| Author | Message | ||
     Panhead_dan |
I got the bike back yesterday and it seems to be running perfectly. The fix was a new Deutz (sp) connector, ECM and an additional spacer lug installed on the other ECM mount. It now has 2. After riding it home I decided to learn more about the clearance under the seat and discovered that the only place the seat pan contacts is the new spacer lug. Makes me wonder if the spacer lug was installed on the wrong ECM mount all along. I no longer have the instructions that came with the low seat showing which side of the ECM to mount the spacer. It feels great to have the bike back and rode it till the wee hours this morning. After a bit more road testing this week, I'll be riding it from Hermiston, Oregon down to Wyreka California and back next weekend. The new bike feeling had faded away but it's coming back full force! SPECIAL THANKS to Jim at Shumate HD in Kennewick, Washington's Service dept for his "above and beyond" efforts. | ||
| Birdmanrh |
It should have been on the one toward the front. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
That's the one it was on. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
It popped the ignition fuse again at about 200 miles since I got it back. It's cracked again and the seat pan appears to be touching in multiple places including the ECM and both connectors. Maybe heat is building up and causing the seat pan to soften up and sag or something? I can't believe I'm the only one having problems with this. Back to square one. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
Even though it looks like nearly nobody is following this thread, for some reason I feel motivated to keep posting. According to Mat at the above named dealership, Buell wants them to do a bunch of measuring. They suspect the battery box is installed wrong or something which may be placing the seat pan and ECM too close together. I suspect that I have the worst luck in the world. I will be trailering the bike to them tomorrow evening. | ||
| Birdmanrh |
I don't have anything touching on mine. The idea that the battery box or underpan is installed incorrectly makes sense, Good Luck. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
A close examination of both the low seat and the standard seat revealed nothing. The pans are the same.The ECM mount and battery box appear to be installed the only way they can be and are clear down against the fender. It looks to me like I could cut the ECM mount off, bend it over and drill a new hole in it which would lower it about a half inch. It would have to rotate some but it might work. They won't let me work on it. | ||
| Jeffs900s |
Weird problem! I'm also using the low seat with the spacer on the ECM, but there do not appear to be any contact issues. Like you said, the pans on the low seat and the "high" seat appear to be the same. I guess you got "lucky". Let us know how it gets resolved. Good luck. | ||
| Crusty |
I've got almost 16,000 miles on my Uly with a Low seat, and no problems like yours. Hope it gets sorted out quickly. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
I'm stuck in a tough spot. I would like to just take the bike home and modify the ECM mount until it worked but that would mean no warrantee obtained parts, like a new ECM. I am reasonably sure that if more clearance can be gained between the ECM and the seat pan, the problem would be solved. The dealership claims that Buell does not offer a fix for this problem and that it has never come up before now. Then they just park the bike and wait. This whole thing is just unacceptable to me. There is one point that seems to be missed by everyone involved in this. When you buy a brand new bike, you get something more than just a bike. There is a feeling that comes with it. It is hard to explain but the smell of a new motor being run in, getting familliar with the new bike, the first service after break in and subsequent ability to really see what she can do and all the other little pleasantries that go with it. With a little luck this feeling can last for a year or more. This feeling is very valuable to me and I prize it highly. I have been denied this experience with this bike and there is no way to get it back. I can't even get the bike back!! I bought this bike on May 27 and it's been in my possession for 28 days total. This Sucks. Sorry for the rant but it's been building up inside for a while. | ||
| Xbimmer |
I think you're being more than patient, Panhead. I just inspected all three of my seats, '06 Standard, '06 Low, and '07 Standard. I also took a VERY close look at my ECM. There is evidence of contact with the rear plug of the ECM on all three seats. Looking very closely at the plug, when I put very slight downward pressure on the socket portion a small gap opens up in the adhesive between the socket and the ECM body. Does not happen to the front socket. My bike came stock with the spacer in front, 10/05 build date. It is slowly but surely wearing away where it contacts the seat pan, and also causes the most visible of three contact points of the center seat pan section. I think if any of you reexamine your seat pans and ECM rear plug you may find contact evidence also. If you face your inverted seat from the front, you'll notice the spacer contact marks about 5 o'clock to the center cutout. If you look VERY closely I'll bet most of you will also see a 1" mark/line radiating from the center cutout at the 1 o'clock position, this is the ECM contact point. The square block molded into the pan a couple inches above that appears to rest against the battery strap. Taking all this into account I can see several fixes which shouldn't affect warranty at all. My first thought also was to rework the rear ECM mount to shorten it and lower the rear, but the front mount is rigidly fixed to the shock shield of the trunk pan. I don't think there would