes the obvious can be overloocked when a small fact that would be noticable in person is overlooked when relating a problem.
Only time will tell now.
Good luck with the stealer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 5
From: Chicago, IL.
RE: BAD GAS???
I don't know about where u live but in most illinois 7-11's the gas is citgo. Which isn't bad I have never had any problems. As long as its 93 Octane I'm not real fussy.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,893
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From: USA
RE: BAD GAS???
The crank shaft position sensor is right in the way of taking out the oil filter. If you want to take it loose and see if its not smashed by the crank you can with an allen wrench. Be careful sliding out since it has a small "O" ring around it by the flange for a seal.
If its cracked, broken or having a big chunk of the end of it missing its bad. And yes they do get tore up by the crank for what ever odd reason. Poor designe of something. I've seen one takin out looking all ate up at my dealership repair dept. The tech could understand where all the end of it went. When the service manager saw me standing within ear shot. He move the conversation out into the garage. Funny how that happens!
If the sender is intact its a bit less likely that its an issue, but still worth giving it a check out.
I still think that the injectors need to be flow tested to be sure they are putting out whats required and when.
Good luck with it all.
If its cracked, broken or having a big chunk of the end of it missing its bad. And yes they do get tore up by the crank for what ever odd reason. Poor designe of something. I've seen one takin out looking all ate up at my dealership repair dept. The tech could understand where all the end of it went. When the service manager saw me standing within ear shot. He move the conversation out into the garage. Funny how that happens!
If the sender is intact its a bit less likely that its an issue, but still worth giving it a check out.
I still think that the injectors need to be flow tested to be sure they are putting out whats required and when.
Good luck with it all.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: South Austin Texas
RE: BAD GAS???
ORIGINAL: Ram
The crank shaft position sensor is right in the way of taking out the oil filter. If you want to take it loose and see if its not smashed by the crank you can with an allen wrench. Be careful sliding out since it has a small "O" ring around it by the flange for a seal.
If its cracked, broken or having a big chunk of the end of it missing its bad. And yes they do get tore up by the crank for what ever odd reason. Poor designe of something. I've seen one takin out looking all ate up at my dealership repair dept. The tech could understand where all the end of it went. When the service manager saw me standing within ear shot. He move the conversation out into the garage. Funny how that happens!
If the sender is intact its a bit less likely that its an issue, but still worth giving it a check out.
I still think that the injectors need to be flow tested to be sure they are putting out whats required and when.
Good luck with it all.
The crank shaft position sensor is right in the way of taking out the oil filter. If you want to take it loose and see if its not smashed by the crank you can with an allen wrench. Be careful sliding out since it has a small "O" ring around it by the flange for a seal.
If its cracked, broken or having a big chunk of the end of it missing its bad. And yes they do get tore up by the crank for what ever odd reason. Poor designe of something. I've seen one takin out looking all ate up at my dealership repair dept. The tech could understand where all the end of it went. When the service manager saw me standing within ear shot. He move the conversation out into the garage. Funny how that happens!
If the sender is intact its a bit less likely that its an issue, but still worth giving it a check out.
I still think that the injectors need to be flow tested to be sure they are putting out whats required and when.
Good luck with it all.
I concur with Glide. My general rule when making mods is to do one thing at a time and when trying to diagnose a problem go back one step at at time. Putting in gas was the last thing I did so that is where I started looking. Now its at the dealership and they can diagnose as they see fit. The ball is in their court.
I'm just really bummed because I've been missing so much good ride time. I missed out on a 200 mile ride in theHill Country last weekend with some other riders from this forum. I'm used to being able to just go out and fire it up and take off. I'm happy just running to the store... another great thing about riding a bagger!
I expect I'll know more tomorrow at this time.
Thanks to all for the ideas and feedback. I'll post findings later.