Rare Scottish Tree Badger Posted May 2, 2005 Report Posted May 2, 2005 Well, finally got around to doing my first plug chop. ... Warmed up, found a nice long straight (with no rocks in sight!), swapped in a new pair of plugs and pinned it through all the gears and held it open for 6 or 7 seconds in top. ... Pulled the kill, hit the clutch, kept the throttle wide open and coasted to a stop. I believe that's the way to go. As I said above, this is my first plug chop so appreciate some comments. ... Looks normal in the first pic showing, I would say, a bit on the lean side. ... I think it's a bit lighter colour than it should be, and also a bit narrower than the suggested 2mm. I'll go on after this pic. ... ... But what's all this about? ... The rings are a bit fatter and darker at this point, but has that twist in it. Anyone seen that before and care to comment? Rare. Quote
sredish Posted May 2, 2005 Report Posted May 2, 2005 Could be caused by the fuel, the oil, or who knows. I agree with your comments, in regards to the color. I'd like to see the color a little bit darker. How did the ground strap look, before it was mutilated.... Quote
Rare Scottish Tree Badger Posted May 2, 2005 Author Report Posted May 2, 2005 How did the ground strap look, before it was mutilated.... 363568[/snapback] I didn't think they gave a lot away, which possibly confirms the lean situation. ... Should it have showed up more info on what was only 20 - 25 seconds of running? Rare. Quote
97banshee350 Posted May 3, 2005 Report Posted May 3, 2005 this might be a stupid question but what exacly is a plug chop and what do you do, and whats the point of doing it? Quote
quad4me Posted May 3, 2005 Report Posted May 3, 2005 this might be a stupid question but what exacly is a plug chop and what do you do, and whats the point of doing it? 363658[/snapback] plug chop is exactly what you see above... needed to get your carb jetting correct on your MAIN jets. do a search on here for plug chop....i think sredish has a whole write up on here about it and or carb jetting. Quote
holeshotkid Posted May 3, 2005 Report Posted May 3, 2005 I would have to agree that it does look a little on the lean side, but not much. As far as the swirling, thicker ring, I would say that was the area above where the ground strap was located. Quote
sredish Posted May 3, 2005 Report Posted May 3, 2005 I didn't think they gave a lot away, which possibly confirms the lean situation. Quote
Lepew Posted May 3, 2005 Report Posted May 3, 2005 No, it can take up to 10 maybe even 15 minutes of good warm riding for the plug to fully color. I actually use old beat up plugs for my plug checks, and unless I'm worried aobut a real lean situation, I'll run em for 15 or so minutes and then pull em. I don't chop em, I just glance down inside and also look at the strap. Put another set in and go for a good ride then check em again. 363701[/snapback] I have a similar method. I have tried the plug chop after seeing it here. I don't think it really is the best way for ME to jet. I am most comfortable running a used plug for a time at a throttle setting and checking the color. You can run a dark brown plug at a to lean pilot setting (1/4- throttle) and get it to turn bright white. I look for the tan color at the electrode end of the insulator. Just check it like a plug chop on the pilot, needle and main and look for the tan insulator. The longer you can constantly run the throttle at each setting will give you a accurate indicator. Good luck on the main I have a hard time overcoming the rush from 6th pinned out. Quote
Rare Scottish Tree Badger Posted May 3, 2005 Author Report Posted May 3, 2005 As far as the swirling, thicker ring, I would say that was the area above where the ground strap was located. 363691[/snapback] After chopping the first plug and seeing the strange 'rise and fall' of the ring, that's what I thought it could have been. So I took a note of where the ground strap was on the second plug before chopping it, but the swirl was at a different position. My last theory is that it's to do with the actual positions in the cylinders, maybe facing the inlet ports. So next time I'll mark the plugs before I take them out to see if that tells a story. Good luck on the main I have a hard time overcoming the rush from 6th pinned out. I know what you mean! No, it can take up to 10 maybe even 15 minutes of good warm riding for the plug to fully color. I actually use old beat up plugs for my plug checks, and unless I'm worried aobut a real lean situation, I'll run em for 15 or so minutes and then pull em. I don't chop em, I just glance down inside and also look at the strap. Put another set in and go for a good ride then check em again. I can understand the warm running for 10-15 mins and then doing the WOT test to show up markings on the upper insulator and a good indication on the earth strap and base ring. But the actual ring that you see by chopping the plug is surely going to color from the times that you're at 1/4 - 3/4 throttle in that 10 min or so period, and therefore masking the main jet reading. The pics I put up of the threads and earth straps ... The whitish streaks rubbed off with the lightest of touch from my fingers and l noticed that, compared to a new plug, the straps were grayed right down to the base ring. I know the plugs need more time on them, but this could be showing a need for a change in heat range of plug. ... What a science this is! Rare. Quote
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