Hi there, I've just changed the oil cooler on my 999s and I've been out on a 40 mile ride with no problems but when I went out on her today she was warming up and then the idle started to struggle and then stalled and refused to start. She eventually did then when I pulled off just started to splutter and "pop" I have noticed a white "scum" in the site glass which I could put down to the new oil cooler being flushed out b4 import. Also I usually fill her up from gerry cans as don't want to go to petrol stations and ride through diesel so not sure if this is the problem. She normally runs on shell premium fuel too. I know it's long winded but any help will be appreciated as had a few problems so far this year and am getting fed up with it at moment. Thank you.
Hi, I do not really know the 999 so this advice is general but may help. The white scum is indeen normally an indication of water in the oil. If there was water in the cooler you may have found the cause of that. Also, if the bike has been left standing a long time (such as all winter) condensation in the crankcase can be the cause. Blocked breather another potential cause but unlikely with your bike not being particularly old.The other possible cause, and I hope it's not this, is water from the cooling system getting into the oil via a gasket or crack in the blocks. I suggest you remove both spark plugs before trying to start again in case of water being drawn into the cylinders (worst case scenario) and turning the engine to expel ant possible water. Now, regarding the spluttering, hopefully it's not connected. Suggest whilst you have both plugs out, make sure the coil sticks are connected and with the plugs in them and body of plugs touching the engine, attempt a start and check both plugs spark. If it's only one, swap plugs then coil sticks to possibly eliminate the problem.Plugs may have got contaminated. If you think much water got into the oil then would be good to change it along with the filter. Just taken a look at the 999 wiring and its very similar to my Monster. If you've been following my latest saga....god help ya. Good luck.
A loud misfire could just be caused by poor starting and a bit of fuel getting in to the exhaust system. Have you tried a secondary earth to see if that solves the starting issues? A single misfire during poor starting is probably nothing to worry about.
Thanks 4 the replys so far! I don't generally go further than 80 miles so no need to fill up on route! Further update on problem, she starts as usual and idles normal until about 40 degrees. Then the revs drop and it seems she struggles. Tried an earlier ride and it didn't seem as bad but still pretty bad.
OK, first question 1) Are you loosing water from the cooling system? Check the header tank level. Next, from cold, remove radiator cap, start bike and check for bubbles in the water whilst allowing the bike to warm up. Hopefully it will be a "no" to both those questions. Then, suspect the coil sticks. When bike is idling poorly.Stop the engine, disconnect one connector from the coil stick and start bike. If one has no effect and the other does, that's your faulty coil stick (or spark plug if you're lucky) I don't think the water temp sensor affcts idle speed .... unless someone knows different, you could try disconnecting it 1) when bike running good 2) when idling poor.Will try it on mine if I get the thing started again soon out of interest. Good luck.
Hang on a minute chaps. Simples first. Firstly, can you upload a pic of the sight glass showing just how much emulsion is in the sight glass? You have swapped the cooler, fine but have you changed the oil or did you reuse it? Yes coolant can get in the system but the first way of checking this is to check the level on the expansion tank as suggested. How much has the bike been used? The issue with falling revs sounds more fuel related so best start by having a look at the fuel pump relay as these things seem to cause no end of gremlins if corroded. If you want to test it, it is the same as the headlight relay so can be swapped over. Oh and does it show any errors on the dash when you do an error check?
How old is the fuel? Do you filter the fuel from the jerry cans before pouring into the tank? I've seen rust and other crap in jerry cans and always filter the fuel, race teams tend to use clear plastic containers so they can see stuff in the settled fuel, water also gets into the fuel in jerry cans.
They r plastic cans and no residue. Gonna try the relays cos I did take the battery off and move out the electrics so I think I've loosened or knocked something.
Ako As mentioned by JC 749, first thing to do with any problems you have described is to change the notoriously problematic fuel relay. They only cost a fiver ( you can find them for less on e bay) The one relay supplies power to the fuel pump, ignition and something else that I'm failing to remember atm! As soon as they start playing up they can throw up all kinds of issues with starting and running problems, either because the internal relay contacts are worn,and not providing effective switching, or corrosion on the associated relay wiring. I would definitely change it, and whilst you are buying one, get another spare, which can easily be carried in the fairing tool pouch for future problems!
+1 To be honest, buy three as if its not been done your headlight one may be going too as they collect water and if either one is creating resistance you find gremlins. If you have any, spray it and the connector with ACF50 and you wont have any more issues with it if you run into a spot of rain. WD40 will do but washes off much faster.
Bear in mind (1) still investigate water in oil (this can also be your running problem) (2) The relay can easily be eliminated by removing and temporarilly shorting Brown wire to Brown/white when it runs rough, if it fixes it, then buy a relay (however, spare is always good to have, or a bit of wire).
In their infinite wisdom, Ducati has thoughtfully hidden the relay in probably the most inaccessible place on the bike. It lives on the bottom left hand side of the battery box area. To gain access you have to remove the battery, and then undo the oblong black plastic cover. I will see if I can find a pic for you. If you do a search using the search function on this site you should find lots of references to the little bugger!
ako Have a read of this:http://ducatiforum.co.uk/forum/thre...weekend-wisdom-anyone-modded-this-area.11710/
Thanks m8, I have found it and have a local ducati dealer near me and they have a new one in stock so I'm gonna go and try that 1st as they are only 3 quid! Cheers.
Changed the relay not long ago and took her for a spin round my village and, so far, problem solved! Less than 4 pounds fix! Rare these days! Just wanna say a big thank you to all who offered help, cheers!
Told ya! If you look under the nose cone there is a small black cover. Remove this and on the inside of the fairing/headlight casing on the offside you will find an identical relay for the headlights. Change this too. Dont let it go bad as not only can it cause probs but it serves as a spare if ever you are caught out and need a spare (swap them). Helps testing too without going to the dealers. Glad its sorted.
