| Author | Message | ||
     Swampy |
Just take the old jets with you to what ever shop you go to, to match them up. If you take the vacuum diaphragm cover off you will have to work the diaphragm back into the groove where it belongs, it takes practice and patience. Has anyone done the vacuum port modification? There is a website listing that you enlarge the vacuum hole to 1/8 inch. I don't know what it is stock. Has anyone done this before? http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/hd_cv_mods.htm | ||
| Rick_a |
A friend of mine just had his Blast take a big crap. It started pinging badly hard on the throttle and ended up destroying the piston. He thinks it may be the TPS. How do you test/reset that thing without a scanalyzer or breakout box? | ||
| Mmelvis |
The blast does not have a TPS reset like the XB's. The TPS is more for the automatic choke. Testing is done with a voltage meter, the procedure is outlined in the manual that can be found on line. If I am incorrect in my information anyone please let me know. Have a great day | ||
| Jprovo |
MMelvis is right, The TPS is manually set. The TPS also works with the ignition module to set the timing advance, like the vacuum switch on earlier HD product. I'd check it out, but first check out the intake boot for damage and cracking to se if some extra air is sneaking in a causing excesive leanness. For more on the TPS see the service bulletin on this page. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/20164/6811.html?1097975159 James | ||
| Rick_a |
Thanks guys. | ||
| Joshuasanders |
O.K. guys . . . I'm back (see previous posts this section, 20 posts up). I took the bike to the dealership and their solution was: adjust the carb (and that is all that they did). Now, the bike no longer has the idling/stalling issue. However, now I feel like I have to crank on the throttle to get into first or the bike locks up and stalls. I go from start to about 15-20 mph as a result, with a loud whine in the process (I sound like a novice). Also, the hesitate/surge issue remains as strong as ever in the midrange or when cruising (but only after the bike warms up). Also, gas mileage is about 70 miles PER TANK. Yup, from fill up to reserve switch is almost exactly at 70 miles. Finally, the bike has been sucking oil (almost 400 miles on bike and have added two quarts of oil - live in North Jersey). Also, I seem to really have to work the bike to get to 55 mph - cannot imagine a top speed of 90-95 - does something magic happen after the break-in period? Usual riding consists of me (120 lbs and wife 145 lbs) on North Jersey roads. Finally, last time riding bike stalled for no reason. After the stall, start-up was like starting a bike that recently went to reserve. Nothing obvious wrong with bike (over 1/2 tank of gas and breather hose was fine). Really finally, at conclusion of last trip, bike was smoking somewhat from engine (oil level was about 1/2way between the points on the dipstick). Could not identify actual source of smoke, but dissipated quickly. After bike cooled off, let it idle for a little while (and rode it once around the block) - no more smoke. Bike is scheduled to go back to dealer ASAP. Any thoughts (particular as to whether bike is safe to ride to dealer)? Sorry for the REALLY long post and large number of issues presented. Unfortunately, I am starting to not like the bike anymore (and I REALLY loved it at first). Is my bike a problem child with no hope or is there hope? I must say that I am not extremely impressed with the dealer's previous solution (i.e., only a carb adjust and they said the oil leak was normal and not to worry). HELP! JDS (Message edited by joshuasanders on June 06, 2005) | ||
| Ezblast |
First - replace the boot - it is suspect, a cheap part, and it will give you peace of mind to be able to figure the rest out. All they did was adjust the air mixture screw outwards - usually not needed on a stocker but 2 1/2 turns out from light bottom is the ideal. Second - your primary is too tight - explains a lot of the rest - see our specifics and procedures sections in the TKV and several different ways to do it right. Third - sounds like a valve guide going - have them check before further damage can occur. GT - JBOTDS! EZ  | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Concur with EZ. Your bike is not okay. Perhaps,let the dealer make the choice to ride it there or have them pick it up. Get it in writing. The Blast will do 80mph and get there with the 2 of you on it no problem. Unfortunately some dealers look at the Blast with 1 cylinder and assume it to be slow. I know there are other dealers in NJ but I dont know where Harrison is. Remember 'how can the dealer expect you to buy a $17,000 Harley from them, if they cant get a little 500cc motorcycle to run right?' The Blast will take a beating and still not suffer the kinds of problems you are having. (Message edited by gearheaderiko on June 08, 2005) (Message edited by gearheaderiko on June 08, 2005) | ||
| Joshuasanders |
