[georgiagl1100]

Ok, question for the pros! I recently did a 'spring' tuneup. (I know... a little late) I replaced the timing belts, did the neon coil swap, installed new plug wires,(bosch 7mm automotive resistor wires) and new plugs, flushed cooling system. I have been through 3 tanks of fuel since doing everything. When the old plugs came out, the insulators were a little lighter than I expected, but not bad. Each of the plugs were light through about 3/4 the way around the insulators, and then noticeably darker for the remaining 1/4 of the insulator. I am running harley bagger mufflers instead of the factory pipes. When I put the new plugs in, (and here is where I am going to get into trouble) I couldn't locate my plug gapper. I looked at the gaps, decided they were probably close enough, and put them in. After 3 tanks of fuel, I finally located my gapper. I checked them and they were all around 50-55 thousandths. I gapped them properly and put them back in, but did notice that the insulators are white, with just one darker spot on each one. I assume that has something to do with the position of the plugs in relation to the combustion chamber. The insulators aren't blistered or scorched looking, just white. Almost comparable to new plugs. Also, I went from 42-43mpg to around 39mpg. I am not concerned about the mileage, just don't want to cause engine damage. I should have taken a photo of the plugs, but I didn't think about it while I had them out. I did take it for a quick ride afterwards, and it certainly runs smoother. Another thing that might be worth mentioning, I only ride the bike around town, and rarely go over 3,000 rpms. Would the overly excessive gaps on the plugs cause a white insulator? The bike runs good, idles good, and doesn't seem to have any issues other than when I first crank it up when cold. I do have to choke it most of the time, and give it a little time to warm up. Oh, and the bike is an '82 interstate with 52k miles.
Thanks for listening to my rambling!
Darren

 

[georgiagl1100]

That is exactly what I wanted to hear! I know I shouldn't lug the motor like I do, but my other bike is a crotch rocket and the lower rpms are a nice change from that buzzy thing.