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Okay - dumb question, but how do I know if I am running lean?

2.5K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  outdrsmn82  
#1 ·
Okay, just snorkeled the wheeler and everyone seems to say that you need to rejet after if you are running 2" intake sorkel. I have noticed that it seems to run smoother (not as much popping). Last night, I did smell a gas smell from my intake snorkel, but not bad.

I understand that if I was running too rich, it would bog down, but how do I know if I am running lean (I know that if I am way too lean, the exhaust would be red).
 
#2 ·
from what i understand(im new to this so i hope someone will correct me if im wrong but i dont think i am) the easiest way is to check is look at your spark plug...if its white or on the light side, your running lean. if its black your running rich or fat, if its somewhere in the middle(brownish) your just right or very close. And remember a little rich is better than lean. but that im sure you knew that
 
#3 ·
yall are both right, kinda. do a search for 'plug chop' and so some reading. this has been talked over quite a bit and i think it was wyo h1 that did a prety good write up on the subject. the white-brown-black applys more to 2 stroke motors, it used to be true when gasoline was leaded, but since gas is unleaded now and burns much cleaner, it is hard to tell by the porcelean color. the ring color, and base ring of porcelean are what you need to look at. also the ground strap is a good indicator of proper heat range. like i said, do a search and you will find much better explinations that i could give.
 
#4 ·
Drumz, I haven't done the search yet, but it might be deleted as Wyo H1 deleted all his posts a while ago. So the info might not make as much sense unfortunately. I'm sure there's plenty of info out there on it though. :) I have to admit though that Wyo had some very good writeups and I wish they were still there.
 
#5 ·
Try running WOT and ever so slightly let up on the throttle. If it picks up some rpm`s that could signal a lean condition also. At WOT you are getting max air, so if its lean letting off slightly reduces air, but you are still on the main jet, so it will compensate.
 
#6 ·
It depends on how lean you are, you said that it seems to pop less since you put the snorkles on. It was popping before? When your running lean and your at WOT if its real lean you will get a lean pop. If its just a little on the lean side and your running at WOT and let off, then it pops, that's also a lean pop. You can do a plug chop and see where your at, but you should start with a fresh plug, start her up do a couple of passes at WOT then open it up then hit the kill switch and let her coast down. Pull your plug and look at the color, should look like chocolate milk. Darker means rich, lighter means lean.
my2cents Dog
 
#7 ·
wuts WOT ya ok ima dum asss haaa
 
#8 ·
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ArcticCatRider500 @ Aug 20 2008, 08:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
wuts WOT ya ok ima dum asss haaa[/b]
Wide Open Throttle
 
#9 ·
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ArcticCatRider500 @ Aug 20 2008, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
wuts WOT ya ok ima dum asss haaa[/b]
Hmmm, I can work with this! We start with spelling, then we go out and open the throttle more,,,until we get to,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,WOT!! slaphappy Funnin withn ya, bud. I enjoy seeing young people interested in the sport and communicating here.
 
#10 ·
good thread as i have just snorked but i went with a 1 1/2" pvc (reduced it to) and it feels like the bike has a little delayed response time when i give it throttle. i am thinking thats what lean is right.

not trying to steal the thread but its all related.
 
#11 ·
good thread as i have just snorked but i went with a 1 1/2" pvc (reduced it from 2") and was told if i did it like this i wouldnt have to rejet but it feels like the bike has a little delayed response time when i give it throttle now. i am thinking thats what lean is right.

not trying to steal the thread but its all related.
 
#12 ·
Im still working on that also. Im guessing its a lean cause. One way to check is reduce the snork opening more with tape and see if it helps. If it does, that means you need more gas. That bottom end lag will more than likely be the pilot jet.
 
#13 ·
Ok, put a new plug in last night and rode it about 15 miles. Came back, checked it and it is brown - not super dark. I think it is fine. I am getting fine throttle response and the only it pops (not real loud or big pops, kind of hard to describe - almost like when you are in reverse without the override) when it is back down lower in the RPM range. I think I am good.
 
#14 ·
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (400crasher @ Aug 21 2008, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
Im still working on that also. Im guessing its a lean cause. One way to check is reduce the snork opening more with tape and see if it helps. If it does, that means you need more gas. That bottom end lag will more than likely be the pilot jet.[/b]

thanks i think i am going to have to try this. more than likely today.