Guys & Gals, Thanks for the ideas . . . I shared them with the service department (gotta love a warranty). However, on the way to the dealer, my wife (who was following me) noticed puffs of white smoke from the exhaust pipe on a regular basis after about 15-20 minutes of riding . . . then, after a while, a more consistent stream of white smoke came from the pipe. Upon arrival at the dealership, I checked the oil (there was enough oil, dead between the bars on the dipstick - just changed out the oil two days prior b/c old oil was very gritty and added an exact 1 3/4 which was just below the top bar), however, it was also smoking from the entrance area to the dipstick (yeah, how about that for a technical vocabulary!). Moreover, it looked like there was some seepage from the bottom of the cylinder head. Finally, in conjunction with the extended litany of problems the bike is having, when I mentioned that I was getting about 70 miles per tank . . . he did not find that weird (by the way, weird is one of the only words in the English language that does NOT follow the old primary school rule of "I before E except after C, etc.). Moreover, he was astounded when I mentioned that, according to the Blast literature, the bike should be getting an average gas mileage of about 70 miles per gallon. He didn't seem to believe me. I am a little nervous. Any other ideas to pass on? Thanks for all of your help. It is invaluable to restoring my confidence in my Blast . . . a confidence that is waning more and more . . . I am really starting to not like or trust the bike. JDS P.S. Gearheaderiko, thanks for the "writing" suggestion. | ||
| Ezblast |
Yes - definately sounds like a guide going south - have them check it out! GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Joshuasanders |
Thanks. I will pass that on to the dealership. This is the mecca of motorcycle knowledge! JDS | ||
| Sarodude |
Uh, besides any mechanical problems, do two things: 1) Make sure you're not dragging the rear brake. 2) Find another dealer. 70 miles / tank on a Blast!?!?!?!? That should raise red flags. -Saro | ||
| Ezblast |
Concur | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Concur also with saro. I dont blame you for getting 'soured' on the Blast and probably on any other Buell/HD product. I dont think Kosco has been around that long and you are not that far from 3 or 4 other Buell dealers (if they still sell Buells). I know Bergen HD has been around awhile. I think I would start calling around to other dealers (and Buell customer service)and see if they can help you.It does sound like a cracked head/valve guide.They obviously havent even read the specs if they dont believe the Blast will get 70 mpg (it will,70 hwy, 50+ city). PS The sad reality is that (the people who work at)HD dealers have long viewed the Sportster as a second class motorcycle. That attitude then went on to Buells (Sportster based sportbikes) and got even worse when the Blast came out (half a Sportster). Though HD has tried to make them realize that a Sportster/Blast rider is a potential 'Big Twin' buyer, many still have an attitude. There are good dealers out there though, but it may already be too late. | ||
| Ezblast |
Concur | ||
| Joshuasanders |
Well, I called the dealer today to check up on my sick child. After having my bike in the infirmary for eight days, they haven't even looked at it yet. I was told to call back tomorrow and see if they have had a chance to look at it. The Dealer had the bike for about a week the first time that is was in (where they only adjusted the carb and sent me on my way). My fear is that they are not sure what to do with the bike (based upon the service manager's comments vis-a-vis the gas mileage). However, I feel as if I am at their mercy since they currently have custody and control of the machine. I am unsure of how they (and include the corporate they in that they) would react (warranty-wise) if I were to take the bike out of one dealership and take it to another for service. I am confident that corporate would view all dealerships as the same for repair purposes. Moreover, as of today, it is not that they have failed to diagnose the problem, rather they have simply failed to examine the bike. Further, in relation to switching dealerships at this point, their is a procedural issue. I am assuming that I would have to tow it based upon the reported problems. Thus, for now, I would guess that it will have to stay where it is, at least until they say that they have fixed it. Then, I can take it with a clear conscience (and less angst and bad feelings all around) to another dealership if necessary. I still haven't given up on the bike, yet. I need for it to be fixed, to have the problem explained to me, and to notice the lack of a problem while riding it to start rebuilding my confidence in the bike. I know it will take a little while, but there is still hope. Analagously, if this were a relationship, we would be taking a step back, but there would still be two toothbrushes in the bathroom. Thanks for the sage advice. I will keep everyone in the loop and also let you know what the final determination is. [The first time I tried this message, it didn't seem to post (Some glitch with IE I think). However, if it did post and this is a duplicate, I apologize.] | ||
| Ezblast |
I sugest taking it to another dealership, or having that other dealership pick up the bike - they are taking way too long. GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Mmelvis |
Joshuasanders, if your are a BRAG member use your free tow to get it to another dealer, just get it away from the current dealer. Contact Buell customer service and explain the issue you are having with your bike and the dealer. If they have not looked at the bike they can charge you anything. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
PS Liberty Buell (in Rahway NJ)is now a sponsor on Badweb. It might help to call them, mention Badweb and see what they say. (Message edited by gearheaderiko on June 20, 2005) | ||
| Naustin |
I took my Blast into my local dealer to have the new rear tire installed and rejetted - it was done the next day, and I didn't make an appointment or anything. They don't mess around, and they think my little blast is pretty cool and I'll probably buy a bigger bike from them someday. Maybe an Electraglide. I'll get a trailer for it, and tow my blast along with me so I can have fun when I get where ever I'm going with it. Josh - Most dealers offer free pick-up and have a truck and trailer for such purposes. Have another dealer pick it up from the 1st one if you aren't important enough to be treated with respect... 8 days and they didn't even look at it?! | ||
