Topic: Bike running too rich?

[78_SaltLick]

My bike warms up fast, a little too fast (dont even need to use the choke when you start it in the morning, and its warmed up within seconds) and once i ride it around for about 30 minutes, it starts to run bad. Sputters and spits when coming out of first gear. I think its getting too hot, even though the RPM's are where they are suppose to be at an idle. Is this what is called running too rich? How would i correct this? thanks guys.

[Bob Wessner]

You should start by pulling the plugs and taking a look at their condition and appearance.

[TwoTired]

If you are running too rich, the combustion deposits on the spark plugs will be a key indicator.

Remove yours and compare them to:
http://www.dansmc.com/Spark_Plugs/Spark_Plugs_catalog.html

Also note the numbers printed on the spark plug itself, so we know what heat range you have.

A clogged or overly restrictive air filter can also cause a too rich mixture condition.
Cheers,

[78_SaltLick]

Do you have to buy a special socket to get a motorcycle plug out? I have a car plug socket.

[Dennis]

Do you have to buy a special socket to get a motorcycle plug out? I have a car plug socket.

 

Ya do if it's a SOHC4 (sort of).
Easiest thing,
I'd suggest the plug wrench that is supplied in the OEM tool kit. If you don't have that I've heard that it is still available from Honda.
You can choose your source for that, one of the internet/mail order dealers or your local guy.

[eldar]

get a sparkplug socket from sears. It is a deep well and works just fine on my 750. It has the rubber insert as do all sparkplug sockets i have ever seen.

[KB02]

get a sparkplug socket from sears. It is a deep well and works just fine on my 750. It has the rubber insert as do all sparkplug sockets i have ever seen.

Just make sure it's the right size for the plugs. A standard Automotive spark plug socket is too small for the amjority of motorcycle plugs.

And, Yes, it does sound like it might be running a little bit rich. Looking at the plugs would be the best way to tell, though.

[Dennis]

get a sparkplug socket from sears. It is a deep well and works just fine on my 750. It has the rubber insert as do all sparkplug sockets i have ever seen.

get a sparkplug socket from sears. It is a deep well and works just fine on my 750. It has the rubber insert as do all sparkplug sockets i have ever seen.

Just make sure it's the right size for the plugs. A standard Automotive spark plug socket is too small for the amjority of motorcycle plugs.

And, Yes, it does sound like it might be running a little bit rich. Looking at the plugs would be the best way to tell, though.

If you go to Sears be sure to tell them that you need an 18mm spark plug socket. Take a spare plug with you to be sure you got the correct one. As KB02 says the small (5/8") automotive type is too small.
And the standard 13/16" automotive is too large.

[mrbreeze]

I second that.It is indeed a deep 18mm socket.

[MetalHead550]

18mm as long as its NGK, 5/8 if its champion.  At least thats been my experience.  I think you posted this problem earlier?  If you can start w/out choke when its dead cold then I would say definitly rich, especially w/ your carbs since your choke doesnt pull the throttle some along with the choke like newer model carbs do.  Also sputtering off the line and hesitation at lower throttle positions once its warm indicate overly rich.  If youre lean then the performance issues will usually surface at mabey 3/4 to full throttle.  Read up on pilot screw adjustment.  Yours are actually air screws and meter how much air is alowed in through the idle circuit so turning them out some may take care of the problem. 

[dusterdude]

the champions im using now are 16 mm

[MetalHead550]

Really?  well scratch that then.

[Dennis]

Really? well scratch that then.

maybe not?

16 mm = .6299"
5/8" = .6250"

.6299 - .6250 = .0049"

Do you think a 16 mm socket will fit a 5/8" sparkplug?

not trying to pick on you duster, but I never heard of a 16 mm spark plug

MetalHead, I would suspect that you are correct about the Champs being 5/8, but I have no clue what Champion plug is equivalent to D7 and D8. It seems that everyone I've ever heard of using them was complaining about the way they ran.
I always ran champs in my mopars, but I never ran them in my bikes.

[dusterdude]

i dont recall,when i put mine in earlier this year im not sure i tried a 5/8 socket.i may have used the 16mm because the ngk plug used the 18mm .i may have to take a whack at the 5/8 and see if it will fit.that would be nice if it does.

[dusterdude]

http://www.championsparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?otherMotiveID=15268&pid=4422     this is what i used.

[dusterdude]

duh,no its not.damnit i found a plug in the same heat range that had a smaller hex.shoot now i got to look some more.be back later

[mrbreeze]

16mm and 5/8 are very close to the same size.Its like 13mm &1/2....14mm&9/16....19mm&3/4.They aren't exactly the same but damn close.

[dusterdude]

breeze,champion`s website shows the plug i use to be 16mm-5/8.so i reckon 5/8 will work.i need to try that sometime

[Einyodeler]

Duster   get rid of those Champions,they`re resistor plugs.
Get NGK D8EA or Denso X24ES-U



AAArrrrgh,I just became an old-timer.

[dusterdude]

yea,i know.i bought them when i to much trouble trying to get the 18mm socket on the ngks,as soon as i buy a thin wall 18mm socket im going to change them back.i will so tho,the bike runs like a raped ape with the resistor plugs in it.

[eldar]

You been an old timer for years!

[dusterdude]

well,no need to get personal.

[mrbreeze]

Hey Einyodeler,Thats another thing I meant to bring up in my post.Ditch the Champion plugs! I wouldn't run em in a lawnmower!When I was a kid,I had a little Kawi 120 dirt bike that would foul em out as quick as you put    em in.Never cared for them since then.Bosch are good plugs.NGK's seem to work great in my bike.

[mrbreeze]

Damn! Talk about a runaway post!! This is supposed to be about running rich.