Spark plug life span???

[Buddy L]

Whats the life span of a spark plug on a moden 4storke mxr??
I've just ticked over 22hours on the bike now, and had a little trouble starting the bike when warm. Thinking the spark plug could be on its last legs, has been in the bike sence new.

I was out on the trail ride in riverhead today, having a grand old time.
Came across a girl stoped on the side of the trail
so i stoped to make sure everything was find, (just the type of guy i am)
Tryed to start the bike again and it took me about 25 kickes to get the darn thing to start, fast kicks, slow kicks, hot start in, hot start out, ended up starting with tounge pocking out and one hand resting ontop of helmet.
Not the best way to impress the ladys.
Then she starts her bike with a button

[dammad1]

Have you checked the valve clearances? I wouldn't of thought the plug would be screwed after only 22 hours.

[Buddy L]

Have you checked the valve clearances? I wouldn't of thought the plug would be screwed after only 22 hours.

I checked them at 15 hours and were, "to spec" as per the manual
will check them again at 30 hours

[jimmy 2006]

Have you checked the valve clearances? I wouldn't of thought the plug would be screwed after only 22 hours.

hey dan, can you explain how valve clearance would cause this problem? (for the uninitiated??)

[xwhatsit]

hey dan, can you explain how valve clearance would cause this problem? (for the uninitiated??)

If the clearances are too tight (on modern engines the clearances close up), then when the engine is hot the valves will not close fully. Meaning you have bugger-all compression and you won't be able to start it.

[Ktmboy]

hot start in, hot start out, ended up starting with tounge pocking out and one hand resting ontop of helmet.
Not the best way to impress the ladys.

Only one hand resting on top of helmet.You Legend!!! ha ha

[Danger]

Welcome to the life of a four stroker. But plugs are cheap so if you think its out of the norm just replace it. And check the clearances. I've seen many many four strokers kicking the hell out of their bikes both on the trails and in the carpark and not being able to start. Guess thats why they fit electric starts to four strokes these days. They have even have started to fit electrics to some two strokes for the mangina's that prefer smoking and are weak kneed.
With the four strokes I think a lot of the time its just technique and I wish I had $10.00 for every four stroke I started for people in the early days of their release.

Try this if it gives you trouble. Turn the fuel off, give it 10 full kicks with throttle held wide open, (don't open and close it, keep it to the stop) if it does not start turn fuel back on, closed throttle, find top dead center and give it a good kick. Usually starts. Always worked with the big diesel pigs I used to ride. We never had hot starts, thats what the open throttle is for.

[Buddy L]

Im thinking it's the technique i have, haven't fully jelled with the starting the bike when hot and i also stalled the bike at the time.
Well looks like i might as well get a new plug and just keep the old one for a spare. Have to take one of my knee braces back as well, as the knee cap part poped off, and i didn't pay all that money for that to happen.

[Danger]

What knee braces are they?

On diesels it was an automatic thing to turn the fuel off when stopping. Then to turn it back on once the bike had started. That was in my day anyway. Its still an automatic thing with me after a spill to hold the throttle wide open when starting even though I only ride smokers now.

[Buddy L]

What knee braces are they?

.

"Pod Mx brand"
http://www.podmx.com/

They are realy good and feel good when worn, just lacking a sence when they designed them, for the knee cap. it just clips into the brace. instead of being hard fixed.

http://www.podmx.com/en/pdf/Checking...20Position.pdf
Tad more info

[dammad1]

They have even have started to fit electrics to some two strokes for the mangina's that prefer smoking and are weak kneed.

Woo that's it a bit harsh, don't knock it to you try it matey!

I always thought that a e start on a 2 stroke was a waste as they are so easy to start anyway, but now that i've got one I love it. It only adds 3 kilo to the bike and you don't even know its there. It is so good in those tricky situations where you cant get good footing to kick it over, or you come into a corner a bit hot and stall the bike, just flick the button with your finger and its going again before you've even come to a complete stop, when racing that really saves time.

[Danger]

I know I know just stirring.

[crazyxr250rider]

And someone allways takes the bait As for the plug my yz250f just ticked over 85hrs and is still on the first plug.So it should be fine unless someones been twisting the throttle when the bikes not running,these new carbs have an Injector that squirts in fuel when you turn the throttle.