Check up and Install Tips

Replacing spark plugs really should be nearly as easy as changing lamps, but it's not. Bulb changing doesn't require using a socket wrench or gapping utilities. An extended socket that fits a plug isn't a correct plug socket. A spark plug socket has two things that differentiate it from a deep socket.

First is a foam rubber insert that pads the plug while it's within the socket. The second is the hexagonal part around the top socket. The hexagonal section allows a wrench to set on the socket if there is insufficient room for a ratchet. Motorcycles generally have enough space for ratchets and torque wrenches, but the ability to support a wrench on the socket is useful for bikes with Fat Bob gas tanks and a few auto applications (like a Corvette having headers).

For several years there have been two common sizes of spark plug sockets. Shovelheads and 80" Big Twin Evolution engines need a 3/4" spark plug socket, and Evo Sportsters and Twin Cams require a 5/8" one. Then some thing transpired: plugs that needed an 11/16" socket appeared on the market, and 11/16" spark plug sockets are usually uncommon. We've heard people fit a strip of foam wrapping (the product that's often used to insulate hot water pipes) inside of an 11/16" deep socket to make their own. This method works and is a cost-effective solution to improvise a tool for people that does not replace a lot of 11/16" spark plugs.

Spark Plug Spacing

Spark plug gap is crucial in getting accurate firing. Many people assume plugs are already gapped at the factory, which isn't often a fact. Though even though plugs are already gapped, movement through shipping could possibly make the spacing quite a few thousandths of an inch shorter. Gapping a plug is not rocket science. You only need the correct tools, quite a few practices, with a little bit of determination.

First of all, pliers and a feeler gauge usually are not the proper tools. Our recommended gapping tool is our friendly wire-loop tool where every single wire loop represents a different size of the gap, and the metal tabs support different ground electrodes. My very least favorite may be the disc which has the ramp throughout the perimeter. The initial disadvantage in the disc type is that it puts pressure on the core electrode during gapping. The other disadvantage is that often the other side of the ground electrode may end up a bit further away from the center electrode. On SplitFire and Screamin' Eagle plugs, one prong of the ground electrode can be higher than other plugs.

Following a few easy rules will help you to correctly gap spark plugs. Initially, do not flex the core electrode. Second, never flex the ground electrode sideways. Utilize the gapping tool to slowly move the tip of the ground electrode nearer or farther away from the end of the center electrode. Additionally, check out the gap by moving the correct wire loop throughout the gap. The spacing is correct once you feel a little amount of rubbing between the gaps while the wire moves through the gap.

Swapping Spark Plugs

Just before removing a spark plug, ensure that the engine has cooled down, and then start using a burst of compressed air to blow dust and dirt from the small area around the plug. A ratchet and a spark plug socket are the suggested utilities for this particular portion of the task. Once carefully taking out the spark plug wire by drawing on the boot, not the wire, I remove the aged spark plug with a spark plug socket and ratchet by turning them counterclockwise.

As soon as the unwanted and old plugs are out, it is time to put in the properly spaced plugs. Start out by putting a bit of lube (anti-seize) on the threads for each plug. Current Harley Davidsons have steel shell spark plugs and aluminum heads. Repetitive heating and cooling of the heads may cause a chemical reaction between the aluminum cylinder head and steel plug shell. This results in an effect like it has been welded.

Soon after applying the lubricant (anti-seize) around the spark plug threads, begin turning the spark plug tighten manner to the head using your fingers rather than using a spark plug socket or ratchet. A best practice that lessens the possibility of getting a spark plug that is cross threaded and the pricey damage that may occur. Once the brand new plug is finger tight, reach for the plug tools, the torque spec for plugs in a TC 88 is 11-18 ft-lbs., so split the main difference and opt for 15 ft-lbs.

That way, if the torque wrench is a bit off for some reason, you'll still remain within the required spec. Is proper twisting vital for plug set up? Basically, yes! If the plug is too loose, heat transfer within the cylinder head can be lessened, and the spark plug can overheat. Whenever a plug remains really loose, it could find its way out from the head caused by combustion pressure and vibrations. And that's very unhealthy. Plugs that are not tight enough also hold responsibility for combustion chamber debris showing up in the threads of the plug hole.

On the other hand, turning spark plugs very tight brings about other issues. Whenever a spark plug is tightened too much, it's likely that it will probably be much harder to take out. Over tightening could also crush the gasket on the seat plug. Over tightening can damage the threads within the head and has been blamed for distorting the gap.

Without having a torque wrench, make the fresh plug tightened using the finger and use a ratchet to gently tighten the plug an additional quarter to half a turn. This method is clearly less precise than using a torque wrench, nevertheless it can get you at some point in the 11-18 ft-lbs. limit.

This season, bike runs will kick off from all over the country. The vast majority of motorcycle drivers will undoubtedly be assembling for 1 week long festivity all expressing their fascination with bikes. You will hear a number of tales and building tips to chat about with new friends while you drive the days with the bike week. Make sure to ride safe and wear the required safety equipment like carbon fiber helmets. Good luck and have a wonderful ride.