| Author | Message | ||
     Flick |
I pulled the spark plugs on the 9S this weekend (10,000 mile inspection), and noticed that the rear plug has what the service manual describes as "glass-like" deposits on the core, which indicates a running hot condition. Both front and rear plugs were a very light grey colour. I replaced these with new plugs. I thought the ECM could be programmed to richen or lean out each cylinder for just such occurences, but my dealer claims not to know anything about this (?). He claims the Buells run colder plugs to alleviate this problem, but obviously, in my case the problem is not going away. I do commute to work every day and can get caught up in heavy traffic congestion (i.e. idling for short periods), so I'm hoping this condition can be rectified before I fry the rear cylinder! Can this condition be cured? Or is the service tech correct and no "re-programming" of the ECM is possible? I recall another Buell owner here in Edmonton having a "Super Tune" done when he had his race pipe/kit installed (?), which would infer some programming is possible? | ||
| Henrik |
No programming is possible - you may be thinking of the "Open Loop - Closed Loop" built into the engine management system. The Super Tune may just have been a TPS reset, which is necessary when you install an ECM, that has not been installed on and set for your bike yet. Just for peace of mind, check your intake seals. With the bike idling, spray water mist or WD40 in around the intake seals. If the idle changes, you have a leak and should replace the seals. I'm sure others more well versed in all things XB will chime in as well. Henrik | ||
| M1combat |
The XB will adjust itself to attain the proper A/F mixture but the "weakness" is that it adjusts based upon one O2 sensor and one temperature sensor. It tunes both cylinders to the same setting. This should cause a teency bit of a lean condition at the rear cyl and a teency bit of a rick condition at the front based on the fact that the rear cyl runs a tad warmer. Personally, I doubt you will fry the rear cyl but I would perform the test described by Henrik just to be sure there isn't a leak. I would check the front as well though. | ||
| Roc |
Reading spark plug performance http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/spkplghnbook.htm Can you post a picture of your plugs? I just think you should be sure you have a problem before you spend time and money. How often does your cooling fan come on? | ||
| Flick |
Roc, thanks for the link...after looking at the image of the "overheated" plug, I'm guessing I may not have much to worry about (?). I did use a magnifying glass (as suggested) to read the plugs, and although there are minute "glass-like" deposits on the rear plug, they are in no way as obvious as those pictured on the link (although that image could be an extreme condition?). My cooling fan always comes on briefly (low speed) after parking the bike, but rarely in stop-and-go traffic, unless its a very hot day (i.e. +30C). Pictures of the plugs...I'll see if I can get a detailed enough shot and post if feasible. Henrik, thanks for the advice...I'll perform the intake seal check just in case. | ||
| Ingemar |
Would it help the rear cylinder to use a cooler plug in there? | ||
| Slowby |
you can change the afv with the digital tech to richen or lean out the bike to see if rich runs better, like you may have a intake leak! but the numbers dont stay. and when you ride it, it recalibrates the afv all the time. i would check the timing to be sure. what's the guy on the line got 30 sec's to time it? and did they check these such well preped bikes at set up? they come ready to run most every tine straight from the factory.hat's off to the factory. just double check human rush or error. |
