The dreaded 103 noisy engine
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
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The dreaded 103 noisy engine
Took my 2012 Streetglide to the dealer today to have them look at the bike and see if they could figure out why my bike is so noisy and pinging. The bike currently has a little over 13,000 miles and this started in the 5000 mile range as it has with others..the dealer talked with Harley direct and Harley said they are aware of the problem with the 103 engine. Their suggestion was to clean the carbon off the pistons and see what happens. I drove the bike home and it was much quieter than before. So lets see how long this last. Not really sure how to keep the carbon from building up in the first place. Dealer said it is just the nature of the beast. Might try some seafoam in the gas a few times to see if that helps. So for anyone out their that is struggling with this issue take it in to the dealer and have them talk with Harley. As long as it is under warranty should be no problem. Sorry for the long post but thought I would throw out to you guys my experience with this problem.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 413
Likes: 7
From: Oklahoma
Took my 2012 Streetglide to the dealer today to have them look at the bike and see if they could figure out why my bike is so noisy and pinging. The bike currently has a little over 13,000 miles and this started in the 5000 mile range as it has with others..the dealer talked with Harley direct and Harley said they are aware of the problem with the 103 engine. Their suggestion was to clean the carbon off the pistons and see what happens. I drove the bike home and it was much quieter than before. So lets see how long this last. Not really sure how to keep the carbon from building up in the first place. Dealer said it is just the nature of the beast. Might try some seafoam in the gas a few times to see if that helps. So for anyone out their that is struggling with this issue take it in to the dealer and have them talk with Harley. As long as it is under warranty should be no problem. Sorry for the long post but thought I would throw out to you guys my experience with this problem.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
I am feeling your frustration! Same deal here on my '12 Limited. Pings like crazy on 91+ octane from several different brands, including HD friendly Shell.
Took it in for my 5k service 2 weeks ago and was told that Harley's do that and then they asked if my pipes were stock- everything is still stock.
Between 2700 and 2900 it pings when accelerating. They also reminded me it is still under warranty. I had my voltage regulator replaced under recall and they also tightened my primary chain. Left the dealership and still experienced the ping. I am running liberal amounts of Lucas fuel injector cleaner and that helps a little. Maybe I will try the Seafoam.
I never had this issue on my '08 RK 96 engine. I will be heading back to the dealer and inquiring on the carbon buildup issue you have shared.
Adding also that usually cruise at between 2500 and 2700rpms. Is this too low an rpm for the 103?
Took it in for my 5k service 2 weeks ago and was told that Harley's do that and then they asked if my pipes were stock- everything is still stock.
Between 2700 and 2900 it pings when accelerating. They also reminded me it is still under warranty. I had my voltage regulator replaced under recall and they also tightened my primary chain. Left the dealership and still experienced the ping. I am running liberal amounts of Lucas fuel injector cleaner and that helps a little. Maybe I will try the Seafoam.
I never had this issue on my '08 RK 96 engine. I will be heading back to the dealer and inquiring on the carbon buildup issue you have shared.
Adding also that usually cruise at between 2500 and 2700rpms. Is this too low an rpm for the 103?
Last edited by Devo6684; Sep 20, 2012 at 07:33 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 570
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From: New Mexico
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Cruiser
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I always run 93 octane from various outlets. Do not do alot of hwy driving and rpms are usually below 3000. The only cleaner I have run through it was seafoam one time about 4 thousand miles ago.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
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Not really sure what they did but it is a difference at least for now but I will call them tomorrow and report back what they did.
Last edited by mxz600; Sep 20, 2012 at 08:02 PM.