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HOW TO: Balance Throttle Bodies with a Tuneboy

62K views 95 replies 37 participants last post by  chielmi  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Standard disclaimer applies. Don't blame me for messing your bike up, take it to a shop if you don't trust yourself. I took some of the pictures out of order, so ignore the fact that the gas tank is attached after I removed it and removed after I attached it. If you adjust the screw on the middle cylinder you will mess your bike up bad. Read the Triumph service manual to see which screws to adjust.

Tools needed:

1. Tuneboy Cable (can be borrowed, you don't need to edit the tune)
2. Way to prop up gas tank
3. Metric Hex Keys
4. Metric Socket Set
5. Laptop
6. Rear Stand (optional, but helps keep bike level so the laptop can balance on the passenger seat... be careful with the laptop balancing like this)
7. Stubby #2 Phillips Screwdriver

The instructions in the Triumph repair manual call for more tools than required and don't explain properly how to hook up lines and hose after the airbox is removed to get a proper reading from the tool. I don't think it would even work right with the Triumph Diagnostic Tool. They say to get extension wires and hoses (~$300) to completely remove the tank and have adequate room to adjust the screws. You don't need these hoses and wires if you do it my way.

Step 1: Follow the manual to remove the gas tank and airbox.

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A properly placed ball-joint-remover-tool may help prop the gas tank while you unplug the wires and pull the hoses.

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Drape the top of the airbox over the side of the bike, as having the ECU plugged in aids in running the motorcycle during the balance.

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Like so...

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This plug needs to be plugged in again before you balance the throttle bodies or the Tuneboy will read all zeros for MAP. Unplug it for the time being to remove the rest of the airbox.

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Remove those plastic thingies.

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These hoses (one on each side) should be the only things left unhooked while you run the bike to adjust the throttle bodies.

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Remove this plug from the airbox (I used a standard screwdriver since I didn't have a torx handy) and fit it back to the bike where it was plugged in.

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Like so...

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Refit the gas tank and find a way to prop it up out of the way, without putting too much stress on the fuel line and wires. Plug everything back in.

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I used a ratchet type strap to the ceiling of the garage, you could also have a friend hold it, but it might be uncomfortable. Be creative. Plug the Tuneboy in and follow the instructions to get it running properly. Go though a few tests to make sure everything is hooked up and the PC is communicating properly to the bike. Start the bike up and see that on the "Test" page you are getting readings for each cylinder. If you are seeing zero for the cylinders, you messed something up. Check all the hoses and plugs and try again. If it looks good, you're ready to tweak the screws now.

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Screws.

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Adjust them slowly and check the screen. Blip the throttle to make sure everything is settled.

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I was able to get them exactly the same using this page of the Tuneboy. The other page has too much data being processed and is kind of laggy. The values vary by 7.5 rounding down. While I was adjusting I saw 592, 600, 607, and 615. When I was happy the values would still jump up to 607 for a fraction of a second, but usually with two cylinders at a time. I think if you can get them all within 7 you should be happy, but it wasn't too hard to get them all equal. When you are happy, put the bike back together and clear the CEL's that may have occured from running the bike without the airbox.
 
#2 ·
Sweet!

Thanks Sparker!

That plug that you need to plug in was the last bit that we needed last night, we had the plug connected, but the hose was not...my brain was working it out and I was gonna suggest it...but it was getting late and Shaun needed to get to work.

The shop manual lacks quite a bit of detail for this procedure.

Still can't recall what the other two connectors connect to that Shaun's bike had loose. But I don't think they're related to balancing the bodies.

Thanks again!

(P.S. don't think I need to say it, but this thread should definitely be sticky'd!)
 
#3 ·
nice write up Sparker! too bad I dont own a tuneboy:itsok:how far were your TB's when you started?
 
#6 ·
Easy peasy!

Did mine in no time, they also balanced at around 600. I noticed that while the adjusters are supposed to adjust each cylinder respective to the center, it seemed that there was definitely a slight interplay between all three. So, if you can't seem to get it, try turning the other screw.
 
#11 ·
I did mine today, had to take the airbox off to replace the coolant temp sensor anyway so while I was there I did a quick throttle body balance.

I propped my tank up a bit differently, since I didn't have access to a roof brace or tie downs (too cheap to buy them :p).

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#13 ·
HELP!!!
i've tried everything but my cylinders read 600, 690, 600!
i don't know how to fix it!
 
#14 ·
Easy peasy!

