#3 spark plug wet.

Pulled the plugs after it started running a lil rough. #3 was wet and I cant seem to lean it up any. What gives? Any suggestions?

 

Maybe a stuck float in the carbs?? Thats known to cause a some flooding.

 

I just had that happen yesterday when I first fired mine up. The no#4 plug woudln't fire for some stupid reason (over choked and flooded it) So I removed the plug and cleaned it off good and re-installed it. The engine fired right up and ran like a cat on fire. I took it for a spin arond the block and it runs perfect. Usually the plugs will clear themselves up after you run the engine, but in my case, the plugs was just too wet to make a spark. I have Champion plugs in mine now and I never had the problem with NGKs, so I think I'll replace mine with NGKs again.

 

Did you check the plug boot resistance?

 

Also check your petcock vacuum line. Usually this is attached to #3 and if it is leaking gas will draw gas that way.

 

Gonna replace the plugs, and fuel lines, and fuel filter, and I guess as soon as i get time pull the carbs and give them another cleaning.

 

Definately check your petcock. Pull the vacuum hose off and see if there is fuel in there. If the diaphram in the petcock cracks, fuel can be pulled through the vacuum line and into #3 causing it to run very rich or flood it out. Definately replace the plug since gas fouling isn't very good on them.

 

I didnt realize the petcock could be that much of an issue. i will definitely checkit out!

 

Ok well, i pulled the vacuum line from the petcock over the weekend and it was dry.I put a new plug in it and she rode it for 30/45 minutes or so and it fuel fouled it again. It doesnt seem like the float is hung open on it it just acts like its rediculously rich on that carb. I even have the mixture screw turned all the way in.Is this a problem with a clogged passage insibe the carb maybe?Weather is warming up and the wife wants to get some seat time. Any help will be appreciated.

 

Only other thing I can think of might be the piston hanging up leaving the main open?

Other than that are you sure you are getting good spark on it?

 

Sorry for the dumb question but what piston?

 

Sorry should have been more clear. The carb has a piston that slides up via vacuum which opens the main jet (needle attached to bottom of piston).

If it's sticking open you may get more fuel.

 

Oh ok. i am planning on pulling them off and giving them a super-duper cleaning. I hope this fixes it. It is the wife's first bike and she is really excited about learning to ride. I also need to do as much work on it myself as i can due to financial constraints. I talked to the local independent shop a few days ago about cleaning and syncing the carbs, I thought I was going to have to call somebody to pick me up off the floor. $300 just to clean and sync.And the Yamaha shop wont even touch it.

 

yea not worth it - you can easily do the work - Here are some links to help:

Clean enrichment circuit
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=8918.html

Clean carbs
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2908.html

Carb Sync
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2132.html

Bench sync
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=6366.html

 

$300 is about right for clean, synch, colortune + parts.

 

Dude! that was just to CLEAN and SYNC off the bike. Me pull the rack off and take them to the shop!!! 8O

 

I'm sure that included new bowl gaskets and the labor to clean. If you do it right you should check all the seals. And if you break the rack you may as well do all new seals anyway.

 

Well, that's out right robbery!
I thought you were dropping it off.
Picking it up ready to go.

Just had a thought though, the main jet could have fallen out in that carb.
I've heard of this happening more then once.
This would explain your constant fuel fouling.

 

Cleanin the carbs is the easy part. It just takes a lot of patience. By the third carb you just wanna hurry up and get it over with. Now syncing the carbs... well. Thats got me stumped. My neighbor has the tool to sync them up and the tool to set the idle, but we've got no idea where to hook them up to. He's familiar with Suzukis and Hondas, newer models. So this four stroke is a whole new world to him.
But man, honestly, listen to these guys and follow the instructions and do the cleaning and bench syncing and whatnot yourself. You'll get a crapton more enjoyment of doing it yourself and then having the know how to do it again. Knowledge is Power my friend. Its worth the time and effort in the end
-SLKid

 

I consider myself mechanically inclined, so Im gonna tackle it myself. I have spent hours pouring over this site and reading all the info i can. By the way thanks for all the tips and info guys.

 

Good luck - post your questions.

One word of advice - do it right. Go slow clean everything surgically clean, clunk test, bench sync... or you will just do it again.

 

My wife says I'm anal when it comes to working on stuff. I guess 20 years of doing paint and body work on show cars makes me that way.It has to be perfect (or damn close).Like I said before, this is her first bike and i want her to enjoy motorcycle riding the way I do. Not fighting an ill running machine. She rides behind me all the time, but she says she is ready to try it on her own.

 

This is one place where it will payoff for you for sure....