Indexing spark plugs has been a common practice by motorheads for years. Indexing your plug will direct the spark into the optimal location for proper combustion. Mark the side of your plug with a Sharpie to identify the location of the plugs electrode. When the plug is installed you will want to direct the electrode slightly towards the exhaust valves. Indexing washers are available at your local automotive parts center and can be used if your plug doesn't seat properly in the desired location.
It doesn't take long for new plastic to lose its shimmer, but it is possible to bring the shine back to your ride. Boot wear and light scratches can be sanded out with fine sandpaper, and by applying heat via a heat gun you can revive that lustrous factory shine. This is a delicate process that can yield unsightly results if the plastic is overheated. Keep the heat gun moving in a sweeping motion for best results. This process can also be used to bring color back into creased areas of your fenders.
The use of high-octane race gas in a stock engine to gain horsepower is a huge misconception. This higher-octane fuel is necessary for high-compression motors, but you can actually have a reduction in horsepower when used in your stock machine. There is a long explanation for this, but we won't get into that today. When building your engine, there are alternatives to high-compression pistons for making big ponies that don't require ridiculously priced high-octane fuel. Check out the 80+ HP Rocket Raptor in our September issue, the Extreme Teryx 840cc in November and our Factory Level Suzuki LT-R450 in this issue. They all run on standard pump gas and possess gut-wrenching power.
Don't get the wrong impression and assume that your riveted muffler is maintenance free. It needs to be repacked just as any other. Break out the cordless drill and remove those rivets to access the packing. After repacking the muffler, you will need a rivet gun and the proper rivets to reinstall the tip.
ATV Rider Reader's Remedy Of The Month
By Carrie Leigh of Diamondhead, MS.
It is nearly impossible to keep a set of goggles clean when attacking mud bogs for fun or in competition. Wiping on a thin layer of Rain-X with Rain-X wipes will allow the murky waters to roll off leaving you with a clear line of sight. Yes, we tested it and it really works.
If you have any tips that you'd like to share, we would love to hear from you. Heck, you might even save someone's ride. We'll be sure to give you credit for your remedy here in the pages of ATV Rider magazine. So get them to us! Email us at atvrider@sorc.com.