Fouled Plug

[sfourtyfive]

Just got my first 4 stroke, '91 Suzuki LT-F250

Runs good, but the plug is fouling out after a few trips around the yard. It's black and wet. Bike doesn't smoke at all.

I've only had it a day, so I haven't had a chance to tear into it yet, just wanted to ask for some guidence before starting. Any clues on what to look at first?

Thanks,

sff.

[Dell30rb]

Plugs will foul. Pop a new one in there and ride.

If it fouls in a short time also, then you may have a problem.

[sfourtyfive]

The guy I got it from said this was a problem, and he'd just put in a new plug, 'bout 20 mins of riding around my yard and the plug was fouled. So I guess I've got a problem. ;o)

sff.

[egoallenpoe393]

If its black and wet it is getting way to much gas.

A few things come to mind

First is the float bowl adjustmetn. If this is not correct it could be simply just poutring gas into the intack. You will need to take the carb off and set the float hight correctly

Second If the jetting is stock, (If You Know) the I would lean more toward the float, if it has been dinked with, then I would set everything to stock and see if that helps

But I have a feeling the float is not adjusted correctly

[MotoMan]

I will side with Ego on this one, sounds like the float level is off to me as well.

Check it out and let us know what you find.

Did you get a service/owners manual with the bike?

[sfourtyfive]

"Did you get a service/owners manual with the bike?"

Owner's Manual, yes. But it doesn't give details on the float height, or anything re carb maintence/repair.

I'll tear the carb down tonight, give it a good cleaning and take a look. Meanwhile I haven't had much luck looking on-line for manuals or tech info. A little different than I'm used to with the banshee, you can find diagrams for every nut&bolt online, along with detailed instruction to do just about anything. ;o)

Thanks for the help guys, I'll let you know what I come up with.

sff.

[MotoMan]

You may be able to call a Suzuki dealer and get the float height info you need. Most service departments should be willing to do that for you I would think.

While you are on the phone it wouldn't hurt to order that manual either if you plan on keeping the bike.

[MotoMan]

Oh BTW, welcome to ATM sfourtyfive!!

[Lowco]

Could the choke be in the "ON" position or possibly stuck in the on position? Check the linkage/lever assy. Just a thought!

[Yardpro393]

a good starting point for most all carbs is to have the float seam parallel with the carb body. this should seat the float needle and the spring loaded pin in the middle should start pressing in.

[MotoMan]

Good advise yardpro, I was wondering if there was a "General" rule he could follow.

Be sure to check the choke circuit as Lowco suggested, that could certainly be it as well.

[FFRacing]

As a rule of thumb, Yardpro hit it right on...but he didnt need me to tell him that! LOL
Another thing to check is the enrichener plunger...with age they tend to deform on the end, allowing extra fuel to enter when it shouldn't. Easy to check.

[sfourtyfive]

Thanks for the tip for the float level check, I've gotta stop by the dealership tonight to pick up some other parts so I'll ask them for the spec also.

Didn't get a chance to take the carb off last night, decided to go over the bike from the ground up to take an inventory first. Not bad, I did find that the boots comming off and going to the carbs are trashed and held (loosely) together with duct tape, those'll need to be replaced before I can do much more trouble shooting.

Atleast now I've got some direction. And thanks for the welcome, I'll do a follow up post once I get her runnin up to par.

sff.