How do these PLUGS look...???

These plugs were off a MAXIM X after a carb clean and test run of about 15-20min (hope thats enough). Picture shows Plugs in order of 4,3,2,1 Left to right. My thoughts were plug 1 and 2 are just right. Plug 3 is rich..hence turned 1/2 clockwise to see how it will turn out. Plug 4 is leaning towards LEAN and unfortunately the screw is buggered n got to wait till i drill it out and replace. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

im not a real wizard, im 18, but im pretty sure 123 are all too rich, 4 is lean, "good" color is that of coffee with some creamer in it, thos look like fresh brewed in the pot

 

Right on Schoot' 1 & 2 still look a tad rich, but it looks like there is something else going on with those two, I wouldn't lean them out any more until you get that pilot mixture screw fixed & can bring them all into line.

 

Thanks guys, I also noticed an other thing..out of 4 pipes..pipe 3 doesnt feel as hot as the other 3. Any comments..thnks.

 

That's because it's richer. Lean cylinders run hotter than rich ones.

You need to really make sure the carbs are cleaned thoroughly, and if they are then keep tuning those suckers.

I have a related question: I've never tuned carbs on an XJ before, and I just took my carbs off and noticed the air mixture screws are facing up. How do you tune these 4 carbs on an XJ? Do you have to take the tank off to get to the screws?

 

You can just prop up the back of the tank.

 

anyone have good close up pics of correctly tuned carbs, the plugs that is. My max x was running lean, literaly white plugs, and I am out to about 3.25 turns on idle mixture (she would correctly idle unless I blipped her before). I got her to idle correctly with the 3.25 idle mixture setting, and pulled the plugs. They were tan, about a coffee color with creamer like schoot said, but I want a good pic to confirm. She idles just fine now. I've only put 1200 miles on her in 2 years (yes, it's criminal, I know)

 

My tuning screwdriver is 2 inches of welding rod with the end hammered flat to the correct thickness.
Li'lGiant, how's that plug since you turned it 1/2 turn??
I think both plug color and seat-of-pants feel are important to write down while making the tiny adjustments to the Pilot screws.

 

1&2 are rich, but look like they are closing in on ideal(a few small tweaks should get you there)
3 looks extra-rich, get that one down before it starts fouling
4 lean and mean, get that screw out and replaced asap.

What method are you using for your plug chop?

 

Thanks ass.fault n others. I havent had the time to check plug 3 after the tweak, i guess i had to offer some family time otherwise i wuld be thrown out..i did go on the hwy for about 30 mins..will check in on sep29 n post.
A Question..anyone used screw extractor for this P/screw..what size am i supposed to buy and use.

 

Personally, if that screw is that 'screwed up', I'm taking it to my local machine shop. For $25, it's worth it. Finding another set of these carbs isn't easy (I have two extras though)

 

I remember seeing on other thread using OLIVE oil and heat. They claimed it works great..!! May be should go and look at that option.
Its been raining last 2 days & next 2 days Cant wait to get the X for a stroll.....Sometimes weather is SUCKS...

 

i had 4 plugs that looked like your number 2 plug. the bike was hesitant and had flat spots and would back and misfire and the carbs were just cleaned a week ago. i replaced the plugs with 4 new ones and bam instantly fixed everything. bike comes right to life purrs like a kitten at idle

 

To back up what Lopez said, I had 6500 on my plugs begining of this season.
I couldn't figure out why She was running so crappy.
Changed the plugs BAM! new bike for 8 bucks.

 

Good topic, i am sure most of you have a favorite site that show spark plug colors but here's one to look at for the others that need to know.
I'm yet to restart my rebuilt motor because i want to buy a manometer set first but i got a colortune for $30 delivered so i am getting there.

Off to clean my carbs again, lol