Thanks Codge and DKW,
I've tried this out just now. Removed all plugs and turned it over, nothing seemed to splatter out at all. The plugs were brand new when I put them in a few months ago (or maybe last year..lost track..) but they looked slightly different, 1 looked matt black like it had been burnt, 2 were a bit oily and 1 looked like it hadn't been touched.
I baked them and put them back then did the 3 seconds of easy start, sadly no change.
Maybe they are in the wrong order? see image. As your looking at the image I numbered them left to right 1,2 top, 3,4 bottom. As your looking at the cables going from the plastic holder they go 1,2,3,4 from right to left. Are they on the right plugs?
Also, this is the small tubes I was referring to before that are very oily at the bottom. Is this normal?
codge wrote:Plugs in oven.....they won't take any harm at vitually any temperatures.....lets say preheated to 180C and leave for 5 mins or so.
The problem comes sticking 'em back in the engine before they get back to cold.
Just work as quick as you can.....the plug centre core will hold heat for a while so don't rush but also don't waste time torquing them exactly. In this situation I'd just nip 'em gently since we're trying to get it fired up. Make sure your leads are on and in the right places.
Then blast some 'easystart down the carb (with the blue box lid unclipped) for a few seconds. count 1.....2.....3 something like that
Then clip back the lid.....saunter to the driver's seat like John Wayne = without a care in the world. Turn the key with maybe 1/4 choke, not really any more than that.
If the engine is reasonably OK she'll start. Then when you've satisfied yourself all's well switch off, let it cool then tighten plugs to 13 ft lb, no more!