Maintenance and Install Guidelines
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 rubberized foam insert that pads the spark plug while it's inside the socket. The second thing is the hexagonal space around the top of the socket. The hexagonal area provides the wrench to fit on the socket if there is not enough clearance for a ratchet. Motorcycles usually have plenty of space for torque wrenches or ratchet, and yet the capability to support a wrench to the socket comes in handy for motorcycles with Fat Bob tanks and some auto applications (like a Corvette having headers).
For many decades there were two standard types of plug sockets. Shovelheads and 80" Big Twin Evolution engines need a 3/4" spark plug socket, and Evo Sportsters and Twin Cams need a 5/8" one. And then some thing occurred: spark plugs that required an 11/16" socket where available on the market, and 11/16" plug sockets are often difficult to find. We've heard individuals put a short length of foam pipe wrap (the product that's often used to insulate hot water pipes) inside of an 11/16" deep socket to use by their own. This method works and is an inexpensive solution to improvise a tool for the person that doesn't replace a lot of 11/16" 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.
Observing three simple guidelines will assist you to correctly gap plugs. Initially, do not bend the core electrode. Next, never ever flex the ground electrode laterally. Work with the gapping tool to carefully move the end of the ground electrode near or farther away from the tip of the core electrode. Finally, examine the gap by moving the appropriate wire loop through the gap. The spacing is correct when you sense a slight amount of friction when the wire moves through the gap.
Changing Spark Plugs
Before the removal of a spark plug hold off until the engine has cooled off, and then use a shot of pressurized air to clear out dust and dirt away from the area around the plug. A ratchet and a spark plug socket are my preferred tools for this particular section of the task. Upon diligently removing the spark plug wire by drawing on the boot, not the wire, we will take out the aged plug with a ratchet and plug socket by turning them counterclockwise.
When the old plugs are out, you're all set to set up the appropriately spaced spark plugs. Start out by putting a small amount of anti-seize lubricant on the threads of each plug. Modern day Harleys have aluminum heads and spark plugs have a steel shell. Repeated cooling and heating from the cylinder heads may trigger a chemical reaction involving 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 turns out to be off for some reason, you will still be within the recommended specification. Is proper twisting vital for spark plug fitting? It's really simple, indeed yes! In cases where the plug is a bit loose, high heat exchange in the head may be minimized, and the plug could overheat. Whenever a spark plug remains not tight enough, it possibly can find its way out from the head caused by vibration and combustion pressure. And that is certainly very harmful. Loose spark plugs have been held accountable for combustion chamber debris showing up in the threads of the spark plug hole.
At the other extreme, turning plugs excessively tight will cause other problems. If a spark plug is over tightened, it's likely that it'll be tougher to remove. Over tightening may also grind the gasket within a seat plug. Extreme over tightening can damage the threads within the head and has always been the cause of deterioration.
Without having a torque wrench, get the fresh spark plug finger tight and use a ratchet to gently tighten the spark plug to another quarter to half a turn. This approach is obviously a lot less accurate compared to using a torque wrench, however it will give you somewhere 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.
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 rubberized foam insert that pads the spark plug while it's inside the socket. The second thing is the hexagonal space around the top of the socket. The hexagonal area provides the wrench to fit on the socket if there is not enough clearance for a ratchet. Motorcycles usually have plenty of space for torque wrenches or ratchet, and yet the capability to support a wrench to the socket comes in handy for motorcycles with Fat Bob tanks and some auto applications (like a Corvette having headers).
For many decades there were two standard types of plug sockets. Shovelheads and 80" Big Twin Evolution engines need a 3/4" spark plug socket, and Evo Sportsters and Twin Cams need a 5/8" one. And then some thing occurred: spark plugs that required an 11/16" socket where available on the market, and 11/16" plug sockets are often difficult to find. We've heard individuals put a short length of foam pipe wrap (the product that's often used to insulate hot water pipes) inside of an 11/16" deep socket to use by their own. This method works and is an inexpensive solution to improvise a tool for the person that doesn't replace a lot of 11/16" 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.
Observing three simple guidelines will assist you to correctly gap plugs. Initially, do not bend the core electrode. Next, never ever flex the ground electrode laterally. Work with the gapping tool to carefully move the end of the ground electrode near or farther away from the tip of the core electrode. Finally, examine the gap by moving the appropriate wire loop through the gap. The spacing is correct when you sense a slight amount of friction when the wire moves through the gap.
Changing Spark Plugs
Before the removal of a spark plug hold off until the engine has cooled off, and then use a shot of pressurized air to clear out dust and dirt away from the area around the plug. A ratchet and a spark plug socket are my preferred tools for this particular section of the task. Upon diligently removing the spark plug wire by drawing on the boot, not the wire, we will take out the aged plug with a ratchet and plug socket by turning them counterclockwise.
When the old plugs are out, you're all set to set up the appropriately spaced spark plugs. Start out by putting a small amount of anti-seize lubricant on the threads of each plug. Modern day Harleys have aluminum heads and spark plugs have a steel shell. Repeated cooling and heating from the cylinder heads may trigger a chemical reaction involving 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 turns out to be off for some reason, you will still be within the recommended specification. Is proper twisting vital for spark plug fitting? It's really simple, indeed yes! In cases where the plug is a bit loose, high heat exchange in the head may be minimized, and the plug could overheat. Whenever a spark plug remains not tight enough, it possibly can find its way out from the head caused by vibration and combustion pressure. And that is certainly very harmful. Loose spark plugs have been held accountable for combustion chamber debris showing up in the threads of the spark plug hole.
At the other extreme, turning plugs excessively tight will cause other problems. If a spark plug is over tightened, it's likely that it'll be tougher to remove. Over tightening may also grind the gasket within a seat plug. Extreme over tightening can damage the threads within the head and has always been the cause of deterioration.
Without having a torque wrench, get the fresh spark plug finger tight and use a ratchet to gently tighten the spark plug to another quarter to half a turn. This approach is obviously a lot less accurate compared to using a torque wrench, however it will give you somewhere 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.
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Remember that it is important to always make sure you ride your motorcycle with safety. Ensure that you wear true motorcycle helmets.