Bog, falling on its face

puddles · February 28, 2014, 06:40:56 AM

I have a 2000 900ie. It runs great for the most part. Starts easily and idles fine. However, usually when I'm on the highway, and I pin the throttle, it will bog and fall on its face. Then usually buck, on and off the power. It won't do this if I roll-on the throttle. The bike only has 9000 miles on it. I did check the valves last night, and although it was my first time checking them on a Ducati, I am an accomplished air-cooled VW mechanic, so this wasn't completely foreign. Although I don't completely understand the closing gap concept. Either way the valves seemed good. Maybe a hair snug, but nothing bad. This bike also has aftermarket pipes on it. It had the stock air filter, but I just tried putting a K&N in it thinking that maybe air flow was an issue with the exhaust. No luck. Maybe even a little worse. Plugs look ok, but maybe a bit lean. I have changed the plugs. Closest dealer is 2hr away. Can you guys think of anything else I should check before taking it to a shop? Thanks.

ducpainter · February 28, 2014, 12:41:06 PM

How does it run during extended WOT?

Has the fuel filter ever been changed?

puddles · February 28, 2014, 02:47:01 PM

I've never kept it at wot with the bucking. I've never changed the fuel filter. How does one go about changing it? Do I have to remove the pump assembly, or can I get to it from the top by taking the filler neck assembly off?

ducpainter · February 28, 2014, 02:53:09 PM

The filter is accessed through the top. There are a ton of threads about how to get in there.

What you see on the bottom is just the sender. The pump is inside and also accessed through the top, but unless you see a ton of rust there's no reason to remove the pump.

The NAPA 3032 fuel filter is an inexpensive replacement.

The early injected bikes were set up pretty lean from the factory. Ultimap, now out of business, used to have a map that could be flashed onto the ecu, but I'm not sure if anyone still does it.

puddles · February 28, 2014, 03:29:48 PM

Thanks for the fuel filter info. I will change it just to be sure. There is no rust in the tank. I was thinking that the mapping was a problem. Is this something a Ducati dealer could do?

Speeddog · February 28, 2014, 03:41:11 PM

There was a Ducati Performance ECU avaliable for the early FI as well.

You may also have fuel lines that are deteriorating.
I've seen a couple cases where the lines are leaking to an extent that the fuel pressure is low, but the bike will run OK around town but poorly on the freeway or high load.

Fuel line deterioration is common on bikes that have been sitting for over a year with fuel in the tank.

Use only either OEM line specific to FI tanks, or immersion-rated line ( spec is 30R10 ).
30R9 FI fuel line will fail in short order when immersed.

ducpainter · February 28, 2014, 03:53:50 PM

Quote from: puddles on February 28, 2014, 03:29:48 PM
Thanks for the fuel filter info. I will change it just to be sure. There is no rust in the tank. I was thinking that the mapping was a problem. Is this something a Ducati dealer could do?

Only if they still have the Ultimap software.

You might contact eric at clubhousemotorsports dot com

I think he has the ability to reflash that vintage ecu. I know he can't do the chip burning for the next series of Ducati ecu's.

puddles · February 28, 2014, 05:48:13 PM

Quote from: Speeddog on February 28, 2014, 03:41:11 PM
There was a Ducati Performance ECU avaliable for the early FI as well.

You may also have fuel lines that are deteriorating.
I've seen a couple cases where the lines are leaking to an extent that the fuel pressure is low, but the bike will run OK around town but poorly on the freeway or high load.

Fuel line deterioration is common on bikes that have been sitting for over a year with fuel in the tank.

Use only either OEM line specific to FI tanks, or immersion-rated line ( spec is 30R10 ).
30R9 FI fuel line will fail in short order when immersed.

So you are referring to the fuel lines in the tank correct? So either a performance ecu or flash the original?

Speeddog · February 28, 2014, 05:58:55 PM

Yes, the lines inside the tank.

External lines can be 30R9 spec.

I've not seen a re-flashed ECU, and I've no idea how they compare to the Ducati Performance unit.

puddles · February 28, 2014, 06:32:34 PM

Funny, I can't find a thread on removing the fuel filter. I have the filler cap removed and can see the filter and pump, but can't see how to remove the pump to get the filter out.

ducpainter · February 28, 2014, 07:04:14 PM

Quote from: puddles on February 28, 2014, 06:32:34 PM
Funny, I can't find a thread on removing the fuel filter. I have the filler cap removed and can see the filter and pump, but can't see how to remove the pump to get the filter out.

The flange the cap screws to must be removed.

There are 8 small allen screws around the circumference of the flange. Loosen them about 1/8".

Insert a hammer handle in the fuel opening and give it a rap with your hand. Keep the other hand under the head of the hammer. They can be stubborn if they haven't been out in a while.

Grease the green o-ring on re-assembly. The black gasket can be a PITA.

puddles · February 28, 2014, 07:12:52 PM

I have the filler cap off, I'm confused on how to remove the pump.

brad black · February 28, 2014, 11:40:31 PM

guzzidiag allows you to flash the 15m and 15rc as well as the 5series.

ducpainter · March 01, 2014, 03:45:36 AM

Quote from: puddles on February 28, 2014, 07:12:52 PM
I have the filler cap off, I'm confused on how to remove the pump.

You don't have to remove the pump.

The pump is at the very bottom of the tank near the seat. A single fuel line comes out of it. The filter is in that line. It is a metal can about 1 1/2 in diameter and 3 inches long. You should be able to see the filter if you have the flange removed.

puddles · March 01, 2014, 04:49:03 AM

I see the filter and pump, but it seems impossible to get to the clamps on the inlet side of the filter to remove it.

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Bog, falling on its face