Ethanol is an octane booster...Straight ethanol is 114 Octane and used in those little bottles of octane booster sold at auto stores ....

 

I respectfully disagree, it sounds as though you believe alcohol in your fuel is a good thing. Ethanol causes a lean effect when your bike is tuned to run a non-ethanol blend. If you add more Ethanol in an attempt to increase octane all you're going to get is more pinging, not visversa. The pinging is caused, at least in part, by leaning out the mixture and the increased exhaust temp when the alcohol is burnt off. This could be why it is more evident at higher elevations.

 

If you are hearing pinging, there is something seriously wrong.

These bikes have a knock retard system that senses if detonation is imminent, and then it retards the timing to prevent pinging. If you are hearing pinging, then either the knock retard is not working correctly, OR it is and even with the timing be retarded you are still getting detonation.

Since the knock retard system (on '16 & earlier models) utilizes the spark plug wires to send the signal, making sure you have a good set of plug wires is important.

I've found that these Plug Wires make a nice improvement in both power and the functioning of the knock retard.

The other thing we see all the time is that during cooler months folks have no pinging, but as it gets warmer they start hearing pinging. Many/most times this is because the engine is running so hot.

By cooling down the engine, not only will it last longer, be more comfortable to ride, but it will reduce/eliminate the pinging.

Here is a REPORT on how to cool down your engine.

 

The 11 FLHXXX I had (just traded for a TG) pinged/knocked something terrible. I took it to a local dealership and they said it was the compensator causing it. Quoted me a $1200 replacement bill, so I traded up instead. Point being is that it might be a bigger issue than octane.

Bubba

 

How can a compensator cause pinging? Never heard of that before

 

X2 my first tune shop could not get it right. Took to a shop where the tune guy was well know for good tunes, we talked and the problem went away.

If you can't talk to the tune guy or he won't listen go find another.

 

A compensator will sound like a hard loud knock especially when taking off from a stop, or when the engine gets lugged down. Sometimes there is a heavy knock when the engine is stopped. I guess there could be some chain slap from that also that could be lighter sounding.
A ping sometimes gets as loud as a knock, but that is about time engine damage starts happening.

 

2013 Triglide,254 cams,Vance & Hines exhaust,S&S intake. Been running Power Commander for 18 years in trike & 2001 Electraglide . No pinging,no problems. Ethanol,no ethanol

 

I realize I am kind of highjacking the thread, but I am new to the freewheeler, and am usually running under 2500 rpm. I don't have any past experience to compare with, but engine sounds good to me.


Any input would be good! thanks.