Spark plugs

[bosco659]

Not for the XS, but I pulled the plugs for the first time, from the Moto Guzzi that now has 3,400 km. The bike is running well but I’ve been bothered by the fact that the left header pipe is turning a light gold colour and the left isn’t. I thought pulling the plugs may indicate a leaner condition on the left side. In the pics, the right plug is from the left cylinder. Should I worry about this? Not the best pics, so I’ll post more later.

 

[Its been a long time]

Look very good to me. I'd be happy with those

 

[Max Midnight]

As Mr I.B.A.L.T. says they don't look bad.

A few points to ponder:

• Is the material thickness (base metal and chroming) the exactly same thickness - if not they may react slightly differently to the heat cycles.
• If they are they single walled then bluing is normal.
• It could be that it is the one that isn't discoloured is running slightly rich which then begs the question, which one is correct?
• Does the bike have one or two carbs or throttle bodies - if the latter are they in synch?
• Is it a normal 'feature' of this model and/ or Guzzi's as the left(?) pot is set slightly further back than the right?
• Have you posed the question on a Guzzi site?

Were they removed after a plug chop?

 

[gggGary]

yup they look good. I'm surprised late model bike plugs look that "not lean".

 

[bosco659]

As Mr I.B.A.L.T. says they don't look bad.

A few points to ponder:

• Is the material thickness (base metal and chroming) the exactly same thickness - if not they may react slightly differently to the heat cycles.
• If they are they single walled then bluing is normal.
• It could be that it is the one that isn't discoloured is running slightly rich which then begs the question, which one is correct?
• Does the bike have one or two carbs or throttle bodies - if the latter are they in synch?
• Is it a normal 'feature' of this model and/ or Guzzi's as the left(?) pot is set slightly further back than the right?
• Have you posed the question on a Guzzi site?

Were they removed after a plug chop?

- plating thickness unknown
- I think they are single wall
- good question about which one is correct - I think bluing of the pipes on the Guzzi’s is common
- two throttle bodies - fuel injected, sync not known
- yes the right cylinder is further back than the left
- yes I’ve posted on Guzzi forums and limited useful information. The bike was in for its first service 2K km ago. I asked about the pipe discolouration at that time and they seemed a bit concerned but came back to me with “everything’s ok” - kind of expected that
- no, not a proper plug chop but pulled about 2 lm after a long highway run

I didn’t think they looked bad but just want to make sure it’s running properly before warranty runs out.

 

[Adamc]

Look very good to me. I'd be happy with those

 

[bosco659]

View attachment 331861
yup they look good. I'm surprised late model bike plugs look that "not lean".

The colour in the picture is a bit off from actual. The plug from the left was “whiter” than the RHS.

 

[gggGary]

Tha

The colour in the picture is a bit off from actual. The plug from the left was “whiter” than the RHS.

View attachment 331870

That still looks good to me.

 

[Jan_P]

Thinking out loud ..
I would talk to the Shop ..when there are warranty ..issues
I have done electrical work on 2 x Guzzis and sadly those were not up to par. Cheap components

Sometimes correction comes later .If it is mentioned in the documentation already now.
Future problems are in a better position. Should some engine management electronics fail

I have worked with service on Air condition it was common to write in the service report
What work was done and what should be inspected next time.
Bearing making noise fex Put -- Replacement next time in the report
and then send one Co worker that was expert on that. Having the parts with him

I am not good at carburetors but feel that a bit better correspondence between the plugs should be possible
I would ask the shop if a bit richer is something to consider at running in It they think it is acceptable
Saving the Exhaust

I remember hearing about Triumphs here From the factory set so lean because of emission approvals
Bluening pipes at short running distance and the bikes not running well. People a bit disappointed .Adjusted later
But the pipes was blue already

 

[bosco659]

Thinking out loud ..
I would talk to the Shop ..when there are warranty ..issues
I have done electrical work on 2 x Guzzis and sadly those were not up to par. Cheap components

Sometimes correction comes later .If it is mentioned in the documentation already now.
Future problems are in a better position. Should some engine management electronics fail

I have worked with service on Air condition it was common to write in the service report
What work was done and what should be inspected next time.
Bearing making noise fex Put -- Replacement next time in the report
and then send one Co worker that was expert on that. Having the parts with him

I am not good at carburetors but feel that a bit better correspondence between the plugs should be possible
I would ask the shop if a bit richer is something to consider at running in It they think it is acceptable
Saving the Exhaust

I remember hearing about Triumphs here From the factory set so lean because of emission approvals
Bluening pipes at short running distance and the bikes not running well. People a bit disappointed .Adjusted later
But the pipes was blue already

I’ll make sure I get a documented concern registered with the dealer “just in case” for the future. I’m doubtful the fuel mixture. An be adjusted on these fuel injected systems, running off of an ecu, but I can ask.

