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Buell Forum » Knowledge Vault (tech, parts, apparel, & accessories topics) » Troubleshooting (Poor Starting/Running/Handling/Ride Issues) » Archive through February 28, 2007 » Running rough « Previous Next »

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Edmbueller
Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 11:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi folks;
I picked up a brand new '04 XB12S 2 weeks ago just past 1600kms service. Bike still running extremely rough under 3000RPM bike does not want to stay at one constant speed. When I hold the throttle at a fixed point, the bike will "chunk" and speed will fluctuate. Above 3000 runs like a dream. Only causes a problem during rush hour where I have to travel at 30-40 kph (15-25mph?).
Dealer installed race kit at 0 mileage. The dealer blames the issues on the race kit. I have the stock parts, but LOVE the look and sound of the race exhaust.

Also, after the bike warms up it seems to take several seconds for the engine to wind down to idle speeds if I pull in the clutch (coasting to a red light for example) Tach drops "normally" to 2000 RPM then sits there and then slowly drops to the idle speed (1100)

Any suggestions? Or is the dealer correct and I just have to live with it?
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Ceejay
Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 03:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I am not sure cause I have a tuber but I seriously doubt that the dealer is right, it shouldn't run that way and is probably something small like needing the TPS reset correctly
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Madsx
Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 03:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have heard of rpm hanging @ 2K if the idle is set too high. 1100 seems to be in range though. Could try to bump it down to 1050.
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Mikej
Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 03:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

On my M2 I rarely run it below 3,000rpms.
On the S2 I can run it down to 2,500 or so mainly due to the heavy flywheels (and all the other differences). In heavy traffic, where speeds are below 25mph, I'm using the clutch constantly.

There may be some issues to work out, but I'll have to let one of the XB peeps speak up on that since both my bikes have carbs. But my gut is telling me if it runs fine over 3,000rpm then it may be okay.
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Dagwood
Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 02:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'd bet that the stealership didn't reset the TPS properly.
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Fullpower
Posted on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 08:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

you may have a defective race ecm. i had one once, it ran like crap below 3000.

(Message edited by fullpower on September 19, 2005)
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Dana P.
Posted on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 08:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Try getting the bike good and warmed up and lower the idle by about 50.Mine will idle high if I don't adjust it right when its good and HOT!! Its funny how picky they are.
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Spyder12s
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 08:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I am also having these same issues !! bring idle down when its good and "hot" then it stumbles to the point of almost dyeing ....and it stumbles at and constant throttle ....any Ideas anyone
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Buellin_ri
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 09:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Temp sensors. Check the temp sensor the one on the rear head and the intake temp sensor.
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Dagwood
Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 05:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My SX has been having issues for the last two weeks. Running really rough, sputtering, idling low when I come to a light, nearly stalling out, etc. The TPS was reset by the dealer at my last service interval. I have a D&D, cut airbox, Race ECM, breather hoses routed to a catch can. I had the bike dynoed during a promotional event at a local dealership about a month and a half ago. The A/F ratio was all over the place. I'm reluctant to get a piggy back system (TFI or PCIII) due to the impending release of the tuning tool everyone is talking about.

Does anyone have any idea what could cause the bike to run so horribly? Spark plugs, wires, sensors, etc.??

Please check my profile for all of the modifications that I have made to the bike...it is current.

Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! THX.
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Henrik
Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 09:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Maybe another TPS reset would be in order?
Set the idle?

Henrik
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Reepicheep
Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 10:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Check to see if the wire bundle going to the ECM is routed correctly where it goes by the battery terminals, if it rests on a sharp edge it can get an almost invisible cut that randomly and sporadically shorts one ECM lead.
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Blake
Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 10:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Try setting the idle?
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Henrik
Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 09:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Alright - adjust idle then.

Henrik
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Dagwood
Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 12:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

NICE...help from the BIG GUNS on the board!! I'm waiting for word from Chandler HD. Idle was hot set to 1000 rpm. My only guess right now is possibly a bad temp sensor or O2 sensor. I will mention the ECM wires to the tech. Thanks alot guys! I'll let you know the verdict soon.
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Fullpower
Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 12:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

dag: either you mis-typed, or your idle is set wrong. try 1100 rpm, it is rather a critical setting. 1000 revolutions wont work right..... it is not a harley. this has naught to do with your A/F ratio problem, which could be caused by a number of things including intake manifold seals. also possible that the dyno operator did not have the sniffer stuffed far enough up the pipe, or a pinhole leak or loose fitting on the sniffer hose, or even an exhaust header gasket leaking or cracked. O2 sensor is not operational at full throttle, so should not bother the dyno curves.
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Fullpower
Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 12:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

it is also possible that they failed to reset your tps properly. if they can't set your idle, then the competence level can be called into question.
but try setting the idle speed first, the symptoms you describe can be consistently duplicated on an otherwise smooth running XB by just setting the idle too low.
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Fullpower
Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 12:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

temp sensor is pretty easy to check out if you have a decent ohmmeter, and a service manual. a temperature vs. resistance table is given, you can make a resistance check at room temp, and then check it a couple times as engine warms up, track the resistance change, compare to chart. no point in random parts replacement. if that becomes the standard procedure at your dealership, then take your bike home immediately.
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Dagwood
Posted on Saturday, October 01, 2005 - 01:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Alright, here goes...

