klx650sm2002 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:09:That has gathered everything together in one place, nice one. I would like to add when it's time to change the spark plug get an iridium one, that lets you run a plug gap at the maximum of the standard range and still get a consistant big spark. There's only one plug so make it a good one.
Clive W
People always have opinions about plugs, but I don't (for a change). All that I know is that I've changed plugs over the years, and have seen no difference. The only bikes where I saw any importance were on 2 strokes where it was easy to get them wet.
On a side note, my '99 Malibu, I did notice a slight improvement when I finally changed them at around 150,000 miles (no kidding), and she is still running right along at 205K now.
But back to the Savage. Just as an experiment, I changed mine to the hotter NGK DP7EA-9 in 2002. I noticed no change, and all I've done since is clean it and re-gap last winter. On my spouse's, she is still using the stock DP8EA-9. I put a new one in last winter, but I don't know why. It changed nothing.
My thoughts are this....the manufacturer recommends a plug. If the bike runs fine, why change it? Does a different plug really make a difference?
I've heard people complain of Savage's fouling plugs, but something else was wrong anyway. On the other hand, I've bought "Split Fires" and all kinds over the years, and they've never done anything but cost more money.
Are you saying an Iridium plug will show me something? ???