Did mine in no time, they also balanced at around 600. I noticed that while the adjusters are supposed to adjust each cylinder respective to the center, it seemed that there was definitely a slight interplay between all three. So, if you can't seem to get it, try turning the other screw.
take your time
 
#20 ·
For those that have done this, how sensetive is the screw when you turn it? How much of a turn should you do then blip the throttle to see your new values?

I ask because when I did this for my carbed Bonneville, it was a PITA because it took TINY...and I mean TINY adjustments to the screw. I did a 1/4 turn and it almost sucked the ATF out of my man-made manometer.

I do have a Tuneboy so Im ready for this. Im thinking if running a big fan in front of the bike while doing this to somewhat maintain a steady temperature on the bike and prevent overheating. (Learned the need for this on my air cooled Bonneville when doing this. My header pipes were glowing red!!!)
 
#22 · (Edited)
Am I doing something wrong with the Tuneboy cable? I am borrowing a cable from a friend but it's not working for me or I'm just stupid and can't figure it out. I went to the Tuneboy site and downloaded all the software. I then burnt it all onto a disc and then installed it onto my laptop. After installing the software I went and installed the drivers by connecting the cable and going through the prompts as instructed in the PDF. After that I am lost. I can't use the Tunedit since I don't have key for my ECU but when I open Tuneboy I get nothing.

I attached some pics of some of the issues I am having with the cable and the port that I'm using. On the first two pics I have an option but don't know the correct one to choose. I've tried both and no luck! The third pic is just showing that it says "authentication failed. key required." The fourth pic I have no idea how to fix. There were some times that it read "...error code was 2" and I don't know what that meant either. The last pic is just showing what ports I have for the cable.

I have installed and unistalled the software and cable several times and used a different port each time but still no luck. Someone please help me and tell me what I'm doing wrong. Also, maybe I'm not doing something in the right order. After I install the software and the drivers what are the next steps in connecting the cable to the ECU, to turning the bike one, to firing her up? I may be doing something out of order there! PLEASE HELP!

EDIT: With all the times after I installed, I never got the cable LED to flash. I know that's something that was mentioned in the PDF and it never did.
 

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#23 ·
When you say "used a different port each time but still no luck" did you mean trying all the USB sockets on the laptop.

The error on the second last pic shows some other driver is trying to use that port and the TB cable doesn't like to share.

In your last pic look up the dev list, right click on 'Ports (COM & LPT)' go into properties>port settings>advanced-click the pull down menu "COM port number' and raise the port number to 20 or higher if needed.
(this for XP which I run on my ancient laptop, vista/win 7 are similar though the wording is slightly different)

General procedure is, start laptop>plug cable from comp to bike> turn ign key on (wait for bike start up noises to finish) >run either TB or TE after a bit of red led activity you should see data
in the sensors panel if in TB.
 
#24 ·
Yeah I tried all the usb slots and still got nothing out of them. I'll give your fix a try and see how that goes. I am downloading from scratch again and seeing how it goes from there. Thanks for the advice.
 
#25 ·
It's been a while, but I remember having some similar issues the last time I tried to install the software. The solution in my case was to save the download to my desktop, then right click and install using the windows install wizard.

Just something simple to try, could have been a fluke but it worked for me. Good luck!
 
#26 ·
Well, after changing my COM port to 20 I am now getting an error saying "Can not open COM4. Error code 2." or something to that nature. It is error code 2 though. My laptop is a 32-bit so is that the issue?
 
#27 · (Edited)
I had a similar problem on my IBM/Lenovo laptop and this fixed it, I'm assuming your running XP

1)un-install tuneboy software, then go to program files or where ever you installed it to and delete all folders related.

2.) Do NOT have Tuneboy USB pluged in /right click my computer/properties/click the Hardware tab/ then device manager/ scroll down to USB contollers, click the little plus sign to expand/ uninstall anything Tuneboy.

3.) download Crap Cleaner http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner run the cleaner then click registry within CCleaner then scan for issues after it scan click fix all selected issues ,Back them up if you want they are invalid so I just delete all and no backup.... Restart your PC

4.) Now go here download latest FULL install and Tuneboy USB drivers http://www.tuneboy.com.au/tutorials_support.html#displayContentContainer

5.)After you download, Install the software FIRST....not the USB drivers... after you install and enter your KEY actually it still may be in there via the registry..... now plug in the USB cable see if it finds it if it asks you for the drivers open "USB driver download" extract the corresponding folder XP/98 or Vista to your desktop....... and direct the wizard to look in that folder for the USB drivers.....

