spark plug issues

[nathan12]

three of my plugs on my gs 1100 are a nice light brown color which as I understand is a good thing right? on however, on the middle left cylinder, is black with carbon and is continuously fouling and making my bike run like total crap. this means it is rich on that cylinder correct? since it is just on one cylinder would this likely be a carb issue, i am thinking possibly the float level is off on that carb.or do you think its a valve issue. the bike has 11,000 miles on it and as far as I know has not had a valve adjustment.

[seuadr]

could be the float, could be a valve, could also be a sync issue.

[nathan12]

by sync you mean syncing the carbs I assume? I will be having my brother help me take a look at those soon and may possibly try to convince him to check my valve tolerances as well. to adjust the valves on these things you need shims correct? where can I find a manual, as in are there any free/cheap places to download them or order them?? thanks a lot.
nathan

[Nessism]

Search "basscliff" and go to his site, he has a valve adjustment tutorial and various service manuals (no 1100G though although the 850 manual is very similar).

Problem with #2 running rich could be petcock failure allowing gas to flow back down the vacuum line and into the engine. Something to check out in addition to a sticky float.

[SqDancerLynn1]

I would go check the petcock first. Easy to do, just plug the vacuum line & use it on prime

[nathan12]

ok i will do that tomorrow...thanks!!