be much allowance for movement at the front. Flipping the ECM around and upside-down might work, but might require some relieving of the shock tunnel. If you can't (or shouldn't) move the ECM then you have to move the seat. There isn't a whole lot of room there either since the locating goodies are a pretty snug fit when engaged with their pins. My first thought here is to dremel a cutout into the pan above the rear ECM contact point. I don't know how far back the gel insert in the Low extends but that pan is pretty thick, I would think a cutout just larger than the ECM socket would work to provide clearance without weakening the pan. I think since my front spacer and seat pan are wearing each other away there will be some point when undesireable pressure on my rear ECM plug may also cause a problem. I'm thinking of experimenting a bit with building a spacer up at the rear ECM mount. Since the rear bracket is pretty rigid I should be able to shim up a longer bolt to a height that keeps the seat pan off the ECM, without stressing the locating points of the seat. Once I try that out and if it works then I could grind down my spare front spacer (that came with my Low seat) and install it at the back. I don't know why that wouldn't work and seems to be the easiest solution and doesn't modify any part to invalidate its warranty. Panhead you might get your "techs" to try that, space the seat away from the rear plug. At least if it doesn't work for some reason it's a dealer fix and they'll be back to square one to fix your bike. I don't want to rub it in but I bought mine in May also and I've been riding it constantly, man I feel for you bro. Your situation does suck... | ||
| Panhead_dan |
Xbimmer, Thank you very much for your post. It makes me feel good just to know that somebody out there has given actual time and thought to what seems to be only MY problem. It's lonely here at the bottom. That tiny crack you describe is the problem and I hate to tell you but from your description of said crack and evidence markings on your seat pan, you will be walking someday. Maybe soon. Our thoughts on solutions to this problem run the same. This last time I was told the bike was repaired and took it home, it was sporting 2 spacer blocks. One one each ECM mount. The front one still has the leather under it that we installed on the side of the road the first time this happened which increases the spacers height by about 3/16". I will be giving the dealership a bit more time with the bike and will be in contact with Buell more this week. If they can't light a fire under the dealerships ass, I will take my chances here in my garage. Basicly all I need is a new ECM in my pocket and will have her going reliably within a few hours. To alter a new bike in any of these ways, modifying the seat pan, ECM mounting etc will no doubt reduce it's value but to me it's main value is when it's under my butt and running. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Sorry Panhead, I missed the two-spacer part of your first post...  Man I'm scratching my head now... if your seat is already two-spacered away from your ECM and the pan is still contacting it, what the heck? Maybe you could try an '07 seat, maybe there's something faulty about your Low seat. The '07 seat is relatively inexpensive IMO and better than the '06 Low anyway, also IMO. Something just doesn't make sense here, is there a possibility of some defect in the the harness? Maybe some of you guys can help out Panhead_dan here. A three minute inspection of your ECM and seatpan. My Low seat was on the bike for less than 30 miles, over 7k ago. In that short time the ECM made its mark on the pan. Four seats on my bike since May (including the warrantied cosmetically defective original that Buell took back which amazed me) have pressed down onto my ECM's rear connector and cracked the adhesive, yet my bike still runs. Sound of knocking wood here. Panhead's bike dies within 200 mi with new parts. Do you think a few of you could read paragraph 6 of my novel above and take a few minutes to look for the mark on the pan and/or the cracked adhesive on the rear connector? I suspect a surprising number of you will report in the positive, yet our bikes still run and Panhead's is dead. His techs may be barking up the wrong tree... being a multiple Audi owner I am well aware of that phenomenon... Oh yeah, Panhead_dan. You don't weigh 400 lbs or anything, do you?  | ||
| Panhead_dan |
I suspect that this problem may be more widespread than I think. I simply cannot be the only unfortunate Uly owner. It may be that it's just a matter of time before the unwashed masses begin pushing their bikes home... I weigh 189 svelt pounds of Buff Old Fart. | ||
| Mramsey |
I checked my Uly low seat for clearance by placing a piece of bread on the ecm and then replaced the seat. Removed the seat and measured the bread thickness about 1/32" at the black connector. Did the same thing and sat on the seat 0 clearance and found a mark on seat where it has been making contact. It has the stock configuration with spacer in the front. No indication off cracks at ecm. Hope this helps. | ||
| Mramsey |
Check this out, I bent the metal bracket. I grabbed the ecm and twisted it down till the black connector made contact with the battery and then let go. It now has 1/2" clearance everywhere even after sitting on it. Go get your bike and show them how to fix it! | ||
| Adrian_8 |
I have the standard seat and my spacer block had the corner worn and the seat was beginning to touch the ECM. I bought a longer bolt and put two flat washers under the block, this should raise the block enough. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
I have reason to believe that Buell Tech is now working on a proper fix. When I find out what it is I will post it here. | ||
| Xbimmer |
