Topic: what's a plug chop?

[liaudio]

n/m

[csendker]

Read this --> http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=9817.msg91737#msg91737  A good description is at the end of TT's original post, but read the whole thing to understand the "why" before you get to the "how".

Basically, you run consistantly at certain throttle settings, kill the engine and stop with the engine disengaged.  Pull the plugs and look at the deposits and/or coloring.  You can compare them to a great set of pictures somewhere around here, and determine if you're running rich or lean or spot-on.  Do this at several different throttle settings to check the various component settings of your carbs.

[Lumbee]

...my favorite explanation is here...

http://p196.ezboard.com/fhondachopperfrm16.showMessage?topicID=43.topic

[liaudio]

Man! That's alotta work!  Especially plugs 2 and 3!!!

[dusterdude]

yep

[cbjunkie]

thanks for asking the question - it was one i have been meaning to look up...

[csendker]

Man! That's alotta work!

Yep is right, but if you find that you're running way lean, it sure is a lot less than a total engine rebuild.  If you heavily mod your bike (pods, 4-1 from 4-4, etc.) then rejetting & the assocaited trial-n-error chopping is real important.  But if you're basically stock, then you can short-cut back to OEM specs and do a couple to verify everything is running A-OK.

[RSV12K]

This plug chop mishigas seems unbelieveably boring. I check my plugs frequently when dialing in a bike, but life's too short for ye olde plug choppe.

[Lumbee]

...I must admit I'm with RSV also, I normally use the alfactory senses to see if I'm lean and check the gas milage and check the plugs after a long ride...

[motorcycleclaude75]

One more thing to add.

According to what I read, you're not supposed to use "new" plugs to perform your chops.  Something about not getting accurate colouring of the plugs.

Lately, I've been checking my plugs frequently and adjusting a little at a time if needed.  I noticed a leam condition in a few cylinders so I won't ride at high sustained speeds until I get it dialed in just right.  It's not the ideal way to do it but I've burnt my knuckles enough times.