[wade]

How do you know if your engine is running to lean. I know that you can check the spark plugs but by this time is it too late? I have many mods.

The reason for my concern is that I finally have my Ranger dialed in for my type of riding. I took it on an all day ride and it performed awesome. I could easily accelrate at will up any hill while in High. I have been riding this same trail with the same hills for years. I let my brother drive it and he said "do not touch it you finally got it dialed in". My brother regularly drives my Ranger, our friends Prowler and our uncle's Rhino on this same trail.

Back to my concern, my last two mods were to open the exhaust gasket and replace the stock air filter with a high flow filter. These seemed to be just what the Ranger needed in conjunction with my other mods and Power Commander map settings. If my memory from all those thermodynamics classes is correct, the extra performance probably means that I am running leaner now than before the last two mods. I just don't want to go too far.

Any help from you tech head mechanic types would be greatly appreciated. Remember to keep it simple, i am kinda slowwwww.[^]

 

[carnivore]

Checking the plugs is the best way to go. Its about the only thing that will give you an accurate reading.

 

[Rackerskj]

By looking at the plugs, what are you looking for? If it was found to be running to lean, what do you do to stop that process?
Thanks,

 

[EPE_79]

Could get an Air fuel meter. They give you a contant monitor so you know what rpm you may be rich or lean.

 

[ccobra8]

Too lean and the plug will be real white and will have pepper specs on it. The specs will be aluminum from the tops of the pistons. A lean motor will tend to surge at moderate crusing speeds. It will also be cold natured.
Wade It sounds like you have it about right. If You can feel it pull good and strong all the way up through the rpms with no flat spots then I bet you have it right on the money.

 

[carnivore]

Rackerskj, The only way to fight the lean condition is with a SP ECU or Dobeck or Powercommander.

 

[atv_nut]

Also if it's running hotter than normal it's a good indication it's running lean too. But the best way to make sure how it's running is either doing a plug test or installing a 0'2 sensor and an air fuel gauge to see exactly what it's doing. I went this route with my Predator and once I had it all installed it was very easy to get her dialed in. Once I got close to perfect jetting it really came to life and ran great. Sounds like you are very close to being perfect, just hope your not a tad bit lean.......

 

[Bound4Dirt]

White on the spark plug or a popping sound when you get on the pedal and let off.

 

[Cervezamatte]

Yeah, if your plug is a nice golden brown, like white bread toasted just right, your mix is perfect. Remember, running just a bit rich is cheap insurance. That last tiny bit of performance is never worth the cylinder and piston damage, unless you're racing and have to have it.

Matt