I think I am running lean

but I don't speak spark plug yet, and I would appreciate a double check if I am interpreting the pieces of the puzzle correctly.

I did the valves, replaced intake manifolds and gaskets, installed cleaned carbs (first time I have been to church in years) carbs got new needles, seats and jets, wet set fuel levels, and managed a reasonable sync.

I started noticing some popping from the exhaust, and my idle goes from quite low when cold to about 2k when at temperature, it also seems to be a little rougher than I remember, but that might just be me.

I pulled the plugs after a little ride today, below 1-4 left to right, but I am not sure what I am looking at.


I am suspecting throttle shaft seals as they were not changed by me, I haven't had time to hit it with the carb cleaner/propane to confirm or deny this yet.
I am also running stock air box, filter, and exhaust.

Thanks!

 

#3 may be a bit lean, but it's hard to tell with this picture, Other ones look perfect to me. It could be easier with pictures showing the electrodes from the side.

 

1
2
3
4

hope that's a little better

 

3 is a bit lean, and the most likely source of the popping. Bump the idle mixture screw on 3 out by a dime's width and go for a ride.
Your idle will smooth out with a running synch. Reasonable is fine, but spot-on is best, and smoothest.

 

you will also want to set your idle after bike is hot not cold

 

3, after adjustment and ride.
I think that's a little more like it. i just get a little popping on deceleration now, and it's really soft, not like before. Cool.

Idle was set hot, have a burn to prove it. I am going to re-set when I try and dial in the sync. I am not sure how much change to expect after, say 10 minutes, vs after riding a while.

 

Thanks everyone for the input btw.
Normally I just lurk and read, but it's nice to get some direct input.

 

You should have no popping at all. Increasing # 3 by a dime's-width helped, so go out another dime's width. If you get to where you're turning it out more than a half turn (you really shouldn't even need as much as a quarter-turn) then you may have a hole in the exhaust, or a leaky exhaust gasket.

 

A bit more angle on the pic. farther down the porcelain looks lean as well. What size pilot jet is in it and how close to the 3mm float level are you?
The tan colour should extend farther down the porcelain than just the first few millimetres.