new quad to me. It's a 99 400ex. It runs great. I've only rode it enough to maybe use up a tank and a half of gas. Today I had flooded it out and had to put in a new plug for it to start. This is the second time since I've had it. So I'm on my third plug in only my second tank of gas. The original one I was trying to start when it was pretty cold out but today was 60 gegrees. As I stated before it runs great, doesn't smoke but when I pulled the plug out today it was black (carbon?). I'm wondering how long a plug should last. I have a Clymer's manual and may try to adjust the carb but it runs and idles fine. Oh yeah, I bought it with K&N filter, HMF slip-on and it has been jetted but I have no idea what jets are in it. I have read about putting in a 42 pilot jet for better cold starting. Any other tips??????? My first thought is maybe it's running rich, but I don't notice any smoke.

 

mine does the exact same thing, and I'm the same situation...less than 2 tanks if gas, and bought it modded. My battery is a little weak, and I have fouled the plug a few times because of the weak cranking, plus it doesn't help that I have tried to start it in the cold every time.

I can't help you with the problem, but just to save a few bucks...hit the fouled plug with some steel wool and re-install it. Works for me every time.

 

K thanx, anyone else? This can't be normal.

 

they do go through plugs but i got a AMR coil and a sparks rev box and dont have that problem any more

 

you also cant use the choke ..just pump the throttle couple times and it will start

 

Easy on pumping the throttle. The stock carb has an accelerator pump, and if you use the throttle to start, its very easy to overdo it and end up with a flooded engine.
Try just using the choke, when starting cold. If it doesnt start, with in a few seconds of cranking, then use about 1/4 throttle, but dont pump....just hold it steady. Movement, is whats makes the accelerator pump discharge.
You could try an iradium plug..they resist fouling alot more than standard plugs do.

 

Cool. Thanx for the replies. I probably have been using the choke too much and definitely have been using too much throttle. I think I'll keep this new plug in and change my starting habits and see how it looks in the near future. I will see about changing the pilot before next winter but I hate to tear into the carb yet as it runs and idles great. Thanx again.