Gas Mileage - ~19mpg after ECM recall

[jsmiley]

I thought I had seen talk on this a while back, but I seem only to find surging issues posted.

These are the symptoms I have -

- Before I can go 90 miles, I am getting the low fuel indicator
- fuel smell coming from upper engine vents
- fuel smell from exhaust
- I can actually put my hand behind the exhaust and get micro spittle fuel droplets
- back firing / farting when I decel

These are all new symptoms, since the ecm recall.

Before I would get about ~31mpg and I never smelled fuel before. I just could not steer very well.

I ride 40 miles daily on my commute, yes even in the cold. Last week I switched from premium fuel to regular to see if it made a difference and it did not. Actually I could not tell any difference at all in any regard with the regular fuel.

I am at this very moment trying the "remove power at the battery and let it discharge for 15-20 minutes", but this is pretty much equivalent to a 65 yard field goal attempt for me. I seemed to remember seeing someone trying this and reporting good results.

Any pointers, similar issues, or tips on this one out there? I could use them about now. With the cold weather and now this type of gas mileage I am running out of good excuses not to drive the cage. My cage gets better MPG.

Yes I have thought to go to the dealer, so no need to point out the obvious. My last trip to the dealer left me without my :spyder:for 6 weeks. I am a little gun shy and cringe at the thought of returning. Yes i am pretty sure it is pyschological at this point. pps:

I am hoping there is enough collective knowledge and experience out here to maybe help me to avoid that avenue, if at all possible.

 

[docdoru]

2nd update.

 

[mike3069]

:agree:The "update to the update" that includes the new hose for the canister vent is to correct this.

 

[Dragonrider]

They refused to do the 2nd update on mine, so I bought a fuel filter, and a long bit of fuel hose and did the cannisterectomy, routing the "overflow" hose through the filter to the tail of the bike - smell went away and economy is back.

BTW - make sure your gas cap is on TIGHT, otherwise, you'll suck fuel our via the overflow....

 

[jsmiley]

I'm almost positive the second update is what they did. They had to order the hose as they did not have any in stock. Unless the first update had replacement parts as well. Does anyone know if it was just the second update that had parts with it?

 

[ataDude]

I'm almost positive the second update is what they did. They had to order the hose as they did not have any in stock. Unless the first update had replacement parts as well. Does anyone know if it was just the second update that had parts with it?

You have it right... first was just software. Second was software and parts.

.

 

[NancysToy]

I realize that you have reservations about returning to the dealer, but I think you need to go. The ECM update may not have taken (some have taken several attempts)...or you may have a bad sensor, bad purge valve, or some other issue. They may have even failed to do the required throttle body zeroing when they did the first (steering recall) update. While they may consider 19 mpg in their "normal" range (they told me 18-40), a sudden change in mpg is not normal. Insist that they fix it, and stick to your guns. Remind them that it probably is violating emissions laws. Something is wrong, and the dealer and his diagnostic system, plus his ability to contact BRP tech for further support, is the best way to find and address it. How does it run? Poor running can cause bad mileage, and it has several causes (like a bad plug wire or coil) that may not show up on a diagnostic. Easy to damage or knock loose a wire while they were working on it previously.

 

[bone crusher]

I realize that you have reservations about returning to the dealer, but I think you need to go. The ECM update may not have taken (some have taken several attempts)...or you may have a bad sensor, bad purge valve, or some other issue. They may have even failed to do the required throttle body zeroing when they did the first (steering recall) update. While they may consider 19 mpg in their "normal" range (they told me 18-40), a sudden change in mpg is not normal. Insist that they fix it, and stick to your guns. Remind them that it probably is violating emissions laws. Something is wrong, and the dealer and his diagnostic system, plus his ability to contact BRP tech for further support, is the best way to find and address it. How does it run? Poor running can cause bad mileage, and it has several causes (like a bad plug wire or coil) that may not show up on a diagnostic. Easy to damage or knock loose a wire while they were working on it previously.

:agree:

 

[jgwoods]

I'm thinking its possible exhaust leaks are causing the oxygen sensor to send a full rich signal.
I haven't looked at the Spyder injection systems much but that kind of thing- and exhaust leak before the O2 sensor- would cause problems in cars years ago.
Also if that is the case I think CO2 would read high if they have an exhaust gas analyzer to check it with.

 

[jsmiley]

I did have some very promising results with the battery disconnect, so far. I am almost reluctant to write this as I may jinx myself.

I went for a ride today and gased her up before leaving. I used the 87 octane and surprisingly put 42 miles while only losing the very top two parts of my gas meter. By this point I would almost be half a tank.

By this point tomorrow my tank would have been empty, as I have another ~40 miles for my commute. My fingers are crossed......

 

[jsmiley]

Well, not sure what thread I picked it up from, but the results are speaking for themselves. I put another 48 miles on it today and I have 4 solid bars left on the fuel gauge.

Today was with a high volume of stop and go, as well. At the current rate I estimate I should be able to pull another ~80 miles on the remainder of the tank.

That should put me right back in the 30-32 mpg range. :2thumbs:

Whomever posted that tip on yanking the battery cables and waiting 15-20 minutes, thank you!! It was truelly helpful!

BTW - fuel smells are gone and the backfire is drastically minimized to an occasional and acceptible gurgle.

If anything changes I will be sure to post an update.

 

[sabunim5]

:congrats:

 

[jsmiley]

Thanks......I feel pretty good about it and I avoided the shop visit! Yeah!!:yes:

Not that I do not like my shop, I just like riding better.

By my calculation I hit 30 mpg when all was said and done. Not the greatest out there, but far better than where I started with just a simple procedure.

If any of the gear heads out there have an explanation for this, would love to hear it. I know it is computer related, but I design systems for other applications and have little understanding of how it pertains to combustion engines.

 

[Lamonster]

If any of the gear heads out there have an explanation for this, would love to hear it. I know it is computer related, but I design systems for other applications and have little understanding of how it pertains to combustion engines.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=168896#post168896 :dontknow:

 

[jsmiley]

lol...nice. :roflblack:

Well the busted myth just got rebusted! The results are speaking for themselves. :clap:

If anyone out there is having similar issue would highly recommend this very easy procedure. It made a big difference for me. 11mpg kind of difference.