Plugs carbon up quickly

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. I think the problem is solved. As recommended I started going through the grounds, starting with the coils. One coil had no continuity at all, the other one did but it was probably not that good. I removed both coils and this frame had been powder coated and there was no clean metal where the mounting screws attached. I took my dremel and cleaned out a nice area on top and bottom of the mounting bracket then reinstalled the coils. Now before it was very hard to see a spark when I laid a plug on top of the engine. It was yellow and I had to shut the garage door and turn off all the lights in order to even see it. After cleaning off the coil grounds I pulled a plug and even with both doors open on a bright day I could see a strong blue spark. Put the tank back on, adjusted the idle and it's running perfectly now, no misses and crisp throttle response. I rode the bike around my subdivision for about 15 miniutes, first up the hill and back only and eventually around the entire subdivision and it continued to run great. Started it a half hour later and it started right up. So.. seems like that was it. Cant wait to trust it enough to take it on a long ride. Thanks again for your suggestions everyone.

Am glad to hear it's running okay. But I suspect something else happened during the removal and re-installation of the coils that resulted in the more powerful spark. Because the coil need not be grounded at all to perform perfectly okay, and should perform even if suspended in rubber instead of being bolted to the chassis. Perhaps a leaking plug wire was slightly re-positioned so as to no longer leak high tension voltage, or some other reason. Only mentioning this in case the problem unexpectedly resurfaces.

Good Fortune!

Ditto what Patton says. I would double check that all the coil connections are clean and have good continuity or it'll be back to bite your ass, typically later after it has slipped your mind!:laugh:


I still suspect you are running rich. Go for a decent length ride and use the full rev range a few times then check you plug colour.

Standing here hitting my head against the wall... started this morning.. kind of hard. Tried to start it a half hour later.. won't even pop again. Weak spark again and plugs are wet with gas At my wits end.

Did I jinx it? :evil:

No, to tell you the truth, I was kind of whistling passed the graveyard. Went to start again and got it to pop and eventually start. Once it's going it runs fine. Next time it's running good I might push it off a cliff.. .with me on it!
\

Have you replaced the plugs ?
Or are you just cleaning them ?
If you are using plugs that have been fouled and cleaned , they re-foul quickly. ( Is that even a word ) ?
Replace them to start fresh for tuning and driveability
Dave

Should replace old, hard, leaking, cracked worn-out spark plug wires with Dyna solid core plug wires (available from Z1 Enterprises), which come with integrated non-resistor caps.

Why are "R" spark plugs being used instead of stock NGKB8ES?

Should assure strong ignition and correct valve clearances before addressing the carbs.

Good Fortune!

I changed to the NGK non resistor plugs and knock on wood, it's been running great ever since. Starts instantly, no bogging or missing.. rode it for a half hour and did't start to deteriorate. HOPEFULLY that was it. I'll let you all know.