Bad Spark Plug Boot

[xpeschon]

Just thought I would pass this on to everyone.. I did post this in another threat but not everybody looks as all the threats so here you go... For the past few days I have heard like a CLICKING or SNAP noise every now and then, If I had to guess it would have been about every 45 Seconds to a minute, anyway it was really starting to bother me on Saturday when I was riding with Mo Lee so on Sunday I decided to find the root of the problem, I started by just starting the spyder to try and pin point the location, I found it to be on the Right side of the spyder as I sat on it,,,, I then took the extra step and took of all the front panels on both sides and started it up again, (more noticable of course) as the spyder was running and the CLICK would happen I would put my hand on a several piece of electronic pieces to see if I could possible feel the noise, (if that makes any since at all) but yet again, nothing-- I knew at this point it was near the front of the engine,,, I then sinced that it could be a plug wire so I then pulled the spyder into my shop (where there are no windows), closed the doors and took a good look at the front spark plug wire and boot as it was running and sure enough--The front spark plug boot (near the top of the boot) was arching off the HEAD of the engine about every 45 seconds, it was a BRIGHT BLUE spark coming from the BOOT and turned BRIGHT orange as it traveled to the head----I let it SPARK a couple of times then shut it down, and heres the funny thing, just the day before (Saturday) when I was hanging out with Lee we had decided to run the canister vent hose to the rear of the spyder, we had already extended and ran it out of the engine compartment along side the black panel months ago but then noticed that GAS was actually coming out of that tube leaving a stain on the black panel,,, Just my 2 cents worth but possible if the vapor is STRONG enough and your spyder has the same problem mine did (spark plug boot) that could be a problem right?? Fire maybe, who knows,,, I only can speak on what I saw and witnessed.. For now my quick fix was to unplug the boot and wrap several layers of electrical tape around the boot,,, Once I done this I started it back up and let it run for about 5 minutes and all is good for right now, but we all know this is a temperary fix... I'm not a big motor head but I know a funny noise when I hear one..

X-Joe

PS: I have already talked to Len at CowTown and he's gonna take care of it for me when ever I can get it there..

 

[Fire Joe]

Great catch on that one Joe!! We don't need another BBQ'd Spyder.

I am sure Len will get you taken cared of. Have fun on the Lake Ride, wish I could go with you guys.

 

[nudle]

opcorn:Had the same problem with the spark plug boot ,but it was on the back cylinder. I wrapped the boot with electrical tape and the problem was fixed.

 

[NancysToy]

Get'r fixed quick, Joe...and change the plugs. Can't say there is any connection to any fires, although it is possible...and it could explain why it occurs only on isolated Spyders. I do know that plain electrical tape won't withstand ignition voltages, though...at least not for long. I also know that a bad spark plug, with excessive resistance or fouling, can cause the spark to try to go elsewhere, and penetrate the boot. Even if that is not the cause, a plug that misses spark that frequently will become increasingly fouled.

Nice awareness and troubleshooting! :thumbup:

 

[aka1004]

mine has been doing that periodically but it only happens so much i could not catch blue spark even in total darkness and i live in an apartment with attached garage so i can only have the spyder running for so long...
i am going to try that electrical tape and see if that cures it.

fuel out of hose is pretty normal and that was the whole idea to get it away from you and the engine.
i did mine over a year ago and at first without thinking, i had the tip of the hose down and i was getting a little siphoning action and a lot of fuel was dripping out than i remembered a bit of 2nd grade science and got the tip up and amount of gas lessened quite a bit. now that i live in hotter, las vegas, my gas tank has been really percolating with just the weather and my spyder running unusualy hot. now that my spyder is running cooler with new fan and thermostat and i also applied heat barrier in frontal part of the gas tank and that seems to help also.

now i did away with evap-can, i got another hose going back and i see vaporized gas percolating out of the both hose.

 

[groundeffect]

Hi Joe, thank you for sharing this great information and by the way, nice troubleshooting in finding the root cause! :thumbup:. Glad you are getting it taken care of soon, and with a new plug, I would guess.

