Gas mileage drop.

[1984 FLHS]

I've installed a set of SE 203 cams in my 09 FLHX. I already have Rinehart slip ons, SE Heavy Breather, SERT and V&H true dual head pipes. Before the cam install 45-50 mpg. after lucky to get 30 mpg??? Bike runs great way more torque but is running rich. Dealer did the SERT program but, I should be doing better than 30mpg. Others are telling me I need a fuel management system? The SERT can also adjust this from what they say. I've put 800 miles on since the cam install. The dealer as expected, tells me to keep riding it and that's what the mpg is going to be. The oil smells like gas that's too rich to me!! Any input would be great. I've stopped riding it until I get it right. The oil smelling like gas ain't right. Do I need to get it dyno tuned? and or fuel management?? Thanks

[Kainam]

Yup, get it dyno tuned. You don't need additional fuel management, SERT is your fuel management.

[1984 FLHS]

Originally Posted by Kainam

Yup, get it dyno tuned. You don't need additional fuel management, SERT is your fuel management.

Thanks for the quick reply Kainam. However, if the SERT is the fuel managemant sytem why isn't the program that the dealer set up working? I was understanding that all I needed was to remap the SERT? What will the dyno do?

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by 1984 FLHS

I've installed a set of SE 203 cams in my 09 FLHX. I already have Rinehart slip ons, SE Heavy Breather, SERT and V&H true dual head pipes. Before the cam install 45-50 mpg. after lucky to get 30 mpg??? Bike runs great way more torque but is running rich. Dealer did the SERT program but, I should be doing better than 30mpg. Others are telling me I need a fuel management system? The SERT can also adjust this from what they say. I've put 800 miles on since the cam install. The dealer as expected, tells me to keep riding it and that's what the mpg is going to be. The oil smells like gas that's too rich to me!! Any input would be great. I've stopped riding it until I get it right. The oil smelling like gas ain't right. Do I need to get it dyno tuned? and or fuel management?? Thanks

SERT is a fuel management system. You're obviously mapped way too rich.............the fuel smell and decrease in fuel mileage are a clear indication.

If the dealer who mapped it said it's fine, then ask them to run it on their Dyno with a 3 gas analyzer and prove it, as the oil smell and MPG say otherwise.............

[Kainam]

What Dave said....

A dyno tune with the exhaust analyzer will tell you exactly what AF ratio your motor is running at, at all RPM ranges and throttle positions.

It sounds like your dealer just used a canned map when programming your SERT, and possibly installed the wrong one for your engine combination.

I would expect to see 40+ MPG on the highway with that cam.... atleast that is what I get, with a carb mind you, with a much more radical cam.

[1984 FLHS]

Originally Posted by Dave63

SERT is a fuel management system. You're obviously mapped way too rich.............the fuel smell and decrease in fuel mileage are a clear indication.

If the dealer who mapped it said it's fine, then ask them to run it on their Dyno with a 3 gas analyzer and prove it, as the oil smell and MPG say otherwise.............

That's the first problem. They don't HAVE a dyno!!!! I don't understand how HD let's their dealership operate with out a dyno.

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by 1984 FLHS

That's the first problem. They don't HAVE a dyno!!!! I don't understand how HD let's their dealership operate with out a dyno.

I can understand how a dealer can exist without a Dyno, but I can't understand how they call themselves "Certified" dealers for sales of SERT or PC products or venture to install and stand behind FUEL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMING.

If you're going to sell MAPs and fuel management systems, how can you test your own work?

Hacks.

[1984 FLHS]

Originally Posted by Kainam

I would expect to see 40+ MPG on the highway with that cam....

Exactly my expectations!

What worries me is the gas smell in the oil?? Won't this accelerate piston rings wear??

I would also need to find a dyno tuner that is familiar with SERT too I guess. Not many around here. I'll have to call other area dealers to see if they have a dyno. Might be taken the cams out if I'm unable to get it right. Thanks guys

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by 1984 FLHS

Exactly my expectations!

What worries me is the gas smell in the oil?? Won't this accelerate piston rings wear??

Worse. Gasoline permiated oil thins out and will reduce lubrcation capabilities at critcal points like crankshaft bearings and cam bearings.

It can also lead to cylinder damage, not just rings.

[Blackdog 15]

Run your scoot down the road at say 3,000 rpm for a couple miles...Shut off the motor while it is at this rpm...pull to the side of the road and pull your spark plugs, I usually pull the rear one.. look at the plug...Black = too rich (poor gas milage), White = too lean (engine can run hot), Tan = correct setting on fuel system.... That much decrease sounds like a Maping problem...Have it dyno tuned...preferably by an independant firm who deals with Harleys....I have a 49 state bike, took it into a dealer in CA (not a 49 state dealer), for a 10K service,,got my bike bike and they had monkeyed with my fine adjust on my Power Commander setting all 3 fuel management zones to 0 from what they had been...My bike was backfiring and the fuel milage was jacked up plus they leaned me way out....All they were supposed to do was put new spark plugs in....Needless to say I had words with the mechanic, the service manager, and the owner of the dealership....They offered me a free service for the inconvienence...Yeah right... I do my own now...So, what I'm saying is don't be too trusting that things will be right...The dealer that messed up my system was doing 200+ bikes a day in their service department....kinda hard to give you the personal service and attention to detail when they are doing bikes like a herd of cattle....