2 stroke dummy = plug fouling

[racerone3]

i've only got about 40 min of run time on my attex and already fouled a set of plugs (jlo 400) is this really that common a problem with 2 strokes or am i doing something wrong. my gas/oil is mixed at 40:1 carb is adjusted per the manual, and the plugs are what is recomended. i tinkered with the carb today and found that the low speed jet was about 1/4 turn further out than i had set it. is it possible that the plugs fouled at idle or low speed due to too rich of a low speed setting? thanks for any help... as indicated by the title, i'm a 2 stroke dummy

[George]

Hi Race,

I found that plugs foul pretty quickly with these things. Actually, I think they burned out on me more often. I used to set the plug gap to factory specs but HydroMike told me just to leave the gap on the plugs as they come in the box.

I've heard that if the gap and timing are not right on the points, you can fry a plug that way too.

I think there's an article on the site about timing. If you can't find it, pm me and I'll email it to you.

[George]

Here it is.

http://www.6x6world.com/images/jlo-two-stroke-engine/jlo-twin-cylinder-engine-timing-procedure.JPG

[Don]

Yes and no. Two-strokes will foul plugs quicker than a four-stroke but they shouldn't foul if the engine's right. If it's too rich at any speed whether by adjustments, jets, or filter restriction, or even if the points are misadjusted so your spark is weak, you can foul plugs pretty quick. Sorry to be so vague, but it's hard to guess without a hand on it.

Good luck!

[Amphiman1]

foul..

I do believe you should try hotter plugs,,,

[racerone3]

thanks guys,
not sure if the timing is right, but the spark looks great with a spark tester. it's a new, oiled k&n filter so i doubt that's it. i'll reset the carb and see how quickly it happens again. what about the fuel/ oil ratio?

[George]

I was running a lttle to heavy at Busco. Probably 32:1

I ran with 40:1 last week with synthetic.

[Don]

I found that plugs foul pretty quickly with these things. Actually, I think they burned out on me more often. I used to set the plug gap to factory specs but HydroMike told me just to leave the gap on the plugs as they come in the box.

Sorry, I didn't catch this the first time around. I'd set the plugs to spec unless it's a CDI engine. You can fry the points if the plug gap is too wide. CDI doesn't care, and you shouldn't foul plugs nearly as often.