Think I figured my spark plug issue

Bluewinter

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Feb 21, 2010
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First off let me thank those of you for your input. For those who haven't read an earlier post of mine my issue was 2 of my plugs were tan colored the othe was if I had just put it in new. Checked my spark it was ok. Checked compression, ok too. No fuel smell on the plug. This is what I found. After taking my bowl off my carb and seeing it was bone dry I realized I wasn't getting fuel to the carb at all. I was pretty confident that if the pump was bad I wouldn't get fuel to any of the carbs. And if I were to get fuel the no. 1, I was thinking would get it before any of the others. ( least distance for fuel to flow) Well, the float seemed to be working fine. However, I took it apart anyway. There I found that the needle wasn't able to move freely. Please someone correct me if I am wrong here. I am sure this is supposed to be able to slide up and down with the float. Then with the float almost all the way up it then pushes up on the little spring loaded pin and then shuts the fuel off completely. Is this correct?
 

You have the right idea. However the needle should shut with the float at a certain height. This effectively maintains fuel in the bowl at a certain level. If the fuel is too high it will flood the engine when tilted or bounced around. Too low and it starves the engine under the same situations.

This height is usually set by measuring the height of the float (to the carb housing) with the carb inverted. Inverting the carb simulates the point at which the float shuts the fuel off when fuel fills the bowl.

The needle should move freely and always stay in contact with the tang on the float. There should be a little wire clip loosely holding it in position. If this clip is installed wrong it can make the needle bind. Or if the needle is dirty and the wire clip missing the needle can stay shut even when the float drops.

Clean it good, and check for proper action. If not right replace the parts that aren't working. Be sure to check out the needle seat (tube the needle goes into).
 
Better to have no fuel to that cylinder than just a little fuel. You may have got lucky.

Yes, I agree with above clean all three carbs. Also check your fuel pump and lines to be sure they are clean of any debris. Wasps love to fill those hoses up if left off for any time.
 
Thanks guys for the input. Sounds as if I am going down the right path here cause the needle didn't move freely. The float actually may have been stuck up because of the needle shutting my fuel off. Ding, why do you want the voices outta your head? I welcome them, and always do what they tell me to do. Right or wrong. LOL Always telling me " you better have a drink" LOL Gives me someone to blame for the wrong things too. Hahaha
 
Yeah, I know what your saying about being lucky. The compression checked out good. First pull I was over 75psi cold. Ended up at 125psi. Not too worried at this point. I couldn't believe it though. 2cyl and still was running 80mph in a short distance. Blue power right there.
 
Yah, try running a twin with one cylinder down. I couldn't even get a 670 Rotax to start with one plug out just to get it on the trailer.
 


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