Just one question - do you know how the spark plug boot failed? Just wondering how old your Spyder is, how many miles, etc...

If possible, if the dealer figures how it failed, could you please share with us on this thread, when you get her back from the shop?


Thanks again, Joe, nice work!
Cheers from Newfoundland!
Dean

Just thought I would pass this on to everyone.. I did post this in another threat but not everybody looks as all the threats so here you go... For the past few days I have heard like a CLICKING or SNAP noise every now and then, If I had to guess it would have been about every 45 Seconds to a minute, anyway it was really starting to bother me on Saturday when I was riding with Mo Lee so on Sunday I decided to find the root of the problem, I started by just starting the spyder to try and pin point the location, I found it to be on the Right side of the spyder as I sat on it,,,, I then took the extra step and took of all the front panels on both sides and started it up again, (more noticable of course) as the spyder was running and the CLICK would happen I would put my hand on a several piece of electronic pieces to see if I could possible feel the noise, (if that makes any since at all) but yet again, nothing-- I knew at this point it was near the front of the engine,,, I then sinced that it could be a plug wire so I then pulled the spyder into my shop (where there are no windows), closed the doors and took a good look at the front spark plug wire and boot as it was running and sure enough--The front spark plug boot (near the top of the boot) was arching off the HEAD of the engine about every 45 seconds, it was a BRIGHT BLUE spark coming from the BOOT and turned BRIGHT orange as it traveled to the head----I let it SPARK a couple of times then shut it down, and heres the funny thing, just the day before (Saturday) when I was hanging out with Lee we had decided to run the canister vent hose to the rear of the spyder, we had already extended and ran it out of the engine compartment along side the black panel months ago but then noticed that GAS was actually coming out of that tube leaving a stain on the black panel,,, Just my 2 cents worth but possible if the vapor is STRONG enough and your spyder has the same problem mine did (spark plug boot) that could be a problem right?? Fire maybe, who knows,,, I only can speak on what I saw and witnessed.. For now my quick fix was to unplug the boot and wrap several layers of electrical tape around the boot,,, Once I done this I started it back up and let it run for about 5 minutes and all is good for right now, but we all know this is a temperary fix... I'm not a big motor head but I know a funny noise when I hear one..

X-Joe

PS: I have already talked to Len at CowTown and he's gonna take care of it for me when ever I can get it there..

 

[xpeschon]

Get'r fixed quick, Joe...and change the plugs. Can't say there is any connection to any fires, although it is possible...and it could explain why it occurs only on isolated Spyders. I do know that plain electrical tape won't withstand ignition voltages, though...at least not for long. I also know that a bad spark plug, with excessive resistance or fouling, can cause the spark to try to go elsewhere, and penetrate the boot. Even if that is not the cause, a plug that misses spark that frequently will become increasingly fouled.

Nice awareness and troubleshooting! :thumbup:

Yah I will Scotty, top priority for sure, Lens gonna take good care of me for sure.. Oh and thanks for the info on the whole electrical tape and yes I will change both plugs and will change them back to stock.. I am running the Iridiums right now, not sure that cause the problem but just to let you all know them are the plugs that are in the spyder and they have about 1,300 miles on the plugs but again, back to stock for me when it gets to the shop..

To groundeffect:

Just one question - do you know how the spark plug boot failed? Just wondering how old your Spyder is, how many miles, etc...

If possible, if the dealer figures how it failed, could you please share with us on this thread, when you get her back from the shop?

Little bit of infor for you: 2008, 9,008 miles... As for the dealer trying to figure out how it failed--I'm thinking off the top of my head the only reason I could think that a boot failed is possible it developed a PIN hole or some type of small TEAR.. I will infact keep you all posted if Len can come up with something but he will probably post it himself, if not I will..

