Front Spark plug has half oil on it.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 974
Likes: 13
From: Chesapeake Virginia
not realy idexing the plug. Just trying to see where the cold side is when it is tight in the hole. Indexing is having the electrode where you want it when it is tight (many arguments on this one). Knowing where the cold / oil side is can help diagnose what is causing it.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Clovis ca.
not realy idexing the plug. Just trying to see where the cold side is when it is tight in the hole. Indexing is having the electrode where you want it when it is tight (many arguments on this one). Knowing where the cold / oil side is can help diagnose what is causing it.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
For a matter of accuracy, ride the bike under load then pull the clutch and use the kill switch to avoid feeding the engine with idling A/F mixture. Consider a 15 minutes ride before doing the test. Use clean spark plugs to start and don't over-tighten them because you need to take them out immediately after you stop. Put anti-seize or moly grease on the threads and engage the plugs with your fingers to re-install. When the engine is hot there is more play on the thread.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 450
Likes: 2
You can pull the plugs out of a hot motor, but be very careful putting them back in. Motor is aluminum plugs are not. Different rates of expansion and contraction, do NOT cross thread.
Best off to bypass this test. Best to find a reputable tuner as there is little you can realistically do to adjust for any deficiencies.
Best off to bypass this test. Best to find a reputable tuner as there is little you can realistically do to adjust for any deficiencies.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
You can pull the plugs out of a hot motor, but be very careful putting them back in. Motor is aluminum plugs are not. Different rates of expansion and contraction, do NOT cross thread.
Best off to bypass this test. Best to find a reputable tuner as there is little you can realistically do to adjust for any deficiencies.
Best off to bypass this test. Best to find a reputable tuner as there is little you can realistically do to adjust for any deficiencies.
There are 2 sources:
- Intake valve guide = possible recognition by plug orientation
- Scraper ring = coloration would be diffused on the ceramic
An exhaust valve guide leak will not affect the combustion chamber.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
or a blown head gasket....
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
In this case if you can't see traces of oil around the head gaskets you will get an oil reflux at the vents that will be recycled at the level of the A/C.
There will be a serious loss of power, overheating and funny new smell. (been there
)
There will be a serious loss of power, overheating and funny new smell. (been there
)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
Not necessarily...a small head gasket leak between the cylinder and the oil jacket could mostly suck oil in with not so much pressure blowing into the crankcase as to cause the engine to puke oil into the air cleaner..
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
Today you can buy a small endoscope for less than $50, a really nice helper in such a case.