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Briggs & Stratton powered Falco

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 2:17 pm
by KitchenSync
With everything in place and an uncrushed fuel line installed - Signor Falco reliably runs terribly.

Whilst this 2003 RSV engine is running stock Falco electronics, I can't believe that the 125 learner bike levels of performance are purely down to mapping. I'm totally unequipped for balancing the throttle bodies - and funds have run out to either get tooled up to do so or to get it to Griff for a sort out.

If you've any clues as to what I can do to clean it up a bit until I can get a Gabro and a tune-up I'd be grateful. It's very sluggish in pickup, won't tick over, pops, bangs and has the ill-favoured odour of an engine running very rich.

I'm delighted that the engine runs though and that for the first time in 3 years I'm not greeted every morning by puddles of oil and the front and rear of the engine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUpa75ZQxYI

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 2:34 pm
by D-Rider
Have you set up your fast Idle Control properly - and checked your TPS?
Workshop Manual explains how.

Not suggesting that's your only issue but to get it to start and warm up would be a good start.

Battery sounds like it needs charging (or is at the end of it's useful life)

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 2:50 pm
by KitchenSync
TPS was high on my list of suspects.

Yeah - damn that (fully charged) battery - it's never been able to do much more than that from new.

*adds battery to shopping list*

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 5:16 pm
by bigun
What ECU are you running? I've got a standard Mille Chip here you can have if you're running the Falco set up.

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 5:45 pm
by KitchenSync
bigun wrote:What ECU are you running? I've got a standard Mille Chip here you can have if you're running the Falco set up.
Still running the original Falco ECU... that would be great if you could post it over... I'll return it once I get a Gabro!

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 5:57 pm
by flatlander
Check oil level and plugs chick redex or the more manly version whose name escaped me through at least once. Match the EXU to the engine and check connections. If your ECU was set for a gabro etc check strings and there is a second throttle screw setting under the tank

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 6:17 pm
by KitchenSync
Seeing Diag 14 from the intake pressure sensor....

Trying to work out what that implies...

"I'll be back"

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 6:30 pm
by KitchenSync
Ha ha - what a pillock! That's because the intake pressure sensor was still attached to the airbox... 4m away in the garage.

With it actually plugged in "diag 0" is proudly displayed.. so TPS is fine.

Dammit!

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 6:51 pm
by HisNibbs
I'd have thought its absence might affect the bike's running. So have you checked whether it's going any better?

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 6:54 pm
by KitchenSync
I removed the airbox to check the idle screws again - it was on the bike earlier.

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 10:43 pm
by flatlander
As an aside my Briggs and Stratton powered lawn mower is running very well especially considering the lack of care it receives but don't tell squid he"ll be jealous

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 9:20 am
by cmdrew
When I couldn't get my bike to start (because it was a future engine withe wrong generator) there was really no life at all so I doubt that is your issue. Other than the obvious such as checking the sensor on the air box is plugged in and that all coil leads are seated correctly, the only thing I had which was similar was when the cam timing , well actually the cam ignition timing was out and the bike would start just but ran terribly coughing spitting, back firing you name it. If all else fails May be worth checking.

Set the engine on tdc front cylinder and make sure that the IN and EX on the cams point to each other. If so the cam timing should be fine on that cylinder at least. Now if you can take a look at the exhaust cam. There is a raised section on the back face of the sprocket which should be under or very near at least to the cam sensor as this is what triggers the ignition. On mine this was at least 120 degrees away so was easy to spot that it was wrong. As I said though mine had the wrong engine in it so I doubt this would be true of your engine assuming it is from an rsv. Did you check the code on the rear of the engine?

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 9:44 pm
by flatlander
Whoosh ! Straight over my head :)

Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 5:49 am
by KitchenSync
Just tested after switching to the original throttle bodies late last night and seemingly no difference. :/

Chumptastic

Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 7:06 am
by KitchenSync
Throughout my life I've been hampered by a tendency to make assumptions and when things go wrong, look for the complex answers first.

Having ridden the bike 12 miles - chugging along thinking "this is exactly like it's running on one cylinder"...

I'd felt the gases from each can - both warm, seen blue flames from each can. Duh - they're connected aren't they! Got to my destination, reached down and unplugged the leads to the rear cylinder... No difference whatsoever! Bike carried on chugging away. I've not got tools here to get at anything to see what's not connected or broken but please PLEASE let me learn to look for simple solutions next time!!!

*shameface*