New Onset Pinging
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 134
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From: Gainesville, Fl
New Onset Pinging
Gotto go to work but would appreciate any thoughts. 2012 FLHX as described below. As the weather has warmed up this spring, my bike has started to have a slight ping @ 2400- 3200 RPM. Doesn't start till after bike is thoroughly warmed up. Duration is like 1-2 seconds. Everything is exactly the same as when it was blistering hot (Fla.) last Fall and this wasn't an issue. I have 8K miles on the bike. Besides bad gas, what would cause the bike to have a ping/detonation prob. Thanks for any advice.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
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From: Spokane, WA.
Bad gas..... that would be a place to start looking for the reason for pinging.
FM may be able to revise your map.
What fuel octane do you have available? Can you get non-ethanol fuel?
FM may be able to revise your map.
What fuel octane do you have available? Can you get non-ethanol fuel?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Exactly what the situation when mine started. Even after purchasing a PCV with a map from Fuel Moto, requesting a map for that exact problem there was no solution, in fact the pinging was worse because of the advanced timing tables in the map. It wasn't until I partnered with a forum member and he helped me to understand that retarding the timing in the areas I felt the ping is and was the solution to the problem. So, yes your likely going to need a tuner that allows you to get into the timing tables (you choose which one). Then methodically work the areas the pinging is the most prevalent and eradicate it with retarded timing.
Last edited by TUCCI; May 11, 2013 at 08:58 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
in order of likelihood:
a.) mixture too lean
b.) ignition timing too advanced *
c.) carbon deposits or sharp metal edges in the combustion chamber ( these act like glow plugs)
d.) High temperatures
...and all of these can inter-relate
e.) very unlikely- cam timing/pushrod adjustment/ valve timing/ valve seat kinda problems
* I would guess that the ignition timing is set too advanced for your conditions...the motor pings, then the ECU recognizes that and adjusts either fuel or timing- most likely retarding timing.
For best power and economy, the ignition timing wants to be advanced as far as possible with out ping...so we want to always be just this side of the edge.
That said, my 09 FLHTC pinged under certain conditions when completely stock:
2800~3200 rpms up 6% grades ( and never under any other conditions).
my band aid fix was to install XIEDS ( which make the part-throttle mixtures about 8% richer)
I then added hi flow intake and exhaust with good results. good power, good operating manners, no pinging at all ever and mpg is at 43- down from 44 at 65~70 MPH cruising.
Mike
a.) mixture too lean
b.) ignition timing too advanced *
c.) carbon deposits or sharp metal edges in the combustion chamber ( these act like glow plugs)
d.) High temperatures
...and all of these can inter-relate
e.) very unlikely- cam timing/pushrod adjustment/ valve timing/ valve seat kinda problems
* I would guess that the ignition timing is set too advanced for your conditions...the motor pings, then the ECU recognizes that and adjusts either fuel or timing- most likely retarding timing.
For best power and economy, the ignition timing wants to be advanced as far as possible with out ping...so we want to always be just this side of the edge.
That said, my 09 FLHTC pinged under certain conditions when completely stock:
2800~3200 rpms up 6% grades ( and never under any other conditions).
my band aid fix was to install XIEDS ( which make the part-throttle mixtures about 8% richer)
I then added hi flow intake and exhaust with good results. good power, good operating manners, no pinging at all ever and mpg is at 43- down from 44 at 65~70 MPH cruising.
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; May 12, 2013 at 01:34 PM.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4,230
Likes: 477
From: Southwest VA
My bike started doing the same thing out of the blue. I'm not a tuner by know means but my guess it that it needs a little more fuel and a little less timing in the 20% or less throttle position. That solved the problem on mine. Since you already have a tuner it should be a easy and cheap fix. I had to by a tuner to get it straighten up.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Glendale AZ
It was explained to me that the normal carbon buildup that occurs in an internal combustion engine will develop hot spots that prematurely ignite. Retarding the timing aides in reducing or eliminating pre-ignition.....sounds logical to me. I just know at 5k different things started presenting itself with my engine like valve train noises, pinging and lifter bleed down. The only thing I was successful at stopping was the pinging, the other two are like chasing a gremlin but thats another topic.