81 kz 550 running lean

I have an 81 550 that is running very good. No problems starting, no idling problems, accelerates good, too.

Anyway I pulled the plugs and they are a little whiter than I would like. They are a mix between tan and white, but more white. I hear these horror stories of people who burn holes in their pistons from running lean, too long.

Is it normal to have a little white on these plugs, or should I rejet?

I just acquired the bike a few months back and am only riding it for the first time this past month. Stock airbox and exhaust.

Also whih way do I tuen the adjustment screws to make it richer?


Thanks,
Shizz

I have an 81 550 that is running very good. No problems starting, no idling problems, accelerates good, too.

Don't touch it! :laugh: if your putting a hole in a piston, you will see/hear evidence of it, aluminum specks melted to the ceramic of the plugs and ping/knocking of the engine.

A little whitish is fine. You can play with the jetting if you like, but remember its about power and delivery. If it feels good, it usually is. You can fiddle with things to try and make it better, if that doesnt work go back.

Being a little lean is fine, especially in cooler weather.



If this infact your carb, then the air screw on the side is precisely that - out = more air into pilot circuit, in = less.

GL!

Thanks for the input.