X-Joe

 

[krb1945]

Something I've been doing for years is put a light coating of di-electric grease on the spark plug stems to keep the boots from sticking to the porcelain. If the boot is stuck to the porcelain many have a tendency to pull on them with pliers or a slip while pulling on the boot and pull on the wire itself. Naturally this causes damage to the boot or wire which causes a leak. Also this type of grease treatment helps prevent the rubber boot from cracking as quickly. Ken krb1945

 

[Mo Lee]

Something I've been doing for years is put a light coating of di-electric grease on the spark plug stems to keep the boots from sticking to the porcelain. If the boot is stuck to the porcelain many have a tendency to pull on them with pliers or a slip while pulling on the boot and pull on the wire itself. Naturally this causes damage to the boot or wire which causes a leak. Also this type of grease treatment helps prevent the rubber boot from cracking as quickly. Ken krb1945

Could very likely be the source of ignition, I believe we agree on the source of fuel. Now we need BRP to agree and take action.

 

[xpeschon]

Something I've been doing for years is put a light coating of di-electric grease on the spark plug stems to keep the boots from sticking to the porcelain. If the boot is stuck to the porcelain many have a tendency to pull on them with pliers or a slip while pulling on the boot and pull on the wire itself. Naturally this causes damage to the boot or wire which causes a leak. Also this type of grease treatment helps prevent the rubber boot from cracking as quickly. Ken krb1945

Yah I hear you on the di-electric grease, I can tell you this though there has never been a plier or a slip pair of pliers on the boot however, I did change the plugs myself and I will agree they where a BEAR to get off and still a BEAR as of yesterday when I pulled just the one off but I am very cautions when it comes to this, I grap them as low as I can and work it up from there, probablyh took me 10 minutes going back and forth a few times before it came off --- a good inspection of the boot will come in time after it gets to the shop though... But yah, I do understand..

X-Joe

 

[docdoru]

Good diagnosis and first-rate lesson to learn for all of us! :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

Something I've been doing for years is put a light coating of di-electric grease on the spark plug stems to keep the boots from sticking to the porcelain. If the boot is stuck to the porcelain many have a tendency to pull on them with pliers or a slip while pulling on the boot and pull on the wire itself. Naturally this causes damage to the boot or wire which causes a leak. Also this type of grease treatment helps prevent the rubber boot from cracking as quickly. Ken krb1945

:agree: The di-electric grease is even sometimes sold as "spark plug boot release". A q-tip works great for putting a light coating inside evenly.

 

[spyryder]

There are also plug wire removal tools from various manufacturers which engage below the boot, such as this one:

 

[xpeschon]

I've seen those wrenches before.. Probably a good idea to pick one up one day, anyone know of a good one that can get down in the front cylinder deep enough to pull the boot with the Air-Cleaner on? It would have to be a short one for sure or probably the best method is to just Pull off the Air-Cleaner.. Thanks for sharing with us all..

X-Joe

 

[pitbull]

Just thought I would pass this on to everyone.. I did post this in another threat but not everybody looks as all the threats so here you go... For the past few days I have heard like a CLICKING or SNAP noise every now and then, If I had to guess it would have been about every 45 Seconds to a minute, anyway it was really starting to bother me on Saturday when I was riding with Mo Lee so on Sunday I decided to find the root of the problem, I started by just starting the spyder to try and pin point the location, I found it to be on the Right side of the spyder as I sat on it,,,, I then took the extra step and took of all the front panels on both sides and started it up again, (more noticable of course) as the spyder was running and the CLICK would happen I would put my hand on a several piece of electronic pieces to see if I could possible feel the noise, (if that makes any since at all) but yet again, nothing-- I knew at this point it was near the front of the engine,,, I then sinced that it could be a plug wire so I then pulled the spyder into my shop (where there are no windows), closed the doors and took a good look at the front spark plug wire and boot as it was running and sure enough--The front spark plug boot (near the top of the boot) was arching off the HEAD of the engine about every 45 seconds, it was a BRIGHT BLUE spark coming from the BOOT and turned BRIGHT orange as it traveled to the head----I let it SPARK a couple of times then shut it down, and heres the funny thing, just the day before (Saturday) when I was hanging out with Lee we had decided to run the canister vent hose to the rear of the spyder, we had already extended and ran it out of the engine compartment along side the black panel months ago but then noticed that GAS was actually coming out of that tube leaving a stain on the black panel,,, Just my 2 cents worth but possible if the vapor is STRONG enough and your spyder has the same problem mine did (spark plug boot) that could be a problem right?? Fire maybe, who knows,,, I only can speak on what I saw and witnessed.. For now my quick fix was to unplug the boot and wrap several layers of electrical tape around the boot,,, Once I done this I started it back up and let it run for about 5 minutes and all is good for right now, but we all know this is a temperary fix... I'm not a big motor head but I know a funny noise when I hear one..

