Cali 1100i from the Netherlands with a problem

[Threewoods]

Hi, I’m Wolter out of The Netherlands and I own a neglected Cali 1100i. I rode around 3k km without any problem after I bought the bike.

Sadly the bike developed a problem.
First the bike occasionally backfired violently when riding on the freeway, the rpm gauge is all over the place when this happens and doesn’t correspond with the engine RPM.

This is happening a lot more often since some weeks. Now I only can ride the bike for approx 2 km and then it becomes unrideable.

Important symptoms are: RPM gauge is flipping and not corresponding with engine rpm. And the backfiring blows off the intake on the left side of the engine.

Things I tried:
- Checking both the sensors on the flywheel and alternator. They are in spec with approx 710 Ohm resistance when at room temp.

- Checking TPS, it is 150mV with the butterfly fully closed and goes smoothly to 5V at max Throttle.

- Disconnected RPM gauge to rule out a broke Rpm gauge.

- Checked for fault codes out of the P8 Ecu, nothing there.

- Disconnected all plugs, sprayed them with contact spray.

I have no idea how to solve this issue, does anyone have an idea?

[Frenchfrog]

If I'm not mistaken the tacho runs off one of the coils on these...someone more au fait might confirm.If it is the case then that would indicate that the coil is the problem and the other symptoms seem to fit too.

[guzzisteve]

If the throttle is in sync & air screws are around 2/3 open. Maybe a bad part on ecu itself. It should throw a code unless it is mechanical. Like in the throttle body or injector. Could be injector clogging up or worn out throttle body.
You checked the usual suspects but sounds like a bad TPS actions. So, try a different P8 ecu or 7 whatever you got. If you know someone w/ same bike.

[bigbikerrick]

Your symptoms sound very much like what my 98 EV did with a bad TPS. 
Rick

[pehayes]

The ECU does not store or save fault codes.  It only shows what is currently at fault with the ignition on and the test connector connected.

I had a similar 98 issue and tried everything.  Consider disconnecting the sidestand switch.  The bike will run fine (although less safe) with the sidestand disconnected.  It is the only thing I never re-connected on my bike and the problem has never repeated.

There is a cheaper aftermarket TPS but I'm not sure if it is available in Europe.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Dharma Bum]

When you said you cleaned all the connectors, did you do the ones behind the left cover under the seat? My 96 EV exhibited the same symptoms at one time but cleaning those connectors and applying deoxit fixed the problem.

[Threewoods]

Thanks for the advice!

Is there a way to test these coils? I can’t find resistance values.

I think the Tacho issue and the fact it only happens when the bike is hot are the most important symptoms.
Is the TPM sensitive for temperature changes?

I will try to test coils and sensors again after heating them up with a controlled heat gun.

Finding a spare ECU is not so easy unfortunately.

[pehayes]

Is the TPM sensitive for temperature changes?

Careful.  I think  you mean TPS.
TPS = Throttle Position Sensor = tells the ECU how far  you have twisted open the throttles.
TPM = (or TPMS) = Tire Pressure Monitoring System to detect low air pressure in your tires.

No, the TPS should not normally be subject to temperature changes.  There is a separate ambient air temperature detector in your system.  It is possible for engine heat to impact that temperature sensor.

The 1100i should have an oil mist temperature sensor mounted into the left side valve cover.  Notorious for leaking.  That sensor could be suspect.

IIRC, when cold starting, the system runs a certain fuel mixture ratio for a specific time period.  After that default time, the system 'computes' a new fuel mixture ratio based on the input from the various sensors.  Your symptom sounds like one of the sensors is giving a bad report.  Just need to find which one.  :-(

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Frenchfrog]

The resistance on those coils will be well under 3 ohms...more like 1 I'd guess but have no actual numbers.