WaltH
08-30-2009, 11:36 PM
The canisterectomy has been performed. The patient is feeling well and reports that she is very happy to be rid of that “vile organ”. She further states that it is now okay for me to leave the two fire extinguishers at home.
The canisterectomy was accomplished without removing, or cutting, any hoses. The canister could be reinstalled in a few minuets, if necessary. At this point, I cannot imagine why I would ever want to put it back in the Spyder. Oetiker clamps were used for the extended vent line and the plug for the line going to the purge valve. The purge valve remains electronically online, so no fault codes will appear, otherwise it is neutralized. The extended vent line goes to the left side of the vehicle and down towards the ground. Originally, I had intended to use a fuel filter in the vent line as Firefly recommended, but my Harley technician, who did the work, talked me out of this. He said the volume of air going back into the tank would be small, and the velocity would be slow, so there was almost no chance any dirt or debris could make it back up the vent hose.
The Spyder now has a gas tank venting system similar to a 49-State Harley system, except that Harley uses a check valve in the vent line to prevent gas from draining out in the event the motorcycle tips over. It is less likely my Spyder will tip over.
After the software update I was very happy with the Spyder’s drivability, except for a slight “hesitation” (gust of wind effect) at about 4,000 RPM. This would occur intermittently, and only with a constant throttle position. The canisterectomy completely eliminated this “hesitation”. The purge valve must have been opening and closing at about 4,000 RPM.
It is well known that Spyders run better in cooler ambient temperatures. Recently, my Spyder has performed rather poorly in city traffic at 95F degrees, or so. I don’t know if this was caused by leaking exhaust gaskets which are now repaired, or if the revised purge valve timing had something to do with it. I am anxious to find out how the Spyder will perform now that both of these possible factors have been eliminated. I never thought I would say “I am hoping for a hot day”. In Florida I won’t have to wait long.
I agree with those who say the changes in purge valve timing, and possibly duration, are BRP’s way of trying to solve the fire problem without acknowledging the fire problem. Of course, we don’t know if they think this is the whole solution, or only part of the solution. Either way, a canisterectomy is a better solution for everyone not living in California. BRP cannot recommend a canisterectomy, so they must solve the problem in a less direct way. Spyder owners can recommend a canisterectomy, and so I say – “Do It”.
In my opinion, once the ambient temperatures in the southern most states start to moderate some we will see the occurrence of Spyder fires cease until next summer. I am convinced there is a correlation with very hot climates. This will take the pressure off BRP somewhat. I hope they use the time wisely and productively. This will also give Spyder owners more time to do the canisterectomy. Please do it, even if you live in Alaska. It is simple to do and it is reversible.
The canisterectomy was accomplished without removing, or cutting, any hoses. The canister could be reinstalled in a few minuets, if necessary. At this point, I cannot imagine why I would ever want to put it back in the Spyder. Oetiker clamps were used for the extended vent line and the plug for the line going to the purge valve. The purge valve remains electronically online, so no fault codes will appear, otherwise it is neutralized. The extended vent line goes to the left side of the vehicle and down towards the ground. Originally, I had intended to use a fuel filter in the vent line as Firefly recommended, but my Harley technician, who did the work, talked me out of this. He said the volume of air going back into the tank would be small, and the velocity would be slow, so there was almost no chance any dirt or debris could make it back up the vent hose.
The Spyder now has a gas tank venting system similar to a 49-State Harley system, except that Harley uses a check valve in the vent line to prevent gas from draining out in the event the motorcycle tips over. It is less likely my Spyder will tip over.
After the software update I was very happy with the Spyder’s drivability, except for a slight “hesitation” (gust of wind effect) at about 4,000 RPM. This would occur intermittently, and only with a constant throttle position. The canisterectomy completely eliminated this “hesitation”. The purge valve must have been opening and closing at about 4,000 RPM.
It is well known that Spyders run better in cooler ambient temperatures. Recently, my Spyder has performed rather poorly in city traffic at 95F degrees, or so. I don’t know if this was caused by leaking exhaust gaskets which are now repaired, or if the revised purge valve timing had something to do with it. I am anxious to find out how the Spyder will perform now that both of these possible factors have been eliminated. I never thought I would say “I am hoping for a hot day”. In Florida I won’t have to wait long.
I agree with those who say the changes in purge valve timing, and possibly duration, are BRP’s way of trying to solve the fire problem without acknowledging the fire problem. Of course, we don’t know if they think this is the whole solution, or only part of the solution. Either way, a canisterectomy is a better solution for everyone not living in California. BRP cannot recommend a canisterectomy, so they must solve the problem in a less direct way. Spyder owners can recommend a canisterectomy, and so I say – “Do It”.
In my opinion, once the ambient temperatures in the southern most states start to moderate some we will see the occurrence of Spyder fires cease until next summer. I am convinced there is a correlation with very hot climates. This will take the pressure off BRP somewhat. I hope they use the time wisely and productively. This will also give Spyder owners more time to do the canisterectomy. Please do it, even if you live in Alaska. It is simple to do and it is reversible.