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O2 sensor crosstalk?

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Old Nov 1, 2011 | 04:51 PM
  #11  
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Crosstalk is caused by reversion. It has everything to do with the exhaust system itself, more specifically the O2 sensor location. With the newer style factory head pipe/collector there will always be some reversion in the collector area, however there will be considerably more reversion in this area when the catalyst is removed as this area is completely opened up, unfortunately this specific region of turbulence is where the 2010-2012 O2 sensors are mounted and the sensors can easily pick up residuals from the other cylinder. This is also the specific reason why they located the O2 sensors upstream in pre-2010 models. The specific amount of sensor crosstalk and if it will affect the tune and more importantly running quality really depends on the specific mods, the mufflers, and also heavily on how much overlap the cams have. Likely the biggest consideration to how the end results are affected depends on how accurate the calibration is in the first place, if the O2 integrator does not need to lean on the sensors to try to correct the fuel delivery there will not be too much of a problem, however it can go the other way at times as well especially if the cams have any amount of overlap. The other consideration is if you are using the factory O2 sensors to maintain the tune in closed loop or if you are using them to actually develop the tune with a new combination which if there is crosstalk can cause you to chase your tail at times. Hope this info helps
 
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Old Nov 1, 2011 | 04:53 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by apxpred
I may be a simpleton who doesn't grasp the whole concept of cross talk, however after looking inside the sensors are separated ................

Actually this is a great example, reversion can reach nearly all the way up an exhaust pipe with some combination so imagine what can happen when they are only a few inches up the collector.
 
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Old Nov 1, 2011 | 04:55 PM
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Doc's documented it on his dyno, and there are several threads on more technically-oriented forums about it.
 
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Old Nov 1, 2011 | 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by fabrik8r
...everything effects your tune condition; gas from a different station, a clean air filter, extreme swings in ambient temperature, humidity, elevation, you name it you can see it in the data logs....
Let me confess right up front that I am not a mechanic though I can follow the theory (thanks, Jamie), but what I snipped from fabrik8r's post kinda sums up my question - there are so many things that can potentially affect the engine's performance, what are the running symptoms of cross-talk and how would I recognize them with so many other things going on? Or would the performance effects of cross-talk be buried in the "white noise" of all the other real world variables, especially given that I am not out on the drag strip trying to eke out every little fractional hp gain?

I can chase perfection, but is it worth it - will I feel it?
 
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 10:45 AM
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This is a good thread! First off I want to say that I am NOT challenging anyone’s facts. I am just posting the results of my experience.

The bike is a 2010 FLHX. I added an A/C and Rinehart 4" slip-on to the stock head pipe and using TTS did a few VTune runs. Other than the heat produced by the Cat the bike ran really well. The only complaint I had was an occasional pop when shifting from 1st to 2nd. Closing the throttle coming down a hill would NOT cause popping. I checked the entire exhaust system for leaks and found none. As it would happen only occasionally I just lived with it. This past Winter I decatted the head pipe. When spring came I did some VTuning and most of my VEs stayed within 2%. The biggest change was 3.5% and this only a few VEs.

The results:

I do not notice any difference in the way the bike runs except it is cooler. MPG has not changed. The occasional pop when shifting was still there. Although, I have recently added some additional fuel in the decel range and it is now almost nonexistent. I have put the bike away for the winter as we already have snow on the ground (NH) but next Spring I am going to experiment with the Closed Spark Timing Table to see if I can totally eliminate the pop.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by blackdog01
I had was an occasional pop when shifting from 1st to 2nd. but next Spring I am going to experiment with the Closed Spark Timing Table to see if I can totally eliminate the pop.
Lower the corresponding cells on the DE table first.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 01:02 PM
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So recently I have been told (during my search for a new limited) that if I put on new pipes, Jackpot, fullsack, or 2009 stock pipes (catless) along with a/c (maybe cam too) and put on a Power Commander V that I don't need to worry the 02 sensors or the location as the dealer will just plug them up anyway..I may sound naive, well I am a bit when it come to the newer fuel systems and their workings, I'm reading all I can, but I'm not yet up to speed here yet. So the question is. Is this correct info? Should I be planning on a setup that won't use the 02 sensors? Can this be done? What are the pros and cons? Or should I run as fast as I can from the dealer?
 
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 02:25 PM
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The Delphi ECM is a pretty amazing computer. Why would you want to hamstring it by unplugging two of the sensors?
 
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 06:54 PM
  #19  
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Grappa,

When you take the O2 sensors out of the equation (yes you can do this) you are running the ECM in open loop. In other words the ECM cannot monitor the amount of Oxygen in the exhaust and make corrections for poor fuel, altitude, temperature, etc. This kind of defeats the intended purpose of the ECM. A stock bike (no modifications) will run the idle and midrange in closed loop and WOT will run in open loop.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 07:27 PM
  #20  
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It is pure BS. The sensors are about 4 inches up the head pipe. The head pipes then terminate into a collector. The cat starts about another 4 inches into the collector. The cat is so free flowing that there is no noticeable change in back pressure. The chance of exhaust gasses going back into the head pipe is almost impossible.
 
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