Short commutes and warming up - Ducati.ms

yets · Feb 2nd, 2012, 5:18 pm

Hi again, I have a reoccuring problem with my 91' 750ss

I use my bike mainly for commuting to and from work which is 4 miles each way. This short journey seems to be causing issues with spark plug fouling (horizontal cylinder mainly) as it appears that I'm not getting enough heat to burn the fuel properly (bikes isn't running lean or rich). For the first two miles of my journey I tend not to push the bike over 2.5-3k revs and keep it fairly smooth. After that I tend to increase it to above 3k but nothing really more than 4.5k. Can I push the bike a bit more in terms of revs or will I cause damage to the engine?

Anybody else have similar issues?

boosted_sled · Feb 2nd, 2012, 6:25 pm

Are you sure you aren't rich, particularly at idle? If you are in the 10:1 range it might not seem rich but could be on the edge of causing this sort of problem. If possible, hook up a wideband O2 sensor to the sample port(s) and collect some data. This was very helpful for me when I was dialing in the FCR's on my bike.

jimc2 · Feb 2nd, 2012, 7:11 pm

You have the worst case scenario.....
Doubt it gets fully warmed up on a 4 mile ride this time of year.
i'll bet your oil level goes UP a little over time.
If you have to do these short runs, suggest a hotter plug and shorter oil change interval.
Or better yet leave 10 minutes earlier and extend the commute a little .

dryclutchrattle · Feb 2nd, 2012, 8:38 pm

That is the best advice to help clear plugs I have heard. How insightful. leave earlier and ride further. Perfect.

470four · Feb 3rd, 2012, 1:10 pm

You have an oil cooler? Tape the front up with heatproof duct tape, my SS is quick to heat up and stays at a good temperature in this cold even for 30+ mile rides with the cooler taped? Run a thinner grade oil - try a 10w50, will flow easier through a cold motor and give your battery & starter motor an easier life than a thicker 20w50 on startups.

Are your plug leads/caps/coils ok?

Just replaced my coils/leads/caps with the C/Cycleworks hi-voltage coil kit, 35,000 volts should keep the plugs clear.