So I'm slowing trying to narrow down problems with my 2010 550 AC

It runs funny. Idle's up and down a bit, it will die if left to idle too long and its running rich. The spark plug fouls up with carbon very quickly. And its putting gas in the oil.

I cleaned the air filter and I just pulled the injector and cleaned it.

But I thought maybe the voltage regulator?

I put the volt meter on the machine and it read around 12.4 without being stater. I knw its a bit low, but it was sitting for a bit.

When I turned it on it crept up to 14.9. That seems high to me. Is my voltage regulator toast?

 

It is a little high, I recon 14.5v should be the max, but I wouldn't change one that is putting out less than 15v, provided it doesn't go over that. Check it again once the battery has more charge in it, my guess is it will be charging a bit lower. I don't know the AC's injection system, but it shouldn't be overfueling enough to soot the plug. May be worth getting it checked over by a dealer as, once you eliminate problems with fuel filters and air filter, there isn't a lot you can do yourself.

 

Seems to be running better once I blew out the fuel injector.

If the fuel injector was gummed up it would deffinitely over fuel if it wasn't closing properly.

Also I am told if your injector is stuck open a bit, when the machine is turned off the fuel will seep into your cylinder until the system has no more pressure. This would cause excess fuel upon start up.

Both of these situations would show excess carbon build up on the plug because it can't burn all the fuel properly.

I just replace the spark plug. I'll run it for a awhile and pull the plug. If its not full of carbon again I think I've solved the problem

 

Another thing, have you adjusted the valves? My AC 700 has 1,500 miles, don't think valves were ever adjusted, it also acts kinda rich. If it still acts rich, you might try.

 

I haven't yet, but its on the list of things to do.

I wonder how much of a pain it is on these machines?

 

update to this thread..

I pulled the exhaust off and cleaned the spark arrestor. It was very dirty, but not completely clogged.

I put it back togehter and the machine seems to idle smoother, a little higher idle and it doesn't chug or sound like its struggling to maintain a idle.

I'm not sure if a semi clogged spark arrestor could cause these issue, but we will see.

I have not adjusted the valves on it yet.