Pinking: what are the causes?

[Warthog]

I've had pinking issues in the passed (dubious octane levels in South America with a very laden 1150).

But these last few days, I've experienced it under load with just lil' ol' me on board: no pillion, no luggage.

So what causes pinking other than low octane as the Shell 95 I use should be up to the job?

Suggestions for possible causes and adjustments that might help needed, please!

 

[Pukmeister]

Pre-ignition (pinking):

Carbon deposits in combustion chamber.
Ignition timing too far advanced.
Extremely lean fuel/air mixture (high altitude ???)


Loads more I expect, these are the simple ones.

 

[Warthog]

Pre-ignition (pinking):

Carbon deposits in combustion chamber.
Ignition timing too far advanced.
Extremely lean fuel/air mixture (high altitude ???)


Loads more I expect, these are the simple ones.

Of those three, the only one I might experience in Maidenhead, is the carbon deposits, unless my ignition is self advancing (can't see this happening unless its a possible side effect of knackered coils?? )

So, the enxt question, whilst waiting for any other usual sus[ects, is how best to de-carbon my cylinder? I have some STP fuel injection treatment, but I've heard this can be bad for the catalytic converter. Is this stuff safe to use with catalytic converters?

 

[Wizard]

Dipetain Fuel Addative

Should be available from your local professional car parts supplier.

http://www.dipetaneuk.com/

 

[alimey4u2]

Pre-ignition (pinking):

Carbon deposits in combustion chamber.
Ignition timing too far advanced.
Extremely lean fuel/air mixture (high altitude ???)


Loads more I expect, these are the simple ones.

All the above beerjug: ) ...... Spark plugs correct ??

 

[cookie]

i bet it's not carbon build up. decoking stopped being a problem years ago.

i'd have a shufty at the plugs & see if there's anything to be learned there (doubt it), and then check the ignition timing.

just some general ideas. not had pinking on an 1150.

 

[ozzy]

japs

pinking duck very nice

 

[Colban]

Only time i've had pinking on a modern bike,it was contaminated fuel.
Try filling with 98 octane and try it.
Still bad,try checking ignition timing.

 

[Warthog]

Spark plug were changed about 5000 miles ago.

as for checking ignition coild: I have no idea!!

Will look at the Hayne's, but off to Scotland tomorrow, so may have to live with it for the time being!

 

[Keith Chapman]

My bike 'pinks' now and then, but only if I have done a lot of slow riding in town. Ride it like you stole it for a bit and it clears up. Commonly known as an Italian tune up

 

[Tsiklonaut]

You should start describing what's the sound really like?

It can be rocker end play has too much slack or valves.

If it's really (valve) pinking, then...

It's quite unlikely, but possible:

Check if the Hall sensor plate is loose under the generator pulley.

If it's loose, then yes, it's probably bad ignition timing. I reckon you need to go BMW dealer with a real Motronic test computer, or a guy with lot of experiences on ignition timing to set it right again. It needs very critical adjustment to get it right.

If it's so and corrected again, then next time scrach lines with a screwdriver with plate's correct position. Then you can do it yourself in the future, or if the Hall sensors die, dead easy job. I've done that on me mate's 1100.

Going through a tankfull of petrol with carbon deposits remover is an idea too.

BTW: do you have stock or aftermarket exhaust?

 

[Warthog]

Ride it like you stole it for a bit and it clears up. Commonly known as an Italian tune up

!! Made me laugh: not bad for a man in my condition at 08.02.

Ironically, of course, if I had stolen it, it would be a new bike for me, and I'm ever so careful on a new bike....

 

[Warthog]

You should start describing what's the sound really like?

It can be rocker end play has too much slack or valves.

If it's really (valve) pinking, then...

It's quite unlikely, but possible:

Check if the Hall sensor plate is loose under the generator pulley.

If it's loose, then yes, it's probably bad ignition timing. I reckon you need to go BMW dealer with a real Motronic test computer, or a guy with lot of experiences on ignition timing to set it right again. It needs very critical adjustment to get it right.

If it's so and corrected again, then next time scrach lines with a screwdriver with plate's correct position. Then you can do it yourself in the future, or if the Hall sensors die, dead easy job. I've done that on me mate's 1100.

Going through a tankfull of petrol with carbon deposits remover is an idea too.

BTW: do you have stock or aftermarket exhaust?

The sound: If someone was in the bathroom, with the door closed and dropped small stones onto the bathroom tiles, that is what it sounds like!!

It happens when thebike is under strong acceleration, so I suppose it could be the camchain (?), although I would expect that to slap about when the throttle is shut....

Hall sensor?: I'm not touching that!! Professional for that I think! But I can have a look and see if it is loose.

 

[Steptoe]

It happens when thebike is under strong acceleration, .

Try using a lower gear.

 

[Warthog]

Try using a lower gear.

I know how to get round it in that respect, but given that it was happening at as high as 4-5000 rpm, so clicking down gear menas you a riding between 5-7 and that is not so convenient. plus I know that it does not do this normally, so I'm curious what is the cause. I'd rather identify a cause and address it it I can.

Sod's law says that it'll end up being a cam chain!! But I don't think so.

 

[alimey4u2]

Educate me here, does the 1150 have anti knock sensors ??

 

[Warthog]

Educate me here, does the 1150 have anti knock sensors ??

No: 1200s only

 

[alimey4u2]

No: 1200s only

Thanks, I did wonder.....

 

[cookie]

Educate me here, does the 1150 have anti knock sensors ??

no knock sensors on 1150s.