After four days and numerous phone calls to the dealership, I have my bike back at home. The service writer says that the tech (not a Buell Tech) replaced the Engine Temp Sensor and spark plugs, performed a fuel system compression test, reset the TPS, and set the idle. Of course, being a Harley tech it was set at 900 RPM. It was ten minutes to closing when I arrived to bring my baby home, so the level of explanation was minimal. I didn't care. I couldn't stand not having my bike in my garage for one more day. Once home I reset the idle to 1100 RPM.

The bike runs exactly the same as before I took it in. Misfiring under load, almost dying at intersections, etc.

Do you guys think that wrapped headers could cause a cylinder to overheat?

I'm fresh out of ideas and it looks like I'll be missing a really fun BRAG club rise tomorrow because of this. BUMMER!!
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Reepicheep
Posted on Saturday, October 01, 2005 - 05:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Don't go back to that shop, at least not without a good heart to heart first.
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Eor
Posted on Saturday, October 01, 2005 - 07:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

One word.....

Timing

Have it checked. Sounds like the symptoms I experienced with the Ulysses, although it is stock.

Smoothed the engine out at lower RPMS.
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Dagwood
Posted on Monday, October 03, 2005 - 07:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Update:

It appears that coil and wires were fried. The dealer has a coil and one wire in stock. They say that no one else in the state has another wire and that they've called everywhere. Tomorrow will be one week, minus the night I took her home in frustration that the bike has been in the shop for this. How much is this wire and do you think I could get Dave to overnight it to me? I know that it is covered under warranty and that the dealer should pay for it, but I NEED to have my bike back...it's my only transportation. RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!
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Dagwood
Posted on Tuesday, October 04, 2005 - 11:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Update Part 2:

I got a call from the dealership this afternoon saying that they got a wrecked XB in and they pulled the necessary wire off of it to put in my bike. I could hardly believe it! I got my bike back and took the long way home.

Has anyone ever heard of an ignition coil melting? What would cause this and is there anything I should be doing to stop this from happening again?
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Jackbequick
Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2005 - 01:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

A short in the windings (it has primary and secondary windings) could cause the overheating/meltdown thing. That would seem to also cause a high current drawn and a fuse or breaker going but maybe not.

I think its simple bad luck, not anything you could have prevented.

Jack
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Chefa
Posted on Thursday, November 03, 2005 - 11:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I own a 2005 xb12scg with 1,440 miles. It's backfiring alot and bogging down when it's not backfiring. Took it to the dealership 200 miles away in north Miami (I live in Key West) they say nothing is wrong, and it didn't backfire once for them. They said to let it warm up for 3-5 minutes. Put it back in the truck, drove back---and I still have the same problem. Called them up, explained the situation and I'm going to take it back in a couple of days to leave it there until they can find the problem. Everything was fine before my 1,000 mile checkup. Is the bike running too lean with the oil&EFI? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Blake
Posted on Thursday, November 03, 2005 - 11:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Possible bad TPS reset.
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Dagwood
Posted on Friday, November 04, 2005 - 05:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Chefa,
It's a stock bike, right? No mods to the exhaust, ECM, etc. What's your idle set at?
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Chefa
Posted on Friday, November 04, 2005 - 11:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Dagwood,
It's a stock bike but I have the Pro Series Race Kit for XB models. I went to check the idle earlier today and my bike won't start. I plan on driving up to Miami on Monday and dropping it off.
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Chefa
Posted on Saturday, November 05, 2005 - 01:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Dagwood, got it started. The idle is 900 and it still doesn't sound good.
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Fullpower
Posted on Saturday, November 05, 2005 - 02:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

try adjusting the idle up to about 1100. they start and run better with the idle set correctly. there is a fair chance that your spark plugs may have become carboned up from the attempted low rpm starts. tyhe ecm does what it can to try to get the engine running, but all it can do is add fuel, it is incapable of opening the throttle. a too low idle setting will really mess with the EFI.
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Buellistic
Posted on Saturday, November 05, 2005 - 04:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"ONE OF THE MOST DAGGEROUS THINGS IN THE WORLD IS A HARLEY-DAVIDSON TECHNICIAN WORKING ON A BUELL !!!"

In BUELLing
LaFayette
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Chefa
Posted on Sunday, November 06, 2005 - 12:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Fullpower, thankyou for your response. I appreciate it.
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Chefa
Posted on Sunday, November 06, 2005 - 12:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Buellistic, I hear you.
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Dagwood
Posted on Tuesday, November 08, 2005 - 10:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ditto. Should be a law against it.
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Chefa
Posted on Friday, November 11, 2005 - 11:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm up and running again. I had a torn wire by the ignition coil. Dealership fixed it super quick-no charge. They were professional, courteous, helpful, and nice. Blew me away.
Happy to be back on the road. Thanks for the postings.
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Buelldyno_guy
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 12:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Almost everybody posting here has most of the major causes outlined. I have a couple other that could go in the list.

New bikes that never run right. ... After the suggestion listed above such as TPS, AFV, and idle speed check that the injector wires are correct. Yes there is a F&R .

New Bike poor running at delivery (which should get caught) Sometimes dealers sales staff will start and ride bikes in or out of the building each day. Buells need to get hot approx. 285deg to get out of the warm-up fuel mode. This, if repeated each day will foul the plugs.

My final one is XBs with the old style fuel pump. Anytime they get low on fuel it will drive up the AFV, because the pump cavatates, the fuel pressure drops and the ECM sees the lean condition and drives the AFV as high as 150% . As soon as you get gas and start it, it can foul the plugs . ... These are just a few others we have seen. ... Terry
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