spark plug question ... what does this mean

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Jan 10, 2003 | 09:14 AM

respectblades

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Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 318

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From: usa

spark plug question ... what does this mean

ok my spark plug tips are white...
the porcelain is black

am i running rich or lean
and does this mean i'm having denotation

Jan 10, 2003 | 09:39 AM

Desslok

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 2,052

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Re: spark plug question ... what does this mean (respectblades)

Do you have pics?

White tips usually mean lean. For detonation, you will usually have blistering/specks on the ceramic insulator portion.

Jan 10, 2003 | 09:49 AM

respectblades

Thread Starter

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 318

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From: usa

Re: spark plug question ... what does this mean (sp)

i'll try and get some pics up later

how can i get it to run richer if that is the problem

Jan 10, 2003 | 09:53 AM

Desslok

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 2,052

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Re: spark plug question ... what does this mean (respectblades)

Quote:

i'll try and get some pics up later

how can i get it to run richer if that is the problem

It depends on if you have vaccuum leaks, or if you have adjustable FPR, SAFC, etc. But a good way is to check your timing, retard if necessary. Also make sure you have correct heat range plugs. May want to check fuel pressure if your unsure or change fuel filter if it has been a while.

Jan 10, 2003 | 10:02 AM

serious

Junior Member

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 877

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From: Kensington, MD, USA

Re: spark plug question ... what does this mean (respectblades)

since the cermaic of the plug is black, i'd guess that the white you're seeing on the tip is ash. i'd have to go the opposite direction and say you're running rich. check out these links for help on reading your spark plugs:

http://www.motocross.com/motoprof/mo...lug2/plug2.htm
http://www.buckeye-illinois.com/sparkplugs.htm

Jan 10, 2003 | 10:12 AM

respectblades

Thread Starter

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 318

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From: usa

Re: spark plug question ... what does this mean (serious)

ok i see a pic on there that looks just like mine

i'm running to rich

any techniques i could use to correct this

Jan 19, 2003 | 09:14 AM

nfn15037

Honda-Tech Member

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 3,611

Likes: 3

From: Boston, MA, USA

Re: spark plug question ... what does this mean (respectblades)

Quote:

ok i see a pic on there that looks just like mine

i'm running to rich

any techniques i could use to correct this

You cant tell if you are running rich or lean by the color of your sparkplugs, since when your not on it, the ECU is running in closed loop mode, ie-its taking readings from the O2 sensor to correct the A/f ratio. Best bet is take it to a dyno with a wideband O2.

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Jan 19, 2003 | 02:40 PM

serious

Junior Member

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 877

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From: Kensington, MD, USA

Re: spark plug question ... what does this mean (nfn15037)

Quote:

ok i see a pic on there that looks just like mine

i'm running to rich

any techniques i could use to correct this

You cant tell if you are running rich or lean by the color of your sparkplugs, since when your not on it, the ECU is running in closed loop mode, ie-its taking readings from the O2 sensor to correct the A/f ratio. Best bet is take it to a dyno with a wideband O2.

sure you can tell if you're running rich or not, it simply won't tell you what part of the if system is to blame, whether it's the injectors, o2, ecu, etc.

it also may not mean you're always running rich, lean, whatever, but it is saying that everything is not right and at least part fo the time you're rich/lean.