Four new spark plugs; Cold weather; Trouble Starting???

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  • jyck
    #1

    Four new spark plugs; Cold weather; Trouble Starting???

    I just got my 79 GS1000e Frankenbike up and running really well. A month ago, I blew a spark plug. No big deal. A week ago, another one. Since, I figure I never changed them from the PO, it was just a matter of time.

    So I went ahead and replaced all 4. Everythings running good again. Then it drops down to 70 degrees. All of a sudden I'm finding myself stuck at my office parking lot trying to start my bike for a half hour.

    Valves were synced not too long ago, upgraded to Dyna S ignition, VM29s synced. The only thing I can think of is either the spark plug change or the drop in temp.

    Any thoughts?
    Tags: None
    • cowboyup3371
      Forum LongTimer
      Past Site Supporter
      • Apr 2010
      • 13996
      • In Ohio Now
      #2
      Did you instead mean you checked and adjusted the valve clearances? You can't synch valves only adjust them? Are you using the choke to start the bike when it's cold like that? Valves should be adjusted and using the choke to half or full (whichever works for your bike) will help start it. Don't touch the throttle at first and run it like that for a few minutes (I finish putting on my gloves and then drive about 1/8 to 1/4 mile down the road before turning mine off) until it warms up
      Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

      1981 GS550T - My First
      1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
      2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

      Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
      Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
      and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

        Comment

        • Guest
          #3
          did you put the stock heat range plug in it?
          How do you blow a plug?
          If you are running so lean you are melting plugs beware of engine damage.

            Comment

            • jyck
              #4
              Originally posted by chef1366
              did you put the stock heat range plug in it?
              How do you blow a plug?
              If you are running so lean you are melting plugs beware of engine damage.
              I did put the stock heat range plug in it. That might have something to do with it. I don't have any experience with VM29s. Do they require special plugs?

              By "Blowing a plug" I realized that one of the cylinders wasn't firing (by touching the exhaust pipes). After replacing it, it worked great again.

                Comment

                • Big T
                  Forum LongTimer
                  Past Site Supporter
                  Super Site Supporter
                  • Mar 2005
                  • 12391
                  • West Slope, OR
                  #5
                  What did the spark plug you removed look like?

                  Black and fouled?
                  1978 GS 1000 (since new)
                  1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
                  1978 GS 1000 (parts)
                  1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
                  1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
                  1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
                  2007 DRz 400S
                  1999 ATK 490ES
                  1994 DR 350SES

                    Comment

                    • BassCliff
                      #6
                      Hi,

                      Originally posted by jyck

                      By "Blowing a plug" I realized that one of the cylinders wasn't firing (by touching the exhaust pipes). After replacing it, it worked great again.
                      Was it the #3 plug?



                      Thank you for your indulgence,

                      BassCliff

                        Comment

                        • jyck
                          #7
                          The plugs were sooty, but the heads were tan.

                          The first plug that went bad was #2 (Second one in from left if sitting on bike). The next was #1.

                            Comment

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