wierd 08 uly problems

[XB12XTEX]

I have had some issues lately with by 2008 uly. It has developed an oil leak on the rear cylinder rocker box gaskets- I have cleaned it up a couple of times with cleaner and each time the bike will start to lean out afterwards, run like crap and set a check engine light for the oxygen sensor. I have determined that the oxygen sensor is getting stuck and has slow response when this problem happens. After a day or two it runs great again. This is one of the short style oxygen sensors. Has anyone had issues with these?

This weekend I pulled the bike in and out of the shop without going for a ride. on monday morning I found that the bike was running like crap and not firing on the front cylinder. Found the cause to be a fouled plug. It was a nearly brand new (less than 1000 miles) and was soaking wet with gas. I am using the ngk dcpr9eix plugs. replaced the bad plug and she is running great again. Would a hotter plug be advisable?

I am really just ranting a bit, I love my Uly... I guess i need to get to work. New rocker box gaskets, new oxygen sensor, comfort kit and rox risers are on the way!

If any one has input regarding the screwy oxygen sensor and the fouled plug I am all ears thanks for any reponses

 

[uly luigi]

HMM, what kind of cleaner was you using? can't imagine it causing a problem with the O2 sensor anyway, fouling plugs is pretty common I bet if you had left it in there it would have started firing again, I heard a rumor about a spark plug cleaning process, not sure tho, never actually done it myself

 

[XB12XTEX]

I was using brake cleaner- never sprayed the sensor directly though- it is wierd it will do it when degreseing with soap and water also

I saved the plug and cleaned it up- it will probably be ok once it dries

 

[uly luigi]

I would be careful using brake cleaner around the fan, it will eat up the little motor in it, as for the plug cleaning, please don't physically touch the center electrode with anything, Iridium is extremely brittle, there is a program in the stock ECM '08 and up that is used to burn off excess fuel and somewhat clean the plugs, that's the rumor I heard.

 

[user_deleted]

i believe the oil leak, fouled plugs and engine check codes are unrelated....just coincidental. very unusual to have faulty O sensor on these bikes though you didn't list your Uly's mileage....but it is unusual just the same. you can try cleaning it with de-natured alcohol, clear the code, reinstall, and see what you have but for the work involved i would replace it, clear the code, GENTLY clean your irid tipped NGK's and ride it. from your description it simply sounds like, in sequence, the O sensor went bad, sent appropriate fault code to ecm, activated CEL, started to run rich, fouled plugs.

SPARK PLUG CLEANING PROCEDURE

2008 XB and 1125R Buell motorcycles provide a feature to help clear residual fuel from the combustion chamber if a flooded engine or fouled spark plugs are suspected. This is achieved by opening the throttle to wide open, setting the Run/Stop switch to Run, then turning the ignition switch ON. This will fire the spark plugs for approximately 4 seconds, burning any fuel left over in the combustion chamber. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure several times to allow a severely flooded engine to start.

NOTE: Motorcycle should be in Neutral.