exhaust bluing Harley Evo Sportster Discuss exhaust bluing in the Harley Sportster & Buell forums; after a long ride today i noticed that not only was my pipe blue but the heat shield was turning blue. it is an 04 1200 r with 11000 miles ...

[southendrat]

after a long ride today i noticed that not only was my pipe blue but the heat shield was turning blue. it is an 04 1200 r with 11000 miles any suggestion why the shield is turning blue?

[frisco-rigid]

Hi South

We need more facts.. Carb I bet,, using premium?? Any popping, coughing.? How's it running.?

Did you put all 11000 miles on this sickle.? If yes then did you just notice it, or possibly, has it been a slow change..
Has any work/adjustments been performed recently, who did it, you or someone else.?

If it has been ongoing slowly then it might just be a tad lean and/or retarded aggravated by summer heat.. Both conditions should be attended to.. If it is a sudden change then it could be an intake leak causing a very lean condition.. Could be at the intake manifold-head connection and/or the carb-manifold connection.. That's the first thing I'd look at if it's a sudden new prob.. And be sure your headers are snug at the heads..
Have you looked at your plugs after idling in or after a high-speed shut-down..
Not probable, but could even be a head gasket..

Timing won't change unless somebodys been in there that probably shouldn't a been.. It's computer controlled I believe, (Wrightturn hellooo) has anyone messed with it.?

[Wrightturn]

Hey Frisco,

Exactly. Have to change the module to alter timing. Most likely an air leak. The breather bolts that hold the backing plate can get loose. Since the backing plate holds the carb on you can get an air leak to aggrivate an existing lean condition. Check the air filter and the bolts holding the backing plate first.