 

[Jan_P]

I’ll make sure I get a documented concern registered with the dealer “just in case” for the future. I’m doubtful the fuel mixture. An be adjusted on these fuel injected systems, running off of an ecu, but I can ask.

Again I am not good at this and not familiar with these Guzzis .. But i have heard Rumours for cars that under the running in period the
Engine management system was restricted .Preventing Hot Rodding at the running in period
Then at the services another software was Uploaded giving more Ooummpphh allowing more Power gradually at times
The brand shop factory saved complaints Engine failures And the customer got value for money for the service.
All right -- now it shifts lads ..
No one confessed that this was happening but so the word on the street was
Can always ask ..can be factory order not messing with it

I do believe these Electronics can be clever .. Depending on how many sensors and so.
But the technology is out there on cars and the silicon is cheap

On a side note I knew many driving long haul trucks in my early twenties .
One friends Boss A company owner that had many trucks Bought a VOLVO 760 Turbo Diesel
Started running on Autobahn Germany free speed .. and the Car broke down
Got another one it also broke

He was told You need a running in period He did not know that -- the Diesel Trucks never needed that he had bought those for 20 years.
And they was ready for work once the keys was in the hand --- Possibly done the running in at the factory

 

[Max Midnight]

From what you write I suspect it is relatively new(?) and therefore fitted with a cat?
Assuming this is the case then the the mixture will be controlled by the electronics and unless 'cheating' software is installed then it will be as the factory or local legislation intended.
Ride your bike and enjoy it.

 

[bosco659]

From what you write I suspect it is relatively new(?) and therefore fitted with a cat?
Assuming this is the case then the the mixture will be controlled by the electronics and unless 'cheating' software is installed then it will be as the factory or local legislation intended.
Ride your bike and enjoy it.

Yes it’s a ‘23 and does have a cat. Just running a factory ecu. The pipe discolouration was the concern. That’s why I had a look at the plugs.

 

[bosco659]

Again I am not good at this and not familiar with these Guzzis .. But i have heard Rumours for cars that under the running in period the
Engine management system was restricted .Preventing Hot Rodding at the running in period
Then at the services another software was Uploaded giving more Ooummpphh allowing more Power gradually at times
The brand shop factory saved complaints Engine failures And the customer got value for money for the service.
All right -- now it shifts lads ..
No one confessed that this was happening but so the word on the street was
Can always ask ..can be factory order not messing with it

I do believe these Electronics can be clever .. Depending on how many sensors and so.
But the technology is out there on cars and the silicon is cheap

On a side note I knew many driving long haul trucks in my early twenties .
One friends Boss A company owner that had many trucks Bought a VOLVO 760 Turbo Diesel
Started running on Autobahn Germany free speed .. and the Car broke down
Got another one it also broke

He was told You need a running in period He did not know that -- the Diesel Trucks never needed that he had bought those for 20 years.
And they was ready for work once the keys was in the hand --- Possibly done the running in at the factory

I don’t think the Moto Guzzi ecu is that sophisticated. For the break in period (1,500 km), they recommend not revving the engine past 4,800 rpm if I remember correctly. There’s a red flashing light that comes on in the speedometer when the engine reaches that speed, reminding you to change gears. At the first service (1,500 km), they change the red light set point to the max rpm of 6,500. You can actually change that engine speed set point yourself, but it just changes when the light comes on. The rev limiter still kicks in around 7,500 rpm iirc.

 

[Max Midnight]

I don’t think the Moto Guzzi ecu is that sophisticated.

Relative to what? It will have to meet the emission requirements of the intended market and pass whatever type approval standards are in place.
I suspect that your average motorcycle will use similar hardware and software to achieve this.