Ambient temperature and Engine Performance

[elvis]

The weather on the Canadian West Coast finally improved. When it is 30 C or 86 F, like today, my Nomad runs and sounds great. I currently run Mobil 1 Synthetic 10W40 and really like the sound of the engine.

What do you guys think, do you notice any difference when the temps change?

[recumbentbob]

When it's real hot my bike pings like crazy. Last Sat it was 96 Deg F and it was pinging like crazy, when I got home (200 miles) I ordered a Cobra fuel controller.

My 08 Nomad runs the best when it is in the 60 deg F range, purrs like a kitten.............. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[macmac]

My bike will ramp up power in Fall, or when the air is colder.

With a fuel modual your ping problems should be gone Bob, even on what ever regular is, so long as it is 10% ethenol or less.

[elvis]

macmac >>
My bike will ramp up power in Fall, or when the air is colder.
<<

Yes, that's why I was asking. The density of air increases with cooler ambient temps which should result in better power output. Also cooler temps, I think, are better for jacket cooling system, no need for the fan to cut in.

Maybe it's all mental. The weather this good (read warm), riding the Nomad is more enjoyable.

[cactusjack]

Yes, right now when it's over 100°, my bike, she no run so good. She ping a lot. From about October-May, she runs great!

[ringadingh]

When its 25- 30f here in Nov- Dec The sound of the bike changes to a sharp crackle when I riding home at night. It feels like its stronger as well. But my mileage isn't as good as in the warmer weather.

[cyclecat]

We just got back from southern Utah and rode from 3400 feet to up over 10,000 feet and both Nomads ran the same at all the different elevations. At 3400 feet it is was close to 100 degrees and at 10,000 it was just under 70 and the different temps made no difference in performance. Neither of us have a TFI and both Nomads pulled uphill like nothing.

[Cajunrider]

Mine performs better in cooler temperatures. Come to think of it, this ole boy performs better in cooler temperatures too. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[kawgirl]

What Mitch said. Only I ain't no old boy! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I've noticed when it is hot like yesterday and going to be 98 today the hotter I get when I ride. I don't ping but heck I sweat like crazy. Is there a cure for that?

A little humor there although it isn't any fun sweating like that. My bike has never pinged but I do run at least 89 octane all the time. I have the Cobra digital fuel processor with stock exhaust minus the baffles. I try to never run 87 octane but don't know if my Nomad would ping or not if I did.

[Cajunrider]

What Mitch said. Only I ain't no old boy! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Good one Barney. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Barney?

[Cajunrider]

Inside secret. I'll never tell Amy. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Sin City Stan]

When it's cooler and the engine is fully warmed up the throttle response is definitely crisper. Mileage goes done. No fuel processor, mid grade fuel and no pinging at any temperature. Above 100 degrees the drop in throttle response is very noticable.

In my case I think the air/fuel ratio is richer at lower temps and the air is fatter it just means more HP.

It's been my experience that internal combustion engines respond well to a combination of cool temperatures, cold fuel and high humidity.

[Sin City Stan]

At 3400 feet it is was close to 100 degrees and at 10,000 it was just under 70 and the different temps made no difference in performance. Neither of us have a TFI and both Nomads pulled uphill like nothing.

At 10,000 feet the air is skinny. At 3400 feet it is significantly fatter. The two probably negated the Temp. differences and any performance increase that should be noticable at the same elevation.

[ringadingh]

I just added gauges the other day and this morning at 6am it was 70f outside, the water temp was a steady 140 on the gauge at around 50mph.
Coming home this afternoon its 98 outside and at 70-75mph the gauge was reading about 180, while stopped for a red light it went up to 210 for a minute, but started dropping once under way. Its interesting to see how much difference the outside temp plays in relation to the engine coolant temp.