Engine Ping

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Jul 5, 2012 | 08:15 PM

#21

Wild Card

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 1,443

Likes: 9

From: North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyj671

4. Ethanol

negative

Jul 7, 2012 | 04:38 PM

#22

trike1

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 140

Likes: 6

From: Meridian, Idaho

Well I got my Trike back from the shop and they duplicated the engine ping both under temp. heat, load and cruise. As I expected the service guy advise me that the pinging was within Harleys specs. He did advise me to continue to use the highest octane fuel I could get, add boster when necessary. He also stated, to eliminate the issue I could also change out the mufflers, header and map tunner to improve performance.

What do you guys think?

Jul 7, 2012 | 05:59 PM

#23

msocko3

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 5,926

Likes: 138

From: NE Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by trike1

Both Harley and the dealer calling pinging within HD specs is plain BS. One thing is certain and that is piston damage if the pining is not stopped. In time the pinging will weaken the cast piston which can lead to cracking the piston. For the dealer to tell you to add booster when you are fueling your trike with the recommended or greater octane is plain BS also. If it was me I would get with HD customer service and let them know about your issue and make sure it is documented. Ask them if the mufflers, header and tuner to eliminate the pining is free since the pinging is a mechanical defect which should be dealt with under warranty.

Jul 7, 2012 | 07:15 PM

#24

icebite1

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 1,267

Likes: 6

From: Northern Michigan

I think they blew you off, did they even check for a manifold leak or anything else.
Pinging is not in specs or as designed. Ask the service guy to show you where it says it is in specs, I would love to know the next line they give you.

Last edited by icebite1; Jul 7, 2012 at 07:20 PM.

Jul 7, 2012 | 07:48 PM

#25

Wild Card

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 1,443

Likes: 9

From: North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by trike1

WTF is this, first pinging is a slang term for detonation... Detonation is no good and there is no spec to be allowed. Dont play around with this, if your motor has detonation it will destroy itself shortly. What ever needs to be done to stop it needs to be done.

And for the record I know of a few autos that detonate with low octane fuel.

Jul 14, 2012 | 05:33 PM

#26

frang413

Advanced

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 61

Likes: 0

From: North Adams,Ma

My 2011 triglide started this noise a few weeks ago with under 5000 miles on it.I use nothing but 93 octane( or so it says on the pumps) and have been adding Sta-Bil ethanol treatment to it also.
Maybe the best fix is to get rid of it and go to a jap bike.Can't afford to drop a lot more money into this thing.

Jul 14, 2012 | 05:39 PM

#27

Mastergunz1371

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 112

Likes: 5

From: Northern Virginia

Had a little pinging when it was above 90 out, had them do a smart tune with the current Harley tuner, rode it home in over 90 degree and humid ran stronger than ever and no pinging, well worth it.

Jul 15, 2012 | 12:23 AM

#28

screwball

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 2,334

Likes: 107

From: Santa Clarita, So. Cal. & Bullhead City, Az.

I'd say something, but last time I did, I got a lecture about my trikes running good. Same advice, IT SHOULDN'T PING, PING IS NOT GOOD. Whatever dealer you went to is yanking your chain, or it isn't pinging you hear. If you are in 6th gear at 40mph going uphill riding double, maybe, just maybe it is YOU not the bike. Go to another dealer, call the MoCo, call your local TV station. Would you accept it if the Ford dealer said someting like that to you about your $35,000 car???. Look down 2 responses, guy got the Harley upload and it ran fine..... sorta like both of mine.