|
|
Don't neglect those spark plugs!!Jan 12 '02 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Plugs are the best indicator on how the engine is performing. Spark plugs are often one of the most overlooked and misunderstood common wear items on a motor. The plug specified is usually the best plug for the motor, but how do you tell if it is not the right plug. Engine modifications, like installing those loud pipes you just had to have, or that big carburator or cam might make your bike run better, but it can also cause some plug problems. If your plugs have a white blister look to the inner electrode, your engine is running a little lean, going to a colder plug will not help, you need to rejet your carb. But if you have an older or worn engine, your plugs might be fouling out, this is confirmed by the black oily looking deposits found on the electrode end of the plug. Going to one range hotter plug will help you put off that rebuild for a little while. You have to be careful when trying this, too hot a plug can cause severe engine damage, including preignition, which can lead to holes in pistons. Too cold of a plug will foul out very quickly, usually when you try to start a cold bike. The proper color for a the right heat range plug is a light tan or gray color, black is too cold, white is too hot. In case some of you less mechanically inclined people are wondering, the heat range of a plug is determined by how well the heat from the plug is transferred to the head, a hot plug retains more of this heat, so it is called a "hotter plug". When you decide to change a plug keep in mind several types of plugs are on the market, split fire plugs, which sort of have a snake tongue looking ground electrode. Different thread types are also made, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm, you have to have the correct threads, or they will just not work. Different lengths are also made, if too long a plug is used, piston damage can occur or pounding shut the ground electrode. Too short a plug will make combustion less efficient, and let carbon fouling enter the threaded hole, making a stripped plug hole, if it is not tapped out. A thread chaser is made for this purpose. Also two types of plug bases are made, the gasket type (a metal gasket) and the tapered seat, do not get these two confused, they just will not interchange. When tightening plugs, don't get cousin Bob with is 38" biceps to tighten them to 100 ft. lbs, they just have to be tight enough to seal, it is best to consult the service manual. A general rule is to tighten a gasket type until the gasket contacts, then an additional 1/4 turn. As long as we are talking about how to install them, I might mention to use a plug socket, this is a socket with a rubber insert to help keep from breaking the insulator. The spark plug wrenches found in most tool kits are usually not the best quality, use them only when you have too. Never use a plug with a broken insulator, it can cause arcing.  |
| Write the first comment on this review! |
|
