The dreaded 103 noisy engine
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
Marvel mystery oil added to oil will dissolve sludge slowly so I'm not sure why it's mentioned here unless the person is suggesting adding it to the fuel which isn't a good idea since it contains phosphorus which is the whole reason the API told oil companies to change their formulations because phosphorus poisons catalytic converters.
Having the bikes tuned helped immensely with heat in the system. Having timing and fuel curves matched to the bikes build is the way to go. There is no one size fits all map that will work correctly for every motorcycle out there. It will be close, but not best.
I also ride my bikes harder than most it seems in that I keep them both spun up in the RPM range. I generally run in the 3000 range as a minimum and seldom below 2500 when rolling down the road.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
7200 miles - swinger sewing machine, took it to the dealership yesterday, got laught at. The tech rode for 7 miles and stated all was normal. Owned race motors with solid lifters that needed constant vigilance on valve lash that sounded better than this box of bolts. Ugg, wife asks what do you think about your new bike? I don't want answer her. Going to ride it like I stole it and pray I grenade it before the warranty is up.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
I use 3oz about every 5 tanks. I have been doing this since the 80's. I use this in my lawn mower, 4 wheeler and bikes
Last edited by K Melancon; Sep 29, 2012 at 08:17 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 5,175
From: SWMO
If you are getting a carbon build up in the combustion chamber, what do you suppose is causing it? Maybe some oil? Maybe through the head breathers? You are probably right, I've had other twinkies do it, but my 2011 103 is the worst yet. I rerouted the breathers to a 6 oz. aluminum catch can I mounted on the frame. 1k miles would just about fill it up. Looks like chocolate milk. If you pour it out and let it seperate, it's mostly oil and a little bit of water from condensation.
That mixture is being dribbled into your intake as you ride. If it were mostly water it wouldn't be an issue. There are some that don't do it at all, and some that do it a lot. The "improved" breathers were supposed to stop it. BS. Only way to truly stop it is reroute the crap. Either to a can or to the ground.
That mixture is being dribbled into your intake as you ride. If it were mostly water it wouldn't be an issue. There are some that don't do it at all, and some that do it a lot. The "improved" breathers were supposed to stop it. BS. Only way to truly stop it is reroute the crap. Either to a can or to the ground.
Novice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I bought a New 2012 Dyna Switchback with the 103, it did not ping but it did seem to have exsessive valve tapping/rattel noise. This Started at about 2000 miles. Dealer said this was normal but that answer never sat well with me. I also bought a New 2012 Roadking with the 103. I noticed from day one it also seem to have this valve tapping/rattle noise while riding.
It just does not seem right to me, I can only compare this tapping noise to a Chevy V8 when the valves need to be adjusted but not as load. Anybody else have this tapping noise? Both bikes are under warranty so I guess if its not right sooner or later something is going to give and they can fix it for free.
It just does not seem right to me, I can only compare this tapping noise to a Chevy V8 when the valves need to be adjusted but not as load. Anybody else have this tapping noise? Both bikes are under warranty so I guess if its not right sooner or later something is going to give and they can fix it for free.
Just saw this thread.
It is a fairly common occurrence, especially on the 103's, for the bike to be running fine, nothing change, and then after some miles for it to start pinging.
Most of the time this happens due to carbon build up on the pistons, increasing compression...resulting in pinging (amongst other things).
The reason this happens is because the stock (and most aftermarket) air cleaners feeds the hot oily air from the breathers into the intake.
This is easily fixed by getting an air cleaner system that only lets CLEAN air into your engine.
The hot oily air from the breathers should be vented outside the engine. Engines like cool dry air, they run better and last longer.
There are still a few companies making real air cleaner systems, DK Custom is one of them with their OUTLAW HiFlow 587's.
EPA mandated feeding of hot oily (dirty) air into the combustion chamber via the air cleaner is Bad for performance and Bad for the longevity of your engine.
It is a fairly common occurrence, especially on the 103's, for the bike to be running fine, nothing change, and then after some miles for it to start pinging.
Most of the time this happens due to carbon build up on the pistons, increasing compression...resulting in pinging (amongst other things).
The reason this happens is because the stock (and most aftermarket) air cleaners feeds the hot oily air from the breathers into the intake.
This is easily fixed by getting an air cleaner system that only lets CLEAN air into your engine.
The hot oily air from the breathers should be vented outside the engine. Engines like cool dry air, they run better and last longer.
There are still a few companies making real air cleaner systems, DK Custom is one of them with their OUTLAW HiFlow 587's.
EPA mandated feeding of hot oily (dirty) air into the combustion chamber via the air cleaner is Bad for performance and Bad for the longevity of your engine.
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
My 103" had the typical top end clatter from day one. Sounded no different then my 88" did. That doesn't bother me. The pinging started at around 5000 kms when I installed just slip ons. I then installed a power vision and a/c from fuel moto. The pinging got way worst but dyno tune fixed most of it. The interesting thing that I can't understand is since the tuner has been installed my top end noise has drastically reduced. Can timing and fuel mixture effect top end noise?.