Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 70
spark plug diagnosis

i changed my spark plug today. 1500-2000 km since last/1 year.

how would you say this plug looks?

the bike has been a bit difficult to start lately (kick).

i feel there might be some unburned fuel when i release the trottle, it doesn't go "bang" in the exhaust, but it rumbles a bit.

last time i changed plug the plug wasn't white at the tip as this one is. The picture may lie a bit, its not completely white, but grayish.
Attached Thumbnails
spark plug diagnosis-20120805_122609.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 70
the plug is altso a bit rusty on the outer parts
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 70
better pic
Attached Thumbnails
spark plug diagnosis-20120805_130246.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lithuania
Posts: 204
Looks like it's running too rich on the fuel to air ratio. Spark plug should be gray-ish color, kinda like the color of the sand.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Aug 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Is it the correct heat range for your bike/climate/altitude etc ?
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Have a look at this link - How you can read spark plugs and select them - by Gordon Jennings. It was written by an American journalist and published back in the late 70's but it's just as relevant today. There's such a lot of info there that by the time you get to the end of it you'll probably be able to read next week's lottery numbers from the distribution of soot on your plugs.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 70
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Is it the correct heat range for your bike/climate/altitude etc ?
im not shire what you mean here?

i haven't adjusted the carburetor before, is it straight forward to adjust the air/gas ?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Aug 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by bikereurope View Post
im not shire what you mean here?

i haven't adjusted the carburetor before, is it straight forward to adjust the air/gas ?
Spark Plugs 101: Understanding Spark Plug Heat Range - SummitRacing.com


Before you think about jetting... Is it running okay ? Is it popping or does it feel hesitant to rev up ?

Have you changed your exhaust/airbox/filter etc ??

Are you valve clearances okay ?
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 70
haven't changed anything.

it runs great. i think its using some oil, its difficult to read the levels correctly on the bike. i have done the procedures that is recommended on the hubb. is it possible that the oil doesn't flow back up to the "oil tank"as good as it should?

but. the bike runs great. no popping, but maby a "rumble" when i get off the trottle...

its a kick, and lately it has been harder to kickstart when cold.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Aug 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by bikereurope View Post
haven't changed anything.

it runs great. i think its using some oil, its difficult to read the levels correctly on the bike. i have done the procedures that is recommended on the hubb. is it possible that the oil doesn't flow back up to the "oil tank"as good as it should?

but. the bike runs great. no popping, but maby a "rumble" when i get off the trottle...

its a kick, and lately it has been harder to kickstart when cold.
Check your valve clearances... Very easy to check and adjust on an XT600.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 70
ok, they were checked 2500 km ago by last owner...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 Aug 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by bikereurope View Post
ok, they were checked 2500 km ago by last owner...
Any white/blue smoke when running or at start up ? You say it's burning oil.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 5 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 70
some smoke when starting. stops after 200 meters. valve seals maby or to much oil...
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Aug 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by bikereurope View Post
some smoke when starting. stops after 200 meters. valve seals maby or to much oil...
If an engine always smokes it's a sign of head gasket/badly leaking valves, piston rings etc.

If it's just on start up it's usually a weeping valve seal..

That's assuming you're SURE it's oil smoke.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 7 Aug 2012
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
The only reliable way of reading a spark plug is by doing a "Plug Chop"

Google it.

Mezo.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
RTW on 100cc underbones - Underboning the World Underboning Ride Tales 300 4 Jan 2013 09:24
spark plugs query A.L.F Kawasaki Tech 1 17 Jan 2012 22:23
Spark plug bodge Jtw000 Tech 2 17 Dec 2011 14:28

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:02.