[Technical] Possible Solutions to your Phantom's Problem

[Mike80]

You just diagnosed your problem; your spark plug got wet during a ride in the rain. Or perhaps your spark cable is old and the internals are exposed to the elements. Since I got some time, let me try to explain the 'pop' sound for you as simply as I am able to.

 

Air-fuel mixture enters combustion chamber from carbs -> spark plug wet -> cannot produce spark -> air-fuel mixture does not ignite -> no combustion -> un-combusted air-fuel mixture exits combustion chamber via exhaust pipe -> exhaust pipe is very hot (as we all know...) -> temperature in the header + pipe heats up air-fuel mixture -> air-fuel mixture ignites as it exits the exhaust pipe due to decompression (air pressure outside is lesser than pressure inside the bike's internals) -> you hear the pop sound as the ignition takes place.

 

If you're able to, whenever this happens, stop your bike at a sheltered area, remove your spark plug and clean it dry. Chances are, your bike can start again. For a longer term solution, consider replacing the rubber bits that are supposed to prevent these sort of things from happening. Hope it helps.

 

Bro, thanks for the info! Hope to learn new things here as i just got my licence and bike.. Like wat the instructors told me at driving school ,to get the licence is just the beginning.. the real test is during riding in real road conditions and encountering the problems of bike malfunctioning..In school, just call the instructor and they changed bike for you..

[jevan]

Silent Hunter, thanks bro for the advice

[weiqiang]

anyone had used a front fender that can totally block the back wash of the front wheel on wet roads? on wed , my whole lower jeans and shoes were soaked while riding on extremely wet road after the heavy rain had stopped. As you can see from the pic, I had already extended a long flap. If anyone has used a good fender that can block out all these splashes pls post here I will try to buy one thats the same or remodify my flap.

 

http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii442/w3iqiang/blog/Photo5189.jpg

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

@Shunpo last time was using a Shadow type fender that has a very big overhang at the back. Possibly will catch any and all splash from the front wheel.

 

But your flap is like... huge, it should give the same coverage as the big Shadow fender.

[Hydher]

hahaha last time, i modded my own mudflap using an old file hahaha

Anyway, the splashes like that often comes from the cars in front imho if you have already installed the mud guard.

 

 

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff37/hydher/bike/IMG_0574.jpg

[GregTay67]

anyone had used a front fender that can totally block the back wash of the front wheel on wet roads? on wed , my whole lower jeans and shoes were soaked while riding on extremely wet road after the heavy rain had stopped. As you can see from the pic, I had already extended a long flap. If anyone has used a good fender that can block out all these splashes pls post here I will try to buy one thats the same or remodify my flap.

 

http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii442/w3iqiang/blog/Photo5189.jpg

 

Only scooter can block out all the water splashes. On normal bikes there is no solution.

[weiqiang]

@Shunpo last time was using a Shadow type fender that has a very big overhang at the back. Possibly will catch any and all splash from the front wheel.

 

But your flap is like... huge, it should give the same coverage as the big Shadow fender.

 

yup diyed too lol. cut flap thats used for trucks. but i guess its still not big enough lol. I still kenna abit on normal wet roads. hopefully those that had succeeded can post their mudguards here to save me from wet shoes and jeans while riding on a wet day

 

hahaha last time, i modded my own mudflap using an old file hahaha

Anyway, the splashes like that often comes from the cars in front imho if you have already installed the mud guard.

 

 

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff37/hydher/bike/IMG_0574.jpg

 

mine was kinda diyed too lol. i tot i had cut out a very big flap liao but still fail to protect from splashes. Your flap succeeded in protecting your shoes from getting wet on wet road? or still will kenna abit?

 

Only scooter can block out all the water splashes. On normal bikes there is no solution.

 

hmm, hopefully someone had succeeded. If not then i suck thumb liao lol

Edited June 13, 2011 by weiqiang

[yanxi]

Hello all. Erm, any idea what the problem is if the bike is running rough with a fair amount of vibration? It feels like the bike is labouring extra hard to get to my usual cruising speed of 80-90kph. I'd changed my engine oil, spark plug and tightened the chain after the problem surfaced but it doesn't seem to help the problem. And no, I did not gain any extra weight recently XD

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

Yep, quite common issue. Don't worry its a simple fix. Pmed you the solution

 

Sent from my hong kong gangsta phone using Tapatalk

[weiqiang]

i saw a phantom custom 4 having a different kind of gear lever. its those that you can use your heel to step to shift gear up. anyone knows where to get and how much?

[Hydher]

i saw a phantom custom 4 having a different kind of gear lever. its those that you can use your heel to step to shift gear up. anyone knows where to get and how much?

 

Saw it at aunty shop. Should be at the 100 region. Can be diyed too.

 

Yep, quite common issue. Don't worry its a simple fix. Pmed you the solution

 

Sent from my hong kong gangsta phone using Tapatalk

 

Share share leh :\

 

yup diyed too lol. cut flap thats used for trucks. but i guess its still not big enough lol. I still kenna abit on normal wet roads. hopefully those that had succeeded can post their mudguards here to save me from wet shoes and jeans while riding on a wet day

 

 

 

mine was kinda diyed too lol. i tot i had cut out a very big flap liao but still fail to protect from splashes. Your flap succeeded in protecting your shoes from getting wet on wet road? or still will kenna abit?

 

 

 

hmm, hopefully someone had succeeded. If not then i suck thumb liao lol

 

It reduces splashes to my engine thus less cleaning.

Unless you get deflectors, wet pants are inevitable during rain.

Scooters handles bad during downpours.