| Joshuasanders |
Friends, Romans, Fellow Buelligans, Here is the 411 on my Blast . . . I received a phone call from the owner of the dealership apologizing for the inexcusable lack of professionalism and courtesy exhibited by his service department. He requested that I allow him and his dealership the opportunity to make it up to me and I was told that I would be contacted by the service manager regarding the bike in short order. I feel a little better about the dealership after that conversation. Yet, here is where it gets a little . . . "hinky." Not ten minutes after hanging up with the owner, I received an immediate apology call followed, approximately three hours later, by a diagnosis call. Here is their final diagnosis: The lack of fuel mileage, hesitation/surging, oil usage, random stalling, and smoke from the exhaust are the result of an improperly gapped spark plug?!?!?!?!?!?. I was informed that the plug was gapped at 15 when it was supposed to be gapped at 40. A contributing factor to all of the above was a failure in the main gasket. I was not told how/why a main gasket would fail. This part was not in stock, so I will have to wait ANOTHER week to get the bike back. I am told that I will have the bike back late next week. That being said . . . 1. As mechanically illiterate as I am (not brain dead, but neither a guru), is it possible/probable/plausible that all of the aforementioned issues may be predicated solely upon an improperly gapped spark plug? 1.5. Are there any collateral issues that may present when riding a motorcycle with an improperly gapped spark plug for over 400 miles? 2. How/why would a main gasket fail? 3. If and when a main gasket has failed, are there any other ancillary issues to be concerned with, i.e., potential damage to other parts of the engine (I do not have a shop manual and, thus, cannot determine which gasket - I am thinking that it is similar to a head gasket?)? 4. The bike at present is 100% stock. Are there any modifications that I should consider asking the dealer to make while the main gasket is being replaced? Again, as I do not have a manual, I am not sure how much of the bike must be ripped apart to replace this part. 4.75. I just have this gut feeling that my concerns regarding the primary chain are being ignored/not considered. For example, it is my understanding that the shop manual is incorrect as to the proper setting of the primary and the dealer may be relying upon that misinformation to determine that that is not an issue. 5. Any wise words? Please allow me to thank you for all of yer support on this issue. I hope to get my bike back and start liking it again. And again, a continuing apology for the long posts . . . JDS | ||
| Joshuasanders |
I forgot to ask one final query . . . should the improperly gapped spark plug be replaced or should it simply be gapped properly? I have not seen whether or not it is obviously fouled upon visual inspection. Thanks! And, by the way, I believe this to be my shortest post EVER! JDS | ||
| Ezblast |
Replace it - lol GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Joshuasanders |
The bike or the spark plug . . . lol. Seriously, could a spark plug really do all that? | ||
| Swampy |
Josh, What Main Gasket? Head gasket? Primary gasket? Cam cover gasket? Carb gasket? Rocker gasket? Main seal? Crank seal? | ||
| Ezblast |
Bet head gasket? GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Joshuasanders |
I don't know which gasket (forgot to ask for clarification). I will find out when I get the bike back, whenever the unknown gasket has been replaced that is. Still curious as to whether the spark plug could really be the main culprit . . . (Message edited by joshuasanders on June 21, 2005) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
It is possible/plausable for all to be caused by an improperly gaped spark plug, but unlikely if it ever ran right when you got it. Curious to know which gasket. To clarify what EZ said, I think we all would have them replace the plug, but it is perfectly acceptable to re-gap and re-install the old plug (unless its damaged). PS At least they know they've screwed up on customer service.Couldnt hurt to hint for a few 'perks' to keep you satisfied. Free detail, shirt, oil, hat, oil filter,etc. IE: "My bikes not gonna be filthy when I get it back from sitting in your shop so long?" | ||
| Naustin |
Sounds to me like somebody at that shop hangs out on the badweb.  So long as it is all warranty work, give them the benefit of the doubt. If it is fixed when you get it back, then it's all cool. I've never had any problems with my primary chain, and my dealer has done all the adjustments on it. Like I said, let them do their thing. Once the owner gets involved, you can bet the service tech isn't going to let that bike out of his sight until he's damn sure it is running perfectly. I agree with gearhead on that complimentary hat, too... Good luck. Sounds like it will be taken care of though. | ||
| Joshuasanders |
The plot thickens . . . the dealer called me yesterday . . . It was the head gasket. However, upon taking the engine apart, they realized that the piston was fouled . . . the service manager told me that the piston was "pitted" and that they had never seen anything like it. They are going to replace the piston. The service manager believes that all of these problems stem from the factory's failure to properly tighten the bolts on the head. As a result, I am in negotiations with the dealership regarding extended warranties . . . Any thoughts from the board? |
