question about reading spark plugs

I posted this in the FAQ section by mistake. So, if you saw it there I apologize.

I think I once saw a comment by Rick that indicated the best way to read plugs was by looking at the ground strap coloration. Anyone know where I can find that information.

I just adjusted and synced my carbs and used a colortune plug. I closed the pilot screws until the engine started to slow or stumble and the blue began to fade. Then I opened the screws until the blue returned and the engine idled smoothly. I installed new plugs and went for a 20 mile ride at about 60 mph. The plugs are very clean and have a slight brown color on a portion of the ceramic, but not all the way around. the bike runs very well, cranking, idling, accelerating, etc.

I started my adjustment from a lean position in order to see the color of the plugs change if adjustments are required. I think I may be a little lean, but these plugs look exactly like the ones in my Honda Rebel where the carbs have never been touched.

So if someone knows where to find the information on reading the ground strap please let me know.

 

the ground strap reads the heat range. too close to the tip is too cold, back into the bend is too hot. look for 1/2 to 2/3 from the tip to the bend there should be a change in color.
color on one side of the plug is from the way the air/fuel hits it coming in, normal on fresh plugs

 

Thanks. Am I simply looking for a change in color on the ground strap. If so, I'm hot. Are there any pictures showing what I should be looking for?

 

here's some pictures i just took of mine.
also google "spark plug base ring" and "spark plug ground strap"
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4j6bf_0WGweWUNVOThDZ2k5Z0U&usp=sharing

 

Thanks. Mine have the same color, and I'll check the ground straps, but I think mine may be a little lean. Nice pictures.

 

Mr. P is right; but you also need to look at the "flame ring" which is the unthreded portion of the plug that the ground strap sprouts out of.

You're looking for the recommended brownish color pretty much like the ones in the pics he posted.

These days, it takes quite a while to build up an even color on the insulators. Mine are only colored on one side after 2K miles or more, but the ground straps and flame ring colorization is exactly what is to be expected. (The 550s tend to eat plugs, so they generally get changed at around 2K ~2500 miles so I can't provide any longer-term experience.)

 

Thanks.

My "flame rings" are a golden brown color and I have opened the pilots about the width of a dime. I'll ride it this weekend and try to post pictures.

 

Sounds like you're right on it. The next adjustment you make, if need be, should be 1/2 the width of a dime. If that.

Does it idle "lump, lump, lump" or does it have a happy, steady clatter like a sewing machine?

If it idles with no trace of "lumpiness" and the plugs look golden brown on the flame ring and ground strap below the bend with a touch of color on the insulators then it sounds to me like a happy state of tune. Will it pull steadily from 3K to redline in top gear? Will it quickly run to redline in second and third? And then immediately return to a smooth idle when you pull up to a stop sign?

If it rides like you would expect a new bike to after maybe a couple thousand miles then you did it. You have achieved. Ride it. BE SAFE. The streets just continue to get crazier every day.

 

It starts immediately, idles good--no lump, lump even when cold, and purrs when it's warmed up. Acceleration is smooth although I don't think I've ever had it over 7,000 rpm since I bought it. I just like to cruise between 55-70 mostly, although I did get it up to 80 once. I don't think I could ask for it to run smoother as long as I'm not too lean to do any damage. I doubt that it will ever see red line while I own it. If you don't think I'm too lean, then I'm set--fat, dumb and happy as we say in the South.

I realize the streets and highways are dangerous. In my past life I flew tactical jets for the Marine Corps during the Viet Nam "Conflict" and a part of flight training and actual tactical flying is developing a habit of constantly scanning the the sky--front, rear, sides, up and down as well as the instruments. You never know when someone will come after you from any direction so you watch them all. That's one of the things I have applied to my driving all these years, especially on a bike. Crap happens but it doesn't have to always dump on your head.

Ride safe this weekend. Lot of drunk crazies on the road.

 

Run the poor thing to redline in second or third once in a while; it will love you for it.

From the sound of things, you're not damage-causing lean by any stretch. Put a couple hundred miles on it and read the plugs again.

 

Thanks. I'll check the plugs in a day or so if I get to ride as much as I want to.

Redline?? Probably not, but maybe I'll get it above 7000 just to see how it feels.

 

Once you take it above 7k you'll never think of your bike as a "crusier" again.

 

Seriously.

My new favorite thing is simply letting it wind out to about 9K+ in 4th. Which is 90+ MPH (on a 550) so it should not be done anywhere near civilization, except for maybe merging onto a freeway that is already running at 90 MPH. (Like this morning on my way to work.) Damn I love that sound.

Seriously though; these motors were built to REV. Give the bike some room to stretch its legs now and then. You honestly won't hurt it. Once everything is in a solid state of tune, you can ride it like you could when it was new.

Be careful though, it's kind of addicting...