How rich is too rich?

[seevtsaab]

No running issues, but I've figured I was running on the rich side based on smell.

Approaching 20Kmi.

Plugs aways looked fine, will check again tho.

Assumed PO's did no ECU tuning, bike came with stock airbox, pipes, even the evap canister.

Got a complaint from trailing rider last ride (course being WOT may contribute, rt4 & rt6 in NY, anyone?).

Aside from contaminating the oil, (conscious of that in the Saab turbo), and consumption issues, what is the downside?

I hear of most ducs running lean.

I haven't sync'd TBs, but my bleed screws are now most of the way in (done when resetting TPS position) - feel that situation s properly sorted.
Seemed like the bike's been rich all along.
Never backfires.
Maybe I ought to open my airbox!

[ducpainter]

Why fix what isn't broken?

[seevtsaab]

Thanks DP, my thoughts exactly, especially if there's no harm.

[scott_araujo]

course being WOT may contribute, rt4 & rt6 in NY, anyone?

The lower part of the FI map is fairly lean, this is where most riders spend most of their time and the part the EPA is really picky about, cruising speeds.  Above about 4000 RPM it starts dumping in lots more gas for better performance.  It may be a little rich with heavy throttle but if your plugs look good you're probably fine.  Some of the people I've ridden with obviously need to tune their PC3s, heavy raw gas smell even at idle.

Scott

[Monster Dave]

My '03 Monster has been like that since I hit around 20k and it makes me nervous every time I need to get emissions done, but it passes with flying colors every time. Just smells a bit rich.

[seevtsaab]

Here's my plugs, the horizontal is slightly fouled, on the left in each pic.
Gap is good.
Plug type is wrong (not resistor).
At 19.5K, I'm installing new BCP8RE.

Little oily on threads on horizontal, could be from winter squirt? Piston top is dry.


Look Better from this view


wrong type, worked OK last 10K mi (didn't fry anything, bonus)

[ducpainter]

I wouldn't call that fouled.

It has some carbon build up is all.

[Howie]

The non resistor plugs won't hurt your bike, but they can be affecting radios close to you.

[seevtsaab]

I wouldn't call that fouled.

It has some carbon build up is all.

Music to my ears.

[64duc]

The non resistor plugs won't hurt your bike, but they can be affecting radios close to you.

in the early 70's with AM radios you could hear a volkswagen coming for half a mile.

[ducpainter]

in the early 70's with AM radios you could hear a volkswagen coming for half a mile.

50s and 60s too....

[Duck-Stew]

The D8EA's are correct for the older Monsters and will work in a pinch on the newer bikes that they fit into.  (plus they're a few bucks cheaper).

The DCPR8EA's are the correct ones listed for the 620 and won't likely either harm or cure anything.