[yanxi]

Hello all. Erm, any idea what the problem is if the bike is running rough with a fair amount of vibration? It feels like the bike is labouring extra hard to get to my usual cruising speed of 80-90kph. I'd changed my engine oil, spark plug and tightened the chain after the problem surfaced but it doesn't seem to help the problem. And no, I did not gain any extra weight recently XD

 

Thanks Pandora's Kitten! Bike runs so much better now, though I wish it could be like yours! XD BTW, it is backfiring sometimes, when switching off after a long run at speed, or when accelerating or decelerating. It's not a loud bang, sounds more like a very stinky wet fart XD. I don't mind the sound (quite cool XD) but is it okay to leave it like that?

Edited June 21, 2011 by yanxi

[weiqiang]

Saw it at aunty shop. Should be at the 100 region. Can be diyed too.

 

hmm steep price. will diy liao lol.

 

It reduces splashes to my engine thus less cleaning. Unless you get deflectors, wet pants are inevitable during rain. Scooters handles bad during downpours.

 

hmm deflectors? anyway i think no choice unless i really install crash bar with transparent acrylic sheet to block the splashes

[lycan]

does problem one means overhaul???

 

Problem 1: Exhaust emitting white smoke.

Reason: Engine oil is leaking into your chamber.

Solution: Pistol rings needs to be changed. Go to a bike workshop.

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

does problem one means overhaul???

 

Problem 1: Exhaust emitting white smoke.

Reason: Engine oil is leaking into your chamber.

Solution: Pistol rings needs to be changed. Go to a bike workshop.

 

Yes, that would be a "top overhaul". $380 at Planet Motors.

 

For general public: Note that a small amount of blow-by past the cylinder rings is natural for old bikes unless it has been given a race-style break in (Mototune) which is very rare.

[duatau]

does problem one means overhaul???

 

Problem 1: Exhaust emitting white smoke.

Reason: Engine oil is leaking into your chamber.

Solution: Pistol rings needs to be changed. Go to a bike workshop.

 

phantom down?

[lycan]

Yes, that would be a "top overhaul". $380 at Planet Motors.

 

For general public: Note that a small amount of blow-by past the cylinder rings is natural for old bikes unless it has been given a race-style break in (Mototune) which is very rare.

 

My phantom is only 4years plus old. :| mileage at 68k km

 

phantom down?

 

Not really la. Emitting a small amount of white smoke. The usual wear and tear.

 

Yours still running well?

 

 

 

Sent via Galaxy S (Tapatalk)

[meggidodimus]

hmm can someone help me pls? today while riding on the expressway my phantom died on me, engine got cut off. i had to ride to road shoulder, electric start it, then continue moving. shortly after, it died again. repeated the same thing. now when idling / moving, the bike has this knocking sound like tok tok tok tok tok in the engine.

 

called up planet motors and they told me maybe is piston jam, need top overhaul sia...

do u all have any experience on this? ive been riding for 3 months and know nuts about maintenance and all zzzzzzzzzz. duno when to change what, what to look out for.

[ezzyoiler]

come down to the monhly CLINIC meet...

and have all your questions answered.on anything concerning your phantom..

[ashdee]

Hi Knights,

 

Just got my 1st phantom last week, sent straight for a quick check up at planet, all was well till 2 days ago it started to emit a bit of white smoke (not too thick, but enough to be seen). Should I send straight for overhaul? Also a bit on tinking / grinding noise when cruising, from the stuff I've read it may be the roller guide or sproket

.

Also, when idle, I cannot gear down from 1st gear to neutral, have to cut off engine only then it will gear down to neutral. Is it normal? Or is my gearbox spoilt?

[naim]

smoke wise: i say overhaul shud be d last resort.. unless ur EO level drops alot (like mine = abt 300ml/week!!!), and d engine is still smooth, just use it la.. no harm one.. just monitor d EO level diligently.. save money whr u can...

 

another thing cud be water in ur tank.. check ur seal for the fuel cap.. try running d tank until almost empty and refill wif a fresh tank of petrol.. see if it changes anyting...

 

gear wise, check ur clutch freeplay.. make sure ur biting point isn't too near... makes it hard to engage.. can oso check ur gear lever bolt.. open ur front sprocket cover (2x8mm bolts) and tighten d bolt connecting ur lever to d gearbox.. its a 10mm..

[ashdee]

Thanks naim, will check the EO before and after each ride.. so to quickly put it, if white smoke + EO drop = piston rings needs changing?

Btw what you mean by engine still smooth? No hiccups, backfire, etc?

[ashdee]

Btw just to add the white smoke kinda lingers out of the exhaust when i cut off the engine.. somewhat like steam coming out of a kettle spout..

[naim]

yup.. smooth as in terms of power delivery lar.. sum more if ur piston ring gone, u r loosing compression.. ur bike will be inefficient in terms of power and FC... after stop, im nt sure abt d smoke, cux mine didnt hv it wen engine is shut off..

[ashdee]

Ok went for a test run (since I can't sleep), went to office and back.. all in all 40km worth.. my observations are:

a) smoke comes out a fair bit between traffic lights (new bridge road), more noticanle when at traffic lights

b) went down expressway, in 6th gear. When stopped upon traffic light, no smoke.. However when throttling up from 1st up to 4th/5th gear, white smoke is out again..

c) checked EO before and after ride.. so far so good, no drop (only slightly, which is understandable as was checked before test run after heating up engine 2 mins

d) no drop in power, can still accelerate well, FC not so sure, will take note of mileage once hitting reserve..

e) after this test run, no white smoke coming out when idle..

 

Maybe the distance is too short of time to tell.. Will update later..

 

In the meantime, thanks naim for your reply.. I'm actually looking forward to join the clinic if got time.. Any idea when its usually held?