X-Joe

PS: I have already talked to Len at CowTown and he's gonna take care of it for me when ever I can get it there..

We're on it Joe and yes great find! Blue spark plus gass fuems could equal FIRE!!!! We'll get you taken care of at the lake or before we go to the lake, depending on your time schedual!!! I can bring the parts and trhe tools and do the repairs after we have some lunch at the lake get it to cool down, and make the reapirs.......but all in all i think we may have found the promblem of the fires:gaah::gaah::gaah::gaah::clap::clap::clap::clap:

 

[canam9]

Good deal

We're on it Joe and yes great find! Blue spark plus gass fuems could equal FIRE!!!! We'll get you taken care of at the lake or before we go to the lake, depending on your time schedual!!! I can bring the parts and trhe tools and do the repairs after we have some lunch at the lake get it to cool down, and make the reapirs.......but all in all i think we may have found the promblem of the fires:gaah::gaah::gaah::gaah::clap::clap::clap::clap:

Nice!
:ani29:

 

[xpeschon]

No no no,, thats cool dude,,, I'm not worried about it.. I taped it up and will get it to the shop next week one day,, no repairs on a ride day inless it becomes and emergency --- Heres the deal, I think we should support G-Man on this one anyway and do the whole 2 wheeling thing,, infact I KNOW I'm on my bike this time... What sha all think? Lets 2 wheel it on Saturday boys and girls.. Not gonna do the Pinks all Out on Saturday so I'm with the spyder family again...

X-Joe

 

[pitbull]

No no no,, thats cool dude,,, I'm not worried about it.. I taped it up and will get it to the shop next week one day,, no repairs on a ride day inless it becomes and emergency --- Heres the deal, I think we should support G-Man on this one anyway and do the whole 2 wheeling thing,, infact I KNOW I'm on my bike this time... What sha all think? Lets 2 wheel it on Saturday boys and girls.. Not gonna do the Pinks all Out on Saturday so I'm with the spyder family again...

X-Joe

Glad to have you back with us Joe!

 

[xpeschon]

I decided to do this myself after getting your message Len, no worried,, I currently have the plug wire off and headed to the store during lunch to pick up a set of plug wires,, I'm gonna just replace both of these while I have it apart along with new FACTOR plugs,, Questions:: I know I can find it but,, what is the factory plug NGK number??? And a follow up question please: When buying plug wires is there anything I need to PAY attention to? The current plug wires say R-8 NGK Spark Plug Wire::: I know the length needs to be about the same,,,, Also plan on buying some di-electric grease,,, Do you apply that to the tip of the plug or inside the plug wire end itself or does it really matter and finally,, is it alright to put a bit on the end of the wire where the plug gets connected to the coil OR just the plug itself?? Sorry so many questions folks... Little help needed in MO...

X-Joe

 

[Firefly]

I decided to do this myself after getting your message Len, no worried,, I currently have the plug wire off and headed to the store during lunch to pick up a set of plug wires,, I'm gonna just replace both of these while I have it apart along with new FACTOR plugs,, Questions:: I know I can find it but,, what is the factory plug NGK number??? And a follow up question please: When buying plug wires is there anything I need to PAY attention to? The current plug wires say R-8 NGK Spark Plug Wire::: I know the length needs to be about the same,,,, Also plan on buying some di-electric grease,,, Do you apply that to the tip of the plug or inside the plug wire end itself or does it really matter and finally,, is it alright to put a bit on the end of the wire where the plug gets connected to the coil OR just the plug itself?? Sorry so many questions folks... Little help needed in MO...

X-Joe

Factory original NGK: DCPR9E

If you want Iridium: DCPR9EIX