It's been hot lately here in So Cal and I've noticed that the bike always tends to ping when accelerating (moderately-hard). I've spoken to the dealer about it and they did nothing for me.....can't duplicate the problem. I only use 91 octane so it can't be the fuel.

So....the other day I changed out the fluids from Syn 3 to Mobil-1 (fully synthetic) 20W-50 (engine), 75-140 (tranny) Formula + (primary) and I added a K&N replacement (OEM) filter. My bike is bone stock, no stage one, no pipes...nothing. I noticed an immediate difference with the above mentioned changes. I have absolutely no more pinging. I rung it out and ran it hard yesterday (hot day) while riding up a hill. I was full throttle and waited to hear pinging....NOTHING! I think I solved my own problem. Hooray!

My theory is that the K&N air filter allows more air in to the throttle body and the ECM adjusted the fuel mixture according to compensate; that combined with the better lubricity and cooling properties of the Mobil-1 made the difference. I'm a happy camper. Also the 140 weight in the tranny makes shifting much better and I notice less drivetrain noise as well. (added bonus).

Thought I's share and pass it on. If you're having pinging issues like I was....it might be worth a try.

 

The ECM has an autotune feature?

 

I like "lubricity." I teach English as well as pastor a church. I like new words. I'm gonna see if I can work "lubricity" into a conversation todaycity.

 

Hey if it works then that's great.

Mine is bone stock but I've had no issues with pinging or excess heat. The plugs look just right. I'm running 75 mph or so on the freeway 95% of the time and use Mobile One 15W-50. I'm a bit puzzled at this - thinking it should be running lean like all the others claim - but all appears to be well, so I'm leaving it alone!

 

Yeah......"if it ain't broke".......well you know the rest.

 

Not to the degree that you may be thinking. There are parameters from what I've been told that the ECM can operate within. Think about it, if you're riding your bike at sea level the air is more dense than it is at higher altitude (fewer air molecules) such as when you're riding a mountain road at 8,000 ft. If you were in a carbureted vehicle that was set for sea level, the fuel mixture would become richer as your altitude increases. This would result in poor engine performance and would require the fuel mixture to be leaned out for optimal performance. the reverse woudl also be true. Set at high altitude, as you decend the fuel would need to be richened to compensate for the increase in air molecules (denser air). A fuel injected system with an ECU that regulates fuel/air mixture must be able to compensate for changes in fuel/air volumes.

So the short answer to your question is yes, the ECM will compensate. However, getting back to the parameters, the ECM works within a range of values. So you can't expect that you could throw on a Stage 1 and pipes and the ECM will make all the adjustments to run properly.

 

Bone stock Ultra, no performance upgrades other than Syn3 in all holes. NO pinging, even on the hottest days or steepest grades.

Rode down to Las Vegas a week ago. On the return trip the temperature was 105, and I was cruising at 80 mph for 120 miles non stop. Oil pressure did drop from a normal 32 to about 28. Otherwise, no problemo.

Pinging is abnormal, but I doubt seriously it had anything to do with oil. But, I do think the K&N filter may have solved your issues with pinging. I have a K&N replacement for the HD one, so that could be the reason I don't have pinging. Never have.

 

I tend to think fuel quality has soemthing to do with it. As use 91 and have noticed some tanks ping and others don't. Also during travels have come across 94octane and it seemed to run w/o pings. I have also noticed more pings with CA gas versus when purchased from other states - JMO

 

MN rider. of course the newer harleys have the auto tune feature. why else would you think they went to the expense of installing 02 sensors in the exhaust system. the sensors adjust the fuel injection system to compensate for minor changes, like pipes, air cleaner etc. if you're lugging your motor, then you may experience pinging.

 

Not to start another oil debate but I seriously doubt that Mobil 1 has better lubricity and cooling than syn oil. Any synthetic is known to have better cooling properties than dyno oil. The differences if any would be minimal from one synthetic to another IMHO. I do agree there are better oils out there than the HD syn stuff and the change in gear oil helps with shifting and also 5th gear whine.