Front End Ticking Noise --08 FXSTC : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

harley_nova · 07-21-2009, 08:15 PM

Hi, I am new to this forum, so be gentle with me. lol

Lately I have been having ticking noises coming from the front end of the bike when I honk on the throttle in 4th, 5th & 6th gears.
When the throttle opens up, I hear tick tick then it goes away. Almost a tinny sound.
It only happens when the bike is hot.

Does anyone have any suggestions about what this could be?

Thanks,

twilliams · 07-21-2009, 08:39 PM

sounds like maybe its pinging, what octane fuel you run in nova scotia?

harley_nova · 07-22-2009, 05:30 AM

Hey tw, Yeah, I guess you could say it is a ping. Come to think of it, it does sound more like a ping.
We only have 91 Octane here. I stopped at Shell the other day to see if they had 93 or higher and they don't.
Any suggestions to get rid of the pinging?

Thanks

rbabos · 07-22-2009, 07:51 AM

Having the same bike but 07 I used to get that with the stock ecm. Ticking sound from what appeared to be the front cylinder. I think ,looking back it was likely from light detonation. Just enough to kick the knock sensing in, but not pull enough timing to stop it completely. Since that I've run the Tmax ecm and have tuned it out with timing and mixture. 91 octain is what I use because going to the higher octain fuels here generally contain about 15% ethenol. Sunoco is the worst. Now ethenol is not in itself bad but the stock ecm cannot compensate for this since the more ethenol in the fuel, the more fuel needs to be delivered to keep from running lean. Lean brings on detonation sooner. Add heat to the situation and it gets uncontollable. Two things that will help you are a fuel managment system like PC will richen the mixture and a good oil cooler to drop the head temps. It will be a completely different engine after that. If I was forced to go back to stock tune on this bike, I would be getting rid of the damn thing . That's how much different it is now.
Ron

harley_nova · 07-22-2009, 10:04 AM

I know, I NEED a fuel management system. I have been eyeing up the SE Pro Super Tuner, but the dang thing aint cheap. I like the idea of not having anything always plugged. But I have heard lots of good things about the PC. Probably will end up getting a PC and getting it dynoed and see what happens.
I never thought of an oil cooler. She does get hot. Hotter then normal, I don't know.
I had my Rush 2" on and the thing ran like sh*t, so I took them off and put my stockers back on. Running better, but now I have the pinging. I feel like I may have confused the stock ECM and thats why I am now having problems.

Would it be bad to leave it for the season and get it looked after in the Spring before the season starts?

Thanks Ron

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbabos

Having the same bike but 07 I used to get that with the stock ecm. Ticking sound from what appeared to be the front cylinder. I think ,looking back it was likely from light detonation. Just enough to kick the knock sensing in, but not pull enough timing to stop it completely. Since that I've run the Tmax ecm and have tuned it out with timing and mixture. 91 octain is what I use because going to the higher octain fuels here generally contain about 15% ethenol. Sunoco is the worst. Now ethenol is not in itself bad but the stock ecm cannot compensate for this since the more ethenol in the fuel, the more fuel needs to be delivered to keep from running lean. Lean brings on detonation sooner. Add heat to the situation and it gets uncontollable. Two things that will help you are a fuel managment system like PC will richen the mixture and a good oil cooler to drop the head temps. It will be a completely different engine after that. If I was forced to go back to stock tune on this bike, I would be getting rid of the damn thing . That's how much different it is now.
Ron

rbabos · 07-22-2009, 11:59 AM

Heat and especially pinging will shorten the life of the engine. I would try and get the fuel management as soon as you can. Oil cooler won't be needed if you get the afrs right. Stock ,the oil ran around 250 + in the summer. Now 210 is the norm. Hot summer weather generally brings on pinging which could be your case, but when mine was stock it never did ping no matter how hot and how much load was on it. Makes me suspect whether the MAP sensor is faulty, since it's job is to pull timing and prevent ping as engine loads increase. I think by now you've ruled out any intake leaks at the heads and any sensors on the tb? This might have an effect on how the MAP behaves, or it has a limit of function and you have so much heat it is beyond it's ability reduce the timing enough. It's best to rule out any existing flaws first before adding a fuel management since it may not function well either.
Ron

harley_nova · 07-22-2009, 01:37 PM

Thanks Ron, Honestly, I am no wrench. I wouldn't know an exhaust it slapped me in the face.
What should I be looking for? What a sure-fire way to know if I have one?
Maybe I will take it to the dealer and see what they have to say. That sort of thing should still be on warranty. I don't have much faith in the NS dealer here. Yes, there is only 1.
Will have to drive to Moncton for this one I think.

rbabos · 07-22-2009, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley_nova

Thanks Ron, Honestly, I am no wrench. I wouldn't know an exhaust it slapped me in the face.
What should I be looking for? What a sure-fire way to know if I have one?
Maybe I will take it to the dealer and see what they have to say. That sort of thing should still be on warranty. I don't have much faith in the NS dealer here. Yes, there is only 1.
Will have to drive to Moncton for this one I think.

As far as I'm concerned dealers blow, unless you want to buy something. Gotta be at least one old blue noser that rides a harley with mechanical knowhow out there. I use the standard torch propane bottle with a 2' hose on it. With engine idling turn the propane on just enough to get good flow and point the end of the hose at all intake connections and all sensor connections in the throttle body. Move slowly and deliberately. If you come accross some area the speeds the engine up, bingo you found a leak.
Ron

twilliams · 07-22-2009, 09:44 PM

Have to agree with Ron on the Dealers blowing, if you do take it too them then you need to be prepared for the classic "they all do that" or "everything is within spec" blah blah blah.

As for Fuel management, I would also suggest you look into the TTS master tune. I have had a TMAX and a PCIII and by far have had the best results with the TTS.....not saying the others are bad but just my experience.