What do I win??Mr. Know-it-all wrote:Replace the plug...with an '8'. There is no reason to fuss with the old plug. What it looks like is of no matter. Replace it.
Re: 'I am concerned though at how racket-y the engine sounds.'
Mr. Know-it-all wrote:KDXs are inherently noisy (engine noise). Running a full quart in the trans (vs: .7L) quiets it down some..and there is no deleterious effect (unlike, say, some $8000 punkins that flat quit running if the oil level is a bit too much over spec).
Do I win TWO of 'em?
The black/nylon screw is idle..it raises/lowers the slide. The brass screw is the air screw for the pilot circuit. 'Out' is more air..more lean. 'In' is less air, more rich. It is adjusted to the best throttle response. If you cannot find a 'best' throttle response spot that is acceptable, it's likely because your pilot jet is wrong.
Re: 'It does smoke a bit, even after it warmed up for a few minutes.'
...you expect something else? Worry about it when it doesn't smoke! More about that below *.
Re: 'I pulled the plug after a few minutes to see what it was doing; the plug was still white but wet with mix or oil on the electrode and ceramic around the center electrode. I figure this is running really rich as the previous plug was gunky black.'
Forget all of that. None of it matters.
The new plug will be white..and it will likely be wet even when running as long as it did and in the way you said (sitting there idling I presume)...especially having had trouble starting it. *The crankcase is probably FULL of oil and maybe liquid fuel.
It probably is rich..as any bike that hasn't been properly jetted is likely rich. Remember...it was runnning with a #9 plug! Remember that is wrong.
Which...this is the place I'll insert a gentle suggestion: READ (maybe even a few times) and UNDERSTAND posts made in response to your questions. You will find answers in 'em. About the time a question is asked a second time..the answer haven already been posted..is about the time folks start paying less attention to the questions. Same for continuing to ask the SAME question over and over...having NOT (it would seem) done anything suggested.
I'm not pinging on you particularly...it's simply a statement for general application to every thread.
**edit**
Regarding the motor oil question...from 'Motor Oil' @ wikipedia:
Not to put too fine a finger on this...BUT...you asked for oil specs and got them. Further proof of a negative (Why can't I use 'this' ...or 'this'...or 'this'?) is quite a waste of time.Note that the API oil classification structure has eliminated specific support for wet-clutch motorcycle applications in their descriptors, and API SJ and newer oils are referred to be specific to automobile and light truck use. Accordingly, motorcycle oils are subject to their own unique standards.
While I'm sure that lots of riders use all sorts of different kinds of oil and report stellar result (and you can certainly use whatever you wish) I would suggest that you use an oil specified for wet clutch use.
I said that already.
I tend to be direct for the purpose of making a point clear. Don't take it personally.
BTW...I've used all sorts of 'non-specified' oils and 'stuff' in many different areas and applications. I'm saying I don't follow my own advice more than once in awhile. That a cleverly fashioned MO of mine that conveniently lets me argue anything I wish to..in any FASHION I wish to. But...that's just 'cuz I'm an arse.