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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
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Message started by carlostheobscure on 10/22/10 at 09:26:29

Title: What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
Post by carlostheobscure on 10/22/10 at 09:26:29

Hey - i like to ride but am mechanically challenged. 09 s40 running well with 8200 miles on it. Here's the question - bike mechanic pulled original plug at 6,200 miles and didn't replace it - said it was still good to go. How do I know if and when I need to replace the original plug?

(the related issue here is i'm getting poorer by the day, so can no longer really afford said mechanic's service...did replace the oil and filter last week for a total cost of about $10 which is a fraction of what the shop charges so I probably need to learn to do basic maintenance on this bike if I'm going to keep riding it...)

thanks for the great input this forum provides...ciao...csr

Title: Re: What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
Post by bill67 on 10/22/10 at 09:30:47

As long as its running good I wouldn't worry about changing the plug,Plugs last a long time in cars should last long in motorcycle as long as your not to rich or lean.

Title: Re: What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
Post by EJID on 10/22/10 at 10:07:25

Agree, if there's not a carb problem they will last a long time. These bikes are not very difficult to work on, but if you have to take it to the shop for even the small items it will become a very expensive bike.

Title: Re: What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
Post by Yonuh Adisi on 10/22/10 at 10:31:11

This should give you an idea what to look for.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/reading_spark_plugs.jpg

Title: Re: What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
Post by Serowbot on 10/22/10 at 10:47:10

At a buck n' half a pop,... I change plugs every 10k whether it needs it or not...
Big spender, heh?.. :-?...

Title: Re: What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
Post by babyhog on 10/22/10 at 11:31:04

594F58455D48455E2A0 wrote:

At a buck n' half a pop,... I change plugs every 10k whether it needs it or not...
Big spender, heh?.. :-?...

Dammit man, where were you when I was single? ;)

Title: Re: What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
Post by thumperclone on 10/22/10 at 14:44:33

1721203B260F2A273D274E0 wrote:

This should give you an idea what to look for.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/reading_spark_plugs.jpg

that be a good post for the tech section ;)

Title: Re: What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
Post by RC on 10/22/10 at 16:50:34

I agree with Bill these plugs should last a long time. But I also agree with Serowbot for 2 bucks or less a piece I change the plug every time I pull the tank to adjust the valves. You'll save a ton of money working on this bike yourself,It's easier than any other bike I've had. Use some of that money to buy good oil and a few sparkplugs.

Title: Re: What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
Post by Routy on 10/22/10 at 17:37:38

That 3rd one from the bottom on the left looks like dirt injestion to me,.....kinda like when running a K&N window screen type filter. :o

And that how they looked when the Kohler Engine field Rep would void the warranty on an in warranty walker mower.... because of dirt injestion. And the underside of the valves would look the same way. And we would usually find a defective aircleaner, or most times installed incorrectly.

Title: Re: What is criteria for changing the spark plug?
Post by Boofer on 10/23/10 at 12:46:10

I think carlos' deeper question is "How much trouble is it to change?" This bunch has been griping about changing the plug for so long the Nubies are scared to death. Carlos, get out the digital camera and take pics of where the hoses go on the carb. The rest is fairly simple, if not really easy. I take the tank off with fuel in it, but you probably want to drain it first. Set a gas can on a block or sumpthin' and run the fuel hose in there and put it on prime. And take the cap off the tank. And get a Clymers manual. Be patient and write it down and read it back as you put stuff on. Any way you want to depending on your confidence. And do this on a cool engine to keep from stripping the threads. Put the new plug in just snug. I'm sure others have other ideas how to do this, too. I think we should gripe about the bad design instead of the difficulty. But we don't gripe about the things we love. Oh, I forgot...all together class...begin by removing the seat. All Savage work begins by removing the seat.