Thoughts on a Couple Issues

[Tdubb]

Well I took my 2008 EFI Mastiff out for its first real ride today. I knew about a couple issues, but found out a new one. So I'm looking for thoughts on my analysis of the issues.

1. The bike ticks a lot compared to my Harley experience. I understand that it's pretty normal for an S & S, but maybe it needs the pushrods adjusted.

2. At certain rpm's under moderate to hard acceleration I hear a vibration/rattling in the same area I hear the ticking from the engine. Infamous vent tube or push rods out of adjustment or????

3. Here's the new issue. I really let him loose today and gunned it. After I let off the gas I got backfiring. This only happened when I went full throttle and got into it and then let off the throttle. I didn't investigate by trying other things. The standard answer is running too lean or exhaust leak. Its stock except for V & H big radius 2 into 1. Thoughts?

 

[MN K9]

1. Our Dogs tick more than Harleys.

2. Maybe.

3. Decel pop (backfire) can sometimes be tuned out, but pretty much normal. I kinda like the blue flame out of the exhaust at night.

 

[Srodden]

1. Our Dogs tick more than Harleys.

2. Maybe.

3. Decel pop (backfire) can sometimes be tuned out, but pretty much normal. I kinda like the blue flame out of the exhaust at night.

:iagree:

 

[BWG56]

1. Our Dogs tick more than Harleys.

2. Maybe.

3. Decel pop (backfire) can sometimes be tuned out, but pretty much normal. I kinda like the blue flame out of the exhaust at night.

2. lugging the motor, valve rattle

 

[BigDogBro1]

I normally cruise and ride in low gears above 2000 rpm and try to keep it closer to 2500.

DON'T LUG THESE ENGINES!

These engines like to run near 2500rpm than 2000. Better oil flow and less wear and tear on the drivetrain components.

Your EFI engine is not tunable but it does have a learning mode that will adjust for minor engine mods and environmental changes. Your V&H 2 into 1 may get some popping like you say on occassion.

When I was living out in Scottsdale AZ near Mr. Breeze he had a 2009 or 10? EFI Pitbull with a V&H 2 into 1 pipe and I recall it have some minor popping on occassion as well. No biggie though.

Vibration:
Check your all and those upper engine/coil cover mounts bolts.
The valve lifters I'm sure are hydraulic and if properly adjusted should be fairly quiet at idle or speed. If they are reasonably quiet at idle then your rattle is possibly from another source.

 

[Tdubb]

2. lugging the motor, valve rattle

Definitely not lugging. It happens under moderate to heavy acceleration at about 3500-4500 rpm. I'm very familiar with the lugging phenomenon (I've owned 2 Harley's and 2 Honda V-twins ).

 

[08mastiff]

Just for your information I have an 08 Mastiff EFI as well. Mine has V-H 2-2 and a dual runner intake. That's about as far as you can go with the computer self tuning with no other modifications. I really don't get any backfiring but the occasional decel pop at high rpm's. Check to see if your pipes still have the baffles in them. When I took mine out a while back it sounded like crap with backfiring. Bike needs some back pressure.

 

[Svahna]

Plz forgive a poor Swede, but what does lugging mean?

Thanks> Jim

 

[liferider]

With my 2003 chopper running Martin Brother Madussa's I get big time popping when I let off the throttle and BIG blue flames at night! Friend was riding to my right and slightly back. WRONG PLACE TO BE AROUND THIS CHOPPER! He said it has to be the loudest damn thing on 2 wheels and was supprised I was not marking cars with the blue flames in the next lane.

 

[STRYKER]

And like Jim, Please for give me, but the blue flame, is this normal or do I have to do something to get it. Thank you.

 

[Blackie]

Plz forgive a poor Swede, but what does lugging mean?

Thanks> Jim

Lugging is letting your engine fall below the proper RPM's compatible to the speed you are traveling at. Or is it going down a mountain on a sled!!! No, that is LUGEing!! Just a little humor.

 

[MN K9]

And like Jim, Please for give me, but the blue flame, is this normal or do I have to do something to get it. Thank you.

The blue flame is just some unburnt gas lighting in the exhaust pipes on decel. It's not really desired, just looks cool.

 

[Tdubb]

Definitely not lugging. It happens under moderate to heavy acceleration at about 3500-4500 rpm. I'm very familiar with the lugging phenomenon (I've owned 2 Harley's and 2 Honda V-twins ).

Well it's confirmed. The vibration/rattling I get under moderate to heavy acceleration is not the engine. Sounds like coming from the tank or underneath the tank.