6.) Restart your PC I usually do when I install new programs "crappy windows OS":cool: ...... plug usb into PC/Laptop,plug OBD connector to the bike, Turn on bike, open tune edit or tuneboy and see if your still having the problem.... Hope this helps bro.
32 bit is not your problem at all i run 32 bit.....Hope this helps, if it still persists it may be because you dont have a key..... but I thought you were still able to see codes an all that without a key.... you just cant upload tunes to the bike..... make sure comports are on set to USB in tuneboy...."cable type"... I still get error code 2 sometimes aswell I just restart laptop, plug in USB to laptop, plug in OBD to bike, turn ignition to on,start tuneboy.....no more error

just found this on tuneboys site.... IDK try what I said above first and if it still doesn't work then I believe the Key is your problem

"You will get the message "Authorization failed" in TuneBoy and "No Key for this ECU(nnnnnnnnnn)" in TuneEdit if you have entered the key incorrectly.

The key must be entered exactly as it appeared in the email response to your key request. If you have not requested the key please follow the "Getting started" section in the documentation or the "Getting started" tutorial on this web site."
 
#28 ·
I saw that this morning too on their site. I went ahead and emailed them to see if they can help. If not then I will just use the comp that my friend has. It's frustrating though because also thought that you could use the cable if you didn't need the function of loading tunes. I will try this all again tonight. Thanks all for the help.

Is visually looking at the adjuster screws good enough to know that I'm out of specs? The screw/spring is "longer" than the screw on the right.

EDIT: I tried what you mentioned earlier. Still didn't work but that's a nice little tool to have for cleaning things up! I don't have the key since it's my friends cable.

On my previous post, does it matter what option I choose for the cables for the first two pics? Thanks a million.
 
#29 · (Edited)
no I wouldnt try it visually... there is only 2 screws to adjust and you have to balance them to cyl #2.... besides chances are is that Cyl 3 will be out of spec and you will prolly only need to nudge them 1/4 to 1/2 turn to get them into spec....

I actiually had a PITA time getting them balanced for some reason.....to fix it what I did was screw them both all the way in, unscrewed them about half way out, even turns on the screw driver. started bike from there and slowly adjusted left and right screw till I got all 3 at 536/536/536, bliped throttle a couple times made sure it stayed @ those values

yes it does matter on cable did you try both?, I changed cable type while in tuneedit I think its #4 i thought it said USB cable in the drop down menu... not sure at the moment my laptop is at my father in-laws house..

EDIT:
I wouldnt use that found new hardware wizard, unless it cant find the cable after the Software install.... If it still doesn't find it, download the USB drivers from Tuneboy, extract the folder you need XP or Vista.... and when it asks for driver direct the wizard to that USB folder you just extracted on your desktop
 
#30 ·
Could this cause a weird noise almost like a knocking at idle? Im trying to figure out what this noise is on my bike. at 2k rpms my bike gets quiet pulls strong and at 2k rpms it like pops and goes smooth its really weird and seems electronically controlled and idk if its just the bike or if there is something wrong.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59dbSlzy4ko"]YouTube- Daytona 675 Idle noise[/nomedia]

Heres the youtube link. You can hear it pop and then get smooth. any input is appreciated.
 
#31 ·
Bamboo13
Sorry, should have mentioned once you have changed the com port # as per my last post you should start TuneEdit, click options>properties and change the "serial port" number to match what you set in windows.
The cable should show up there as an option if its plugged in to the laptop select it click 'save' then close TE and try TB again.

...if that doesn't work

Restart TE & follow the procedure in the http://www.tuneboy.com.au/Support/TuneBoy_Documentation.zip for getting the ECU serial# especially selecting a correct tune for you bikes VIN range,
I know you don't need the serial for what you need to do but I have vague memories from when I first got the TuneBoy cable that the TuneBoy program refused to talk to the bike until I had established coms via the TE prog.
(you don't run both at the same time)

and don't touch the throttle balance screws without some feedback from TB you'll only make it worse.
 
#32 ·
Sweet! Thanks Baba! I am going through a how to of what I am doing and hopefully someone here can ID what I am doing wrong. Reason for me doing this is the PDF for Tuneboy shows different options then what I am getting on the program and maybe there is something I am missing. Will post ASAP and hopefully someone can help my 'tard ass!