Spark plug tool question

[Clay Pitkin]

I have a question.

I have seen a magnifying glass looking type tool for examining spark plugs.

Can you please tell me what this tool is used for? I am newbie to this so I am clueless. I always thought you looked at the color of the plug and depending on the color you want you went richer or leaner.

So please help me understand this.

Thank you,
Clay

[kiwi belly tank]

Yep, thats what it's for & that's why you hear the term "reading the plug's". I still do it even with a data logger & an EGT gauge.
  Sid.

[RichFox]

On the race gas thread it is explained how to look for small balls of aluminum to read detonation.

[hotrod]

Yes you need a magnifier to really see the fine details of the plug and pickup early signs of detonation and mixture color bands etc.

Something similar to this works but best is to use it in bright sunshine
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Garage-Sale-Spark-Plug-Light-and-Magnifier,2642.html


http://www.strappe.com/plugs.html
http://www.dragstuff.com/techarticles/reading-spark-plugs.html
http://www.dragstuff.com/techarticles/how-to-read-plugs.html

[fordboy628]

You MUST learn to read plugs to become any sort of 'decent' tuner.     Learn under the tutelage of someone who knows what they are looking at, AND, is willing to show you what to look for.

Racers are by and large a friendly and helpful group.   As long as you are patient and don't ask at a bad time, most would be willing to help you.

BUT, do your homework just the same, by reading the suggested information . . . . . .

Fordboy

[Milwaukee Midget]

We've all seen it - offered up by Champion and recreated in the index of a lot of automotive repair manuals - pictures of 8-10 plugs suffering from different maladies.

BUT - those tend to be general pictures without the detail to really read a plug well.

I know I'm not well versed enough to make a confident change in a tune, even with a magnifying glass.

Is anyone aware of a more detailed publication - preferably with photos - to better dial in a tune by reading plugs?

[kiwi belly tank]

Correct me if I'm wrong Clay but I believe you're running a two stroke aren't you? They are a whole different animal to four stroke gas or fuel, you might want to get with some of the serious sled guys in UT.
  Sid.

[jacksoni]

Correct me if I'm wrong Clay but I believe you're running a two stroke aren't you? They are a whole different animal to four stroke gas or fuel, you might want to get with some of the serious sled guys in UT.
  Sid.

This article, referenced in one of the ones posted above by Hotrod, written by Gordon Jennings, is about 2 stroke plug reading:

http://www.strappe.com/plugs.html

[jimmy six]

At the salt..Ask Rick Gold at the ERC fueling area... Always been good for me and it's a good way to see if MY thinking is correct.. Good Luck

[Clay Pitkin]

Correct me if I'm wrong Clay but I believe you're running a two stroke aren't you? They are a whole different animal to four stroke gas or fuel, you might want to get with some of the serious sled guys in UT.
  Sid.

Hi Sid,

Yes that is correct, I am running a two stroke.

Thank you,
Clay

[Clay Pitkin]

Thank you all for the responses, looks like I have some reading to do