The dreaded PINING on the 103!
Novice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: averill park ny
I have the exact same symptoms. Dealer called while I was there. I asked the dealer to request an ECM update that others have had done with good results. It required the dealer to send the ECM to Harley. They said I had the most recent update(B) and that was all they could do. Then came the suggestion to gear down and raise RPM's to 3k.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 204
Likes: 2
My dealer sent my ecm to Harley a few weeks ago. I got the bike back last week and asked the dealer what Harley did and the service manager said he did not know (duh). You would think they would at least inquire what was done to the ecm so they might be educated on this matter. I decided to call Harley myself and see if I could get answers. The guy that answered my call said all they did was retard the timing in a few areas and I should be all set. He also said that I could ride the bike all day long everyday with it pinging and that it would not harm the engine whatsoever. Not sure if I believe that!! Anyways I did the ride the bike about 200 miles and it did seem better but it also was only 65 degrees out. I guess the real proof in the pudding so to speak will be next year when it gets out outside what will it do. For now I am satisfied that at least they are trying to fix it. Just wish my dealer was a little more on top of the situation.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
Sadly, this is a true story.
I have the exact same symptoms. Dealer called while I was there. I asked the dealer to request an ECM update that others have had done with good results. It required the dealer to send the ECM to Harley. They said I had the most recent update(B) and that was all they could do. Then came the suggestion to gear down and raise RPM's to 3k.
I have the exact same symptoms. Dealer called while I was there. I asked the dealer to request an ECM update that others have had done with good results. It required the dealer to send the ECM to Harley. They said I had the most recent update(B) and that was all they could do. Then came the suggestion to gear down and raise RPM's to 3k.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Im not satisfied with a vague answer like that and although I had to put a PCV on to do it, I can tell you exactly where and how much timing was adjusted. My map a few pages back shows where and how much. Very alarming statement made by them being able to run it pinging all day....wonder if they had 20k wrapped up in a bike if that would fly with them......idiots.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
With over 6K on my 12 RGC and no pinging, I felt left out. So yesterday when leaving town I was at 45 mpg. I put it in 5th and went WOT. Sure enough I head that sucker ping like mad. I feel better now.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 416
Likes: 24
From: Dubuque, IA USA
I am running the SEPST and bought the cables and software. Plan to study it a bit then try it myself, backing off timing in the affected ranges. I do not know enough yet about the SEPST. Not sure it will show where it is pinging after a data record, and if the smart tune will make suggestions. If anyone knows more about this, would be greatly interested in hearing more.
Also, for those who have retarded the timing successfully, am interested in hearing how your performance was affected.
Last edited by Guzz; Nov 16, 2012 at 09:00 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 416
Likes: 24
From: Dubuque, IA USA
Adding a touch of fuel may be better.....pulling timing really kills power, and the engine will actually run cooler. These bikes are VERY lean from the factory to meet EPA requirements.
I think alot of the noise comes from.....if you are used to riding water cooled bikes, the water jackets on the motor insulate alot of the valvetrain noise. With the aircooled engine, those noises are now present. When I got my first Harley in 2005, I found it a bit unnerving until I was told by a good Harley mechanic that's the way they are (with a big grin
). Just food for thought.
~Joe
I think alot of the noise comes from.....if you are used to riding water cooled bikes, the water jackets on the motor insulate alot of the valvetrain noise. With the aircooled engine, those noises are now present. When I got my first Harley in 2005, I found it a bit unnerving until I was told by a good Harley mechanic that's the way they are (with a big grin
). Just food for thought.~Joe
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 416
Likes: 24
From: Dubuque, IA USA
Don't want to sound like an idiot but have been told no such thing as a dumb question. Had a 103 build done on my 07 ultra, already had 255 cams and tru duals. When 103 was done had SEPRT put on as well, all work done by dealer and most covered under warranty. When first picked up had never been so quiet. After 400 miles or so started getting what I thought was lifter noise. Would this be the pinging were talking about? Will having it put on dyno and tuned help?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
Fair warning. Read up on this forum on how to use the SEPST before you make any attempt to tune. The SE documentation for the SEPST is NOT user friendly. But there are several forum members who know this stuff really well. You'll find their posts in the forum for the SEPST. Check 'em out.
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