Okay, here goes. I have been on the forums for days trying to research people with similar problems, and I've already tried a few of their suggestions. So far, I'm at a loss, but I think I have narrowed it down. I left the bike at the only Ducati shop in Birmingham where it collected dust for 2 weeks (i.e. they have now lost a customer). Here's where I'm at:
First, some info about the bike:
-2005 S2R800 bought new, has 7400miles, no problems up until about 400 miles ago.
-At 4500miles, installed QuatD Exbox exhaust; opened up airbox; installed Ferracci air filter; installed PCIII USB. Downloaded closest map for Arrow slip-ons and Ferracci filter. (ran great!)
-At 6800miles, running fine and started servicing various things myself; changed oil/filter; changed plugs; re-charged air filter; general lube/greasing; torqued nuts and bolts. Have not touched valves.
-Also, this particular model year S2R does not have O2 sensors.
Now, here's what it's doing and what I've checked:
-Around 400miles ago, I noticed an immediate change in the way the bike was performing. The engine temperature was all of a sudden higher than normal, getting up to 225+ on days that weren't that hot. Plus, friend's bikes I was ridding with would be much lower on the same days.
-It progressively got worse every time I went out. Then the bucking at speed and stalling at idle started happening. If I stopped and let the engine cool, it would then run fine for awhile or until the temp got up past ~198.
-Checking the plugs told me the bike was now running way too lean. Keep in mind, I have not changed anything since 4500miles.
-I put some new plugs in one day, and the bike ran fine for about 100miles. Then the same problems came back with a vengeance.
-Yesterday, I replaced the Main Relay, Ignition Relay and installed a new fuel filter. When I had the gas tank open, I noticed some very small specs of debris floating in the remaining gas (I attribute this being from the process of removing the fuel pump assembly).
Any definitive ideas that I should try next???
I am going to try disabling the PCIII form the system to see if it changes anything, thinking that some how the map might have been erased (I lost the USB cable, otherwise I would have checked it)
I would concentrate on the PCIII.
If the PC is not the problem (probably is)
Empty tank and put in fresh fuel.
Find someone with a factory scan tool or VDST, check base settings and sensor inputs.
Check fuel pressure.
Check injector pattern.
Or find a better dealer.
Probably ought to get a real dyno tune for your PCIII.
The downloadable maps are OK -- but aren't tuned for your bike, and how close your bike is to the sea (or space... however you look at it).
Thanks for the comments. I removed the PCIIIUSB from the bike, checked the plugs again (very lean), and then fired it up. I idled it for a good 5 minutes, getting the temperature up around 172F in the garage (raining out). So far, no coughs, no backfires, no hesitation. Seems to be running fine without the PCIIIUSB. I shut 'er down and checked the plugs, now they're getting some color with some hint of black.
If I leave the PCIIIUSB off, and continue running the QuatD Exbox and Ferracci filter, I suspect it may still run lean with the stock ECU. But, as for right now, it's running a whole lot richer than it was. Once I can get it out for a spin, I'll determine whether or not to put the PCIIIUSB back on.
As for what's wrong with the PCIIIUSB, I don't know. I've lost the 9V adapter, and don't feel like paying $13.99 or waiting for a replacement, so I'm cobbling up a quick adapter from Radio Shack parts. Now, let's hope I don't get the wires crossed...
Well, that's weird. The PCIIIUSB seems to be working fine. It powered up and the map I loaded is still in there. When I clicked the "Power Commander Information" tab in the software, it shows me that "LOW" "MID" "HIGH" buttons on the face of the PCIIIUSB have modified values. I do remember a few weeks ago trying to increase the fuel when the bike was starting to run poorly. However, I don't remember the buttons having any effect whatsoever.
For what it's worth, at least now I've got a new fuel filter, new relays, and after flushing the fuel tank several times and using injector cleaner, my fuel system should be clean as a whistle.
So, at this point, I'm going to leave the PCIIIUSB off and go for a ride when the weather breaks. Will post results then....
ethanol/water in the gas?
So I went for a test ride yesterday, got it out on the highway for a good 50miles round trip. Not a single cough or hesitation. It was a little flat at top end, but then again, the bike only ever had 74hp stock.
It got good and warm, though it took much longer to heat up than before I removed the faulty PCIIIUSB. But, I feel once it got warmed up it started running lean again. So after 50 miles, the temp was fluctuating between 220-236F. The air temp outside yesterday was only 76F, a briskly cool day for Alabama.
When I got back I checked the plugs. Sure enough, all the black was gone and they looked very lean again. So I'm not sure the stock ECU can handle the less restrictive exhaust and breather.
Next, I'll try to flash the firmware on the PCIIIUSB, reload the map and put it back on the bike. If that works, and I don't have to buy a new PCIII, then I'll be heading to Atlanta for a custom map...
If your going to head to Atlanta, do it right:
www.ducshop.com