Hitchcocks Forum

My Electra X 'ate' another plug today, not unusual I know, but this was a new plug and only after a run of about 40 miles and was coated with black, dry carbon. I know that this colour shows an over rich mixture but how can this happen so quickly when the engine was running well, previously, with a pale grey plug colour? Further facts: first run since winter layoff, early in today's run the engine/carb spat back a few times (weak mixture?), later clean running and then before it stopped, the engine backfired thro silencer (rich mixture?) then stalled and failed to start until I changed the plug.
Your thoughts please.

Hi matey !----------I think a clue to your problems lies in the phrase}---"First run since Winter layover"....Please tell us the current state of the Electra X set-up ie}--- As manufactured, tuned up with extras, or what ??.........Also, what did you actually do regarding the Lay-up ??...Cheers !!

Instant wild guess. You have a mouse nest in your airbox...



Before you say there isn't, have you checked?



The above is only half in jest. Ask my last VFR750 about it.

I know there have been endless discussions on the subject and many will disagreee but I am personally convinced fuel can and does go stale (and had a distinctive, rancid smell and brown discolouration when it does so) so I'd make getting some fresh fuel in it a priority if the stuff you have had been in there since last year and didn't have a stabiliser additive.

Basically as manufactured but with the freer exhaust pipe. Everything else standard. Lay up? I just stooped riding it with a half tank of supermarket basic fuel, no other preparation. Yes I will get some 'fresh' fuel. Thanks for the advice.

You didn't mention what plug you had fitted, Graham. I used to use NGK B8ES (the bike has a sportier carb, so not so lean-burn) but have switched to Champion N3C, by several accounts NGK plugs ain't what they used to be (some duff/fake batches out there). A tank of 97 Octane petrol might not be a bad idea either.



A.

If you didn't drain and dry the carb prior to storage you've more than likely got pilot circuit and possibly needle jet atomisation problems.
The rings may have become stuck in their grooves leading to unwanted oil in the combustion area, just enough to give the impression of carbon fouling from over rich fuelling. Certainly wouldn't hurt to add some carb cleaner to the fuel.

I've had a new plug go just after a few km's, too, for no apparent reason. That's why the spare one I always carry is one that's been used for a while, just to make sure it's ok. Usually plugs last many years. Oily plugs can be burned clean with butane torch - don't waste your money.