| Author | Message | ||
     Vwone |
When I left work this evening my stock 08 XB12XT CEL light came on, after some research it looks like my actuator is bad. The Code is 21, I have 12 volts, the ground is good and there is 5 volts as well on the connector. I moved the valve and can move it by hand. I like the sound of my bike and really don’t have any interest in changing the exhaust, but I will do it if it is smarter to spend money on an exhaust instead on a $165.00 actuator. Any suggestions? Thanks! | ||
| Froggy |
You can buy a used actuator for less, or if you are willing to give up some power you can just disable the actuator function so it won't throw the light. | ||
| Djohnk |
Did you do the cycle test? From another post: As per 2006 service manual. a.Hold the throttle wide open. b.Turn the engine cut- off switch to RUN. c.Turn the ignition/light key switch ON.d.Watch the actuator cycle close/open/close. If the actuator is bad, just post on this forum your looking for one. There are many Buells around that don't used them because they have aftermarket cans installed. When my actuator went bad I got lucky and found a replacement used one from here dirt cheap. When installing don't forget to lubricated the the cable well. One more thing ... I think at one time those actuators were upgraded, so if you purchase new from American Sport Bike you will be assured of getting a good one, if you get a used one you might get the old version. | ||
| Vwone |
Yes, I tried that and it makes noise and just moves a little. I just opened it up and one gear seems to have slipped and has a melted/weak tab. It looks like I will need to replace it. | ||
| Teeps |
Until you can get a replacement actuator. Open the exhaust valve all the way, then lock the cable. I did this a few years ago, using several small zip ties lined up on the cable. Turn the interactive exhaust function off using ecm spy. The actuators can be found used; but are not dirt cheap anymore. There are 2 on ebay for close to 100 bucks each. And, they are for an '04 model; I would not consider actuators older than '08. | ||
| Tootal |
Agreed! The old actuators are screwed together. The improved ones are riveted. They put steel gears in the new one. I removed my actuator and put an electrical wire eyelet around the cable with the eyelet sticking out past the cable. I crimped it lightly as it could still be slid up and down the cable. The eyelet will line up with one of the screws for the actuator when you pull the valve open. Use that screw to hold it and then adjust the cable to fully open the valve. The exhaust has a little more rumble but is not loud. You might lose a little low end torque but it will suffice till you get a new actuator. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
When my actuator failed, I initially locked the valve open. The bike was louder and did not run as well (in the range in which I normally ride). After a few days, I let the valve close and was much happier with the bike while I waited for the replacement servo to arrive. | ||
| Billy_bee |
I found a used one on eBay for very short money. It has been working flawlessly for several months. It came from a low-miles bike. Keep your eye out. It definitely makes the bike perform better. bb | ||
| Djohnk |
exhaust actuator here for $25 plus shipping, hurry! http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/ 688023.html?1343192402 | ||
| Mark_weiss |
The new style, riveted case, actuators do not have the cable anchor built in. A separate bracket is needed. I did not want to wait for another part so I made a bracket from a bit of aluminum. The cable location is unchanged so it is possible to use the old case as a guide. | ||
| Arcticktm |
You didn't mention if you checked the cable or not. When my '06 threw the code last year, I found that the cable was the problem (sticking). I bit of cable lube and working it through and it has been fine so far. |
