Help...Problem with plugs

[wizkid007]

Hello

I have a weird problem with my 99 gs500e.  The spark plug on the left side keeps fouling out on me.  I've gone thru 3 plugs already and each one only last about a day or 2.  I would do a spark test and nothing happens, no spark, nothing.  Once I install a new plug, it runs fine again for a day or 2.  Is it my ignition coil? or wire?  Ground?  It's not running rich either.  Please help.

Thanks

[starwalt]

You can tshoot by swapping the coil/wire assemblies from right to left. They are identical electrically.

Check your system grounds. One at the bottom of the engine, one at the battery, the other just off the battery with a smaller connector.

Try a search on single cylinder operation. I know this has been discussed previously and Kerry had a problem with something like this a while back.

[Roadstergal]

How do you know it's not running rich?

[wizkid007]

I am not positive it's not running rich.  I did check and adjusted the floats and when I started it up with fresh plugs, it ran fine.  Didn't have a lot of smoke coming out the tailpipe.  I will try swapping coils and checking the grounds.  My questions is, what is the most common way for a plug to foul?

Thanks

[VTNewb]

Smoke. Is it shiny black? Could be oil fouled.

[John Bates]

Hello

.......... The spark plug on the left side keeps fouling out on me.  ........................

If the diaphragm in the fuelcock is leaking the left carb could be sucking fuel giving a rich mix.  

Try removing the vacuum line at the carb, plug the opening in the carb and run on PRIME for a few days. (Turn the fuelcock back to RUN when parked)

[wizkid007]

Thanks for the reply

I did notice that when I put my fuel chicken on Pri or Res, it tends to leak a little and once I put it back on "on" , it stopped leaking.  Can that be the cause of the foul plug?  My bike is a 99 but it only has 150 miles on it.  I bought it from a guy who bought it and never rode it and had it sitting around for like 4 yrs + in his garage.  I think the fuel chicken is around $55.

[sprint_9]

Have you had the carbs apart and cleaned them?  Is it possible if you did that you didnt get something hooked back up right or lost an O-ring somewhere?  Also check your floats again, they are the heart of the carb, if they are messed up then the whole thing is messed up, it never hurts to double check, if you do the hose on the drain plug check the fuel level should be even with the bottom of the float bowl, move the hose up and down and make sure the fuel adjusts to maintain that level, that way you ensure the float isn't sticking, I had that problem.

[wizkid007]

Hey sprint 9

You mention you had the same problem with the plug fouling?  If you did, did readjusting the float solve the problem?  I will check the float level with a clear hose tomorrow and see what happens.
Do I need to get another fuelcock since it leaks a little in Pri and Res?

Thanks

[wizkid007]

Ok, I swap the coils and did a spark test.  I was wondering how strong of a spark is it suppose to be?  The spark seems a little weak to me but it did get the bike started.  I ran it for a few minutes and notice that the left cylinder seem cooler to touch than the right one, and there was a lot of exhaust everytime I rev it up.  Is it maybe because it is running rich on one side?  I took out the plug and there was a thin film of gas on the plug, kind of like it wasn't firing at all.  I am kind of confused right now as to what the problem could be.  I also check the float height and it seems fine.  The one thing that I did notice is that my fuelcock is leaking slightly in the PRI and RES position.  I am going to change that tomorrow and see what happens.  Any other suggestions?  Thanks