Triumphrat

ohiorider · 05-07-2006

I think I recall where BMW advised owners not to run the engine with one plug wire pulled (for testing, carb adjustment, whatever reason one might pull a plug wire), because the ECU can be damaged with no load to work against (like a spark plug).

Does this make sense, and if so, do any of you EEs (professional or home grown) out there know whether this is the case with Triumph ECUs?

Bob

Spyder94 · 05-07-2006

Yes this can cause damage over time.. If you are determined to do a carb balance test using this procedure, stick an old sparker in the disconnected lead. then start your balance test.
Watch out for the old sparker hanging in the breeze, it will bite and make you do The Ben Franklin dance.

In the days of point ignition systems this removal was the common practice for carb balance. But a pair of Stewart Warner vacuum gages is a much better way to test. I could write volumes on this subject, but British bike owners are an inventive bunch and usually need minimal information to figure out the problem or the procedures-tools necessary to fix their motorcycles.

Respectively Yours,
Steve Du Bose-gear head at large :chug: :yayyy:

RedBird · 05-07-2006

I seriously doubt that you could damage the igniter on a 360 degree twin by removing one plug wire and running the motor. There is only one coil (both cylinders fire at the same time from one coil every crank revolution) so the igniter will see a load with one plug wire connected the same as with both connected. Now, on the 270 degree twins (Speedy, America, & Scrambler), there are two coils and disconnecting one plug wire could make a difference.

Larry

sweatmachine · 05-07-2006

When you get shocked you will know. Don't ask me how I know...

Nzbiker · 05-08-2006

Yes this can cause damage over time.. If you are determined to do a carb balance test using this procedure, stick an old sparker in the disconnected lead. then start your balance test.
Watch out for the old sparker hanging in the breeze, it will bite and make you do The Ben Franklin dance.

In the days of point ignition systems this removal was the common practice for carb balance. But a pair of Stewart Warner vacuum gages is a much better way to test. I could write volumes on this subject, but British bike owners are an inventive bunch and usually need minimal information to figure out the problem or the procedures-tools necessary to fix their motorcycles.

Are we doing a mixture adjustment or are we doing a carb balance
I always thought plug off for mixture tune was fine but balance is another matter ie both carbs open in complete unison.
Am I right here in assuming you cant get the mixture right with a vacuum gauge only the balance :???:

Spyder94 · 05-08-2006

Quote:

On 2006-05-08 01:18, Nzbiker wrote:
Yes this can cause damage over time.. If you are determined to do a carb balance test using this procedure, stick an old sparker in the disconnected lead. then start your balance test.
Watch out for the old sparker hanging in the breeze, it will bite and make you do The Ben Franklin dance.

In the days of point ignition systems this removal was the common practice for carb balance. But a pair of Stewart Warner vacuum gages is a much better way to test. I could write volumes on this subject, but British bike owners are an inventive bunch and usually need minimal information to figure out the problem or the procedures-tools necessary to fix their motorcycles.

Are we doing a mixture adjustment or are we doing a carb balance
I always thought plug off for mixture tune was fine but balance is another matter IE both carbs open in complete unison.
Am I right here in assuming you cant get the mixture right with a vacuum Gage only the balance :???:

I apologize. your are absolutely correct. My assumption was that we all were on the same page, Again, I apologize. Steve Du Bose, Gear head at large. :-D

Nzbiker · 05-09-2006

apologize. your are absolutely correct. My assumption was that we all were on the same page, Again, I apologize.

Steve Du Bose, Gear head at large.

Hi Steve

Absolutely No apology needed we are all here to learn and assist one another if we can, its the people and comaraderie that is important

Cheers

John :-D