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Message started by YoungSavage on 05/10/14 at 09:30:37

Title: spark plug gapping
Post by YoungSavage on 05/10/14 at 09:30:37

Happy Saturday all,
Was going to change my spark plug today when I realized I don't have my clymer's nor know off hand what the stock spark gapping is for the savage. Also know what lb-ft to torque it down to? Thanks for the help.

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by verslagen1 on 05/10/14 at 09:59:28

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1098848534

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1107534689

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by WD on 05/10/14 at 10:08:32

Same as an old points fired Dodge 318 V8. Plug gap .033-.038. Snug plus 1/4-1/2 turn.

In other words, open the box and screw the plug in, go for a ride, close to 85% of the time.

Use some sort of compressed air (even the canned stuff for computer keyboards is alright) to clean the plug well before removing the old plug. I've found gravel in both Savage plug wells, and both bikes still have the plug side head cover trim.

Oh, FYI, don't even THINK about pulling a warm sparkplug. You'll pull the threads out of whack in the head. Pretty sure our engine is primitive enough that it does NOT have a steel insert set into the mold before the head is cast.

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by YoungSavage on 05/10/14 at 10:24:07

Thanks Versy and WD.
That should be easy just like my Chevy 305 - about .035. Making sure I don't need to grab the torque wrench like in the chevy which has to be torqued to prevent misfire or backing out.

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by YoungSavage on 05/10/14 at 13:30:35

Anybody who hasn't changed a motorcycle spark plug, remember to take of the end where the plug boot goes. It should just screw off. Didn't realize this for about 10 minutes when I kept trying to push the dang boot onto the end of the spark plug. Felt like a dummy.

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by Boofer on 05/10/14 at 18:05:46

I'm sure I'll get in trouble for this since everything I know seems to have changed, but change plugs on a cold engine and use anti-seize on the threads.

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by WD on 05/10/14 at 22:36:19

Couldn't hurt to use antisieze. I never do, but, just because I'm lazy and both Savages leak like old AMF Shovelheads (or most British bikes from the 60s). The plugs are self lubricating... ;D

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by YoungSavage on 05/11/14 at 08:32:20

Darn right you don't really need anti seize. Pulled the plug and there was a decent amount of oil just hanging out. Used the champion plug and it feels like the bike just runs smoother.

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/11/14 at 08:39:33

I put antisieze on every plug,, even if I hafta wipe oil off first,, call me anal,,

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by WD on 05/11/14 at 08:39:47

Did the same with both my 98 and Lisa's 800 Intruder while we were living in the Seattle area. Definitely prefer the Champion to the stock NGK. Especially when running oversized jets, the Champion didn't foul out as fast.

If the plug you pulled looked black and fluffy around the center electrode, jet down a step to 152.5/52.5, just as much power if not a touch more AND better fuel economy.

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by YoungSavage on 05/11/14 at 11:55:34

Would the 155/55 be too rich for sea level? Yeah it was a little black and fouled a tad. Don't know humidity but I'm right next to the ocean.

Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by Dave on 05/12/14 at 04:48:02

794F554E47734156414745200 wrote:

Would the 155/55 be too rich for sea level? Yeah it was a little black and fouled a tad. Don't know humidity but I'm right next to the ocean.

I think so. I live at an elevation of 500 to 825 msl. My bike ran best with a #50 or 52.5 Pilot (I need to go look at my notes), #150 main, and 2 washers on the needle. I used an O2 meter to get the carb jetted....no guessing about the mixture being correct. My bike had a stock paper air filter and a DYNA muffler.
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Title: Re: spark plug gapping
Post by YoungSavage on 05/12/14 at 08:13:55

I guess I'll have to get that stuck pilot jet out finally. :D new weekend project for the coming week.