Why is my 916 SP3 running rough? - Ducati.ms

badass916sp · Jan 4th, 2010, 9:50 pm

At 180kph on the highway with a very strong headwind, the power cut out on the engine of my 1996 916 SP3. It stalled and I slowed to 100kph and tried to pop start it on the road shoulder. It wouldn’t. I waited for a minute and tried the starter. It wouldn’t start. Then I waited a few more minutes and it started up.

It was running a bit rough but ran ok at lower rpms and performed better as the rain came and temperatures cooled (it was a very hot day).

Two days later I rode it, it’s ran ok while it was somewhat cold, but as temperatures increased it started running rough again.

Any ideas as to what would cause this?

Oil change was at least 1500 kms ago.

Thanks in advance.

badass916sp · Jan 5th, 2010, 1:54 am

I'm thinking it's a fuel mapping issue maybe?

I already did the fuel pressure regulator.

I'l have them do the plugs, oil and maybe look at valves?

Any ideas?

nine16 · Jan 5th, 2010, 4:50 am

Pull the battery tray on the right side of the bike. Behind it, the electrical connector (going from the stator to the regulator/rectifier) is probably fried there. If they get a little corrosion, they heat up. If you unplug it and it looks burnt, try cutting out the connector entirely and hardwiring it. Otherwise you will probably have to replace the R/R.

**amullo** · Jan 5th, 2010, 5:10 am

Sounds more like a clogged fuelfilter or cloggged injector to me. How long ago did you change the fuelfilter?

It COULD maybe be a charging issue, but i woldn´t think so.. The charging issue would kill the battery and you wouldn´t be able to start it up again (probably..).

//amullo

camlob · Jan 5th, 2010, 5:23 am

coil perhaps? my inference is bec of the op's statement of the heat.

nine16 · Jan 5th, 2010, 8:47 am

After several minutes of sitting, the battery builds up enough of a charge to fire the motor. After restarting, it's not dying because of temperature, it just takes a couple minutes for the built up battery charge to run too low.

Crarrs · Jan 5th, 2010, 9:08 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by nine16

After several minutes of sitting, the battery builds up enough of a charge to fire the motor. After restarting, it's not dying because of temperature, it just takes a couple minutes for the built up battery charge to run too low.

How would the battery "build up" a charge if the motor isn't running?

nine16 · Jan 5th, 2010, 9:50 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crarrs

How would the battery "build up" a charge if the motor isn't running?

Through the non-instantaneous chemical reaction between a series of differing metal plates sandwiched in a conductive, acidic solution.

badass916sp · Jan 5th, 2010, 9:49 pm

thanks guys, it sounds like an injector or fuel delivery problem to me...

Anyway, I am not sure at all.

I belive the fuel filter was changes 1500kms ago.

I'll let you all know.

nine16 · Jan 5th, 2010, 10:47 pm

It definitely could be a pinched fuel line or some other fuel issue.

But you can check out that connector by taking 1 minute to remove the right fairing and another 5 to pull the battery and tray. Only takes one wrench...