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Hello everyone,
I just got my flat tire fixed and out of the shop finally. Also, I had a key made for a spare gas tank lock to replace the lock on my current gas tank. Having a spare XS for parts is great.
The bike was sitting 2 or 3 months - poor thing. I tried to start the bike and it refused everything, including starting from a car battery. Then it ran for a second but only 1 pipe got hot. I got frustrated and looked at the plugs. They were wet and dark, with what looked like water condensation on one. I removed them all and checked for spark - they all sparked, but weak.
So I went to NAPA and they cross-referenced my NGK plugs and sold me 4 Champion plugs. I gapped and installed the plugs. Then I opened the float bowls and drained the fuel. I also drained the tank dry. There was a considerable amount of water in the fuel.
After installing fresh fuel and plugs, the bike fired up. After getting it warm and breaking it in a little, I took it for a spin. I came back and checked the plugs. They are all quite white.
This is the first time this bike has ever had plugs that looked like that. It seemed pretty normal running it up the highway. I checked them several times again and they still show the same color.
Why the dramatic color change? Are the champion plugs I got too hot? This is a bit confusing since I'm already lean on the pilots and mains (elevation 6,700). The previous plugs were always dark brown. Should I check for fuel starvation? Anybody have any ideas?
Also, today I used paint thinner along with nails (I counted them in and out) and a peice of bicycle chain to help de-rust the inside of the spare tank off of the parts bike. There was still a lot of rust residue so I tried a solution of Muriatic acid. That seemed to get a little more rust out.
Then I treated the inside with Caswell's "new Phenol" gas tank sealant. This is the 3rd time I've used their coating and it works absolutely great.
As soon as I can I will prep the tank and then hopefully choose a good color and paint it with my paint gun and compressor, along with the side panels.
I still can't decide on which color to use to glorify the old girl.
Ben
I just got my flat tire fixed and out of the shop finally. Also, I had a key made for a spare gas tank lock to replace the lock on my current gas tank. Having a spare XS for parts is great.
The bike was sitting 2 or 3 months - poor thing. I tried to start the bike and it refused everything, including starting from a car battery. Then it ran for a second but only 1 pipe got hot. I got frustrated and looked at the plugs. They were wet and dark, with what looked like water condensation on one. I removed them all and checked for spark - they all sparked, but weak.
So I went to NAPA and they cross-referenced my NGK plugs and sold me 4 Champion plugs. I gapped and installed the plugs. Then I opened the float bowls and drained the fuel. I also drained the tank dry. There was a considerable amount of water in the fuel.
After installing fresh fuel and plugs, the bike fired up. After getting it warm and breaking it in a little, I took it for a spin. I came back and checked the plugs. They are all quite white.
This is the first time this bike has ever had plugs that looked like that. It seemed pretty normal running it up the highway. I checked them several times again and they still show the same color.
Why the dramatic color change? Are the champion plugs I got too hot? This is a bit confusing since I'm already lean on the pilots and mains (elevation 6,700). The previous plugs were always dark brown. Should I check for fuel starvation? Anybody have any ideas?
Also, today I used paint thinner along with nails (I counted them in and out) and a peice of bicycle chain to help de-rust the inside of the spare tank off of the parts bike. There was still a lot of rust residue so I tried a solution of Muriatic acid. That seemed to get a little more rust out.
Then I treated the inside with Caswell's "new Phenol" gas tank sealant. This is the 3rd time I've used their coating and it works absolutely great.
As soon as I can I will prep the tank and then hopefully choose a good color and paint it with my paint gun and compressor, along with the side panels.
I still can't decide on which color to use to glorify the old girl.
Ben
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