Spark plug tip colors different left vs right

[Larry Vance]

Checking the condition of the spark plugs today and notice they are a different color left to right on my 2013 V7 Special (see attached pictures) The left side is lighter than the right. First picture is the right side, second the left. Any thoughts on why? Thanks

 

[V700Steve]

Well, If you have a single throttle body, which i think you do. It would be the offset in the map or can be one O2 sensor different than the other side. Unless you have an air leak on the side that is white.

 

[Raven]

The right side looks healthy. The left (white) side looks to be running very lean which is not good. It will also be running much hotter on that side.

 

[Vagrant]

13 was the single so definitely an air leak unless the valve lash is way off. That's a real possibility on a these. Final thig is if they didn't re-torque the heads at the 600. Any signs of leakage?

 

[Larry Vance]

13 was the single so definitely an air leak unless the valve lash is way off. That's a real possibility on a these. Final thig is if they didn't re-torque the heads at the 600. Any signs of leakage?

No signs of any weeping. Had the 12000 mile major service done about 1500 miles ago. Second owner so i can't say what happened at the 600 service. Remapped by Todd this year however I did see this before the remap. What should I look for regarding an air leak.

Thanks

 

[john zibell]

What should I look for regarding an air leak.
Thanks

Check that the left manifold is tight to the head and the clamp on the tube to the manifold is snug. I tight and snug, start the engine and spray some WD40 at the manifold to head and tube to manifold. If RPM changes, there is your leak. If you need to take it to Hamlin Cycles and have them check it out.

 

[Vagrant]

So I hear you saying somebody else checked/adjusted the valves not you. If you can pull the plugs you can check the valves yourself.

 

[GTM®]

If you are running my fuel map, and you've verified all above, send me an email.

 

[Larry Vance]

Check that the left manifold is tight to the head and the clamp on the tube to the manifold is snug. I tight and snug, start the engine and spray some WD40 at the manifold to head and tube to manifold. If RPM changes, there is your leak. If you need to take it to Hamlin Cycles and have them check it out.

Thanks I'll try that

 

[Larry Vance]

So I hear you saying somebody else checked/adjusted the valves not you. If you can pull the plugs you can check the valves yourself.

How would I do that check. Thanks

 

[Vagrant]

There is an excellent video somewhere on this site. Search but if it doesn't become clear to you find a friend with some mechanical experience.

 

[Larry Vance]

Thanks I'll try that

Thanks I'll try that

I checked the clamps on the manifold tubes and found I needed to tighten both, the left side more than the right. I then did the WD40 trick you mentioned and found no difference in the RPMs. However I did notice the fins on the left side above and below where the head gasket had some discoloration, the right side looks clean. See attached. U checked with Jim Hamlin and he didn't think is was an issue. The first picture is the left side.