Couple days ago I checked the valves and installed a new Iridium NGK spark plug.
Then went for a great ride on a perfect day - so sunny and warm that I could wear a mesh FirstGear jacket.
After going downtown to the library and then stopping at Tim Horton's for a coffee on the patio - looking at my scooter parked nearby....I went on to the State park...got off and sat on a bench finishing my coffee.
Then I noticed a paper towel hanging out under the engine.
I pulled it out - 3 large sections, with a couple of big holes burnt through.
At one stop light I do remember thinking someone had their fireplace going on a 63 degree day.
Nope it was me trying to set fire to my scooter.
When I do the valves I put a paper towel under the valve cover to catch any oil that might drip onto the plastic belly pan under the engine.
See that paper towel......
My only excuse is that I waited 2 days after the valve check to put in the new spark plug....leaving everything open. Then buttoned it all up in a hurry after getting the new plug from the parts store so I could go for a ride on such a great day. Left the paper towels down there blowing into contact with the exhaust pipe. (and yes, I checked. They are all out now.)
What did I learn?
Do the work in one go, if possible. Living this far away from the equator leaves one prone to problems.
Stig
