Running Lean - How do you know?

[bryanredfish]

I've heard of some motors being damaged because of running lean. It would seem that there would be symptoms of this -- or not? How would one know if the motor is running lean? Perhaps a dumb question....

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Running Lean - How do you know?

Probably the most noticable indicator is the porcelin section of the spark plug(s).<br /><br /> Although, finiky tuners read the metal surrounding the porcelin ininsulator and only after the motor is shut of during a full speed power run.<br /><br />Just keep an eye on the plugs. <br /><br />It might take 6 months of use before a nice color change to light cocoa in the middle and dark brownish/blackish/oilyish/ around the end of the thread area.<br /><br />Another indicator is lack of power in that last bit of throttle where it sort of falls off in power a bit as you floor it that last bit, but you keep pushing because it used to have more. Not a good sign and might indicate leanness.

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Running Lean - How do you know?

Thanks Yepblaze. Good information. So, you're saying that the plugs SHOULD turn a nice cocoa color sooner, rather than later? I'm not quite sure what you mean.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Running Lean - How do you know?

If the plugs start looking like they came out of a properly running 4 stroke--kind of tan creamy color and dry (like in a car or lawn mower), Then something is amiss. They should be kind of moist and oily in a 2 stroke.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Running Lean - How do you know?

I like my plugs to be a light dry chocolate color. If your plugs are wet, you're either not getting full spark, your plugs are too cold, or you're running rich. <br />- Scott

 

[bonitoman]

Re: Running Lean - How do you know?

Plugs in a proper engine will be dry tan or cocoa. If they are wet, you better check out something elses.