Hey Guys,

Went for about a 160 mile ride today and came back and checked my plugs because I have been tuning with the sert. I took a mag-lite and looked down in the cylinder head. My piston is super clean around the outside, but right in the middle about the size of a quarter is some black, almost like carbon build up. Is that normal?

The plugs look good. This is my 08 883 with 650 miles on it.

Thanks

Jason

 

bump, anyone>?

 

It's normal, but not desirable...a good way to get it out is to use Sea Foam in your next full tank and continue doing so once a month regularly. Flushes all the crap outta your heads. You may want to use 91 or better if you're not already. We have a couple places here to get 103 and 109 octane gas...it's AWESOME.

 

well bobber,

That is the thing, I have always run 100% SHELL gasoline in it and always the premium octane. With this low of miles makes me wonder a bit, if I am too rich or too lean.

 

try a bit more wrist on the next few rides. sportsters like to wind up more than the big twins do, They hate to be lugging.

 

+1...if you're too easy on em they get pissy with you.

 

If there wasnt some carbon build up the I would be worried as running too lean the tops would be clean as a whistle.
Dont worry about it just give it a bit of throtle next run.

BTW do you take a torch and look up somewhere else after a big feed ???? residue has to sit somewhere.

 

Is it almost like carbon build up.... or is it a hole being burned in your pistion?

What does your exhaust pipes look like?

Do you idle higher/lower after tuning your sert...

You said you plugs looks good... what do they look like (color)...

All the things like this is important as to what direction (rich/lean) you're actually going...

Charlie D.

 

You might be looking too far into this. If the bike is running right, has good response and pull and, the plugs are clean, the exhaust is not sooty or, they are not glowing or, showing signs of being too hot,then you're probably good to go.

 

It's normal and you don't need SEA-FOAM. Just ride it and stop micro-managing it. If you really want your SERT to perform properly then take it to the dealer and have it dyno tuned.