That would be great Panhead if your info is correct. I also believe that if more guys check their pans/ECMs they will also find the symptoms. I just have this uneasy feeling about your case... I mean, I've been riding with ECM contact for thousands of miles in all kinds of weather (no torrential downpours though) without incident. In fact while I was monkeying around with the stuff Sat nite I discovered the Pos battery cable was loose! That's why I asked for as many members as possible to take 5 min to check. If most if not everybody reports contact wear on components without failures then maybe your problem lies elsewhere. I'm just guessing. My personal solution would be for Buell to provide a harness adapter and heatsink mount to move the ECM into the well behind the battery as far from the fan exhaust as possible. Hmmmm... | ||
| Adrian_8 |
I forgot to say thanks for the heads up on the contact..thanks Panhead_dan. I would not have looked that close...I figured the washers under the block were a quick fix until something else is done.I weight about 160..just thinking if a guy weighed a lot more would there be more contact and problems? I would think so. | ||
| Lorazepam |
I weigh 250, and havent had any problems with seat/ecm contact. I am in LA for the week, and will check my ecm when I return. I am coming up on 10k miles on the uly now. | ||
| Xbimmer |
How you doing on this, Panhead_dan? | ||
| Isldtime |
Xbimmer- did ya get my PM's about the '07 seat?? | ||
| Panhead_dan |
I figured I would give the dealership the week to resolve the problem and it's about up. I intend to contact them this evening after work. I will post the response. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Sorry Isldtime! Check your email. | ||
| Jmhinkle |
While I had my seat off the other day doing the inner airbox cover, I decided to look for the marks you guys were talking about. I have nothing on the seat from the ECM. My ECM spacer barely has a rub mark on one corner edge. I do have some significant engine wear from the seat. Anyone else have this on the right side? There seems to be an equal amount missing from both seat and engine. Kind of scary. Should I be worried?  | ||
| Xbimmer |
I have that too, mine doesn't look as nasty as yours though. I don't know how thick the rocker cover is but I used to grind off a heck of a lot more aluminum from my Beemer's covers using the street! | ||
| Panhead_dan |
My seat rubs there too but it doesn't worry me. I spoke with Mat at Shumate's service dept last evening about 5pm. He said that the new ECM and '07 seat would be installed this morning sometime and I could pick up the bike today. I find it ironic that this is the exact fix I suggested to them when I first took the bike in about 4 months ago. Before I ride it out of there, I intend to check the clearance using the highly scientific method used by some smart Bueller in an above post. That's right- a piece of bread. Question-- after 2 ECM changes, is it necessary to check the TPS? | ||
| Panhead_dan |
Where did my post from yesterday evening go? If it was deleted, I would like to discuss that with whomever did it. Please contact me. panhead_dan at hotmail.com | ||
| Etennuly |
I put the low seat on my uly about three weeks ago and within fifty miles it quit running while accelerating to pass cars two different times. My son was on the back, we have a combined weight of about 450 lbs. The instructions only show putting the spacer kit on the front bolt. Mine already had one so I put it in my side bag and forgot about it. The second time it quit I took the seat off and noticed the gap in the sealer at the rear plug, so I installed the other spacer at the rear bolt. I have only ridden a couple hundred miles since then as my clutch cable broke and I had to be towed in where my bike was in the shop for a week to get that replaced. If I didn't love riding this bike I might have considered trading it. I'm going to work on a soft rubber block spacer towards the front of the seat because these hard spacers and cyl head touching can only mean a transfer of vibration directly to my posterior regions. I haven't started on it yet but I'm sure it can be done so that it won't interfear with anything else and can be removed for any warranty issues. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
Etennuly, Was it blowing ignition fuses? Do you have the bike back? | ||
| Etennuly |
No, no fuse problem. I just turned off the ign switch and restarted it. I rode about 60 miles today with no problems. I'm going to reseal the ECM where the sealer pulled loose, don't want to chance water entry. | ||
| Dave |
Any replaced ECM ... ya need a TPS calibration/reset. DAve | ||
| Chinook |
yep, i too have ecm/wires rubbing with 1500 miles with 2006 low seat. i'll post the pics in the "check your wires" thread. (Message edited by chinook on September 18, 2006) | ||
| Etennuly |
The bike began to cough and miss every 10 miles or so with low seat and 2 spacer blocks. I switched back to stock seat and have done about 150 miles without a single problem. I guess I'll stay with the stock seat as dependability is more important than a lower seat. | ||
| Az_rider |
Etennuly- when you switched back to the stock seat, did you leave the two spacers on the ECM? I am still having a problem with my bike dying while riding. I have the stock '06 seat, and I have some contact on the rear of the ECM (and a lot on the spacer). My bike also started to cough and miss when idling. I don't know if it is related. (Message edited by az_rider on September 21, 2006) | ||
| Etennuly |
Az, Yeah it is still on, ridden 170 miles running great! Since you've had a run problem for a while I'd bet you have a wet fouled plug or two. Pull'em/ check'em. If they are wet at all replace them. When they have been wet cleaning doesn't get it. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Panhead_dan, did you ever get your problem sorted out, and how? |
