Spark Plug Change

[UtahPete]

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Hi Pete,

I've used iridium plugs in the past and they should only be gapped by CAREFULLY bending the ground wire. Many gapping tools have a little "U" tool attached for this purpose. I'll Be Changing my plugs after this summers ryding season.

Lew L

Hi Lew, so the technique is the same, but with more care?

 

[BajaRon]

Ron, what is the best way to adjust the gap on the iridium plugs, since as you say they are more brittle?

And, should they still be changed at the 28k interval?

I have your plugs and will be performing this maintenance soon.

I don't agree with all BRP recommended service intervals. But my feeling is that it is a good idea to change the spark plugs around their recommended service interval or 28k. This is more of an unscientific opinion based on many motorcycles that I've owned over the years, including the Spyder and Ryker. Most notice a quicker start and better throttle response after changing plugs around the 30k mark. But, of course, there are other opinions.

You will need a tool that does not touch the center electrode. It's not so much that the center electrode is extremely fragile. It's more the fact that it's easy to put a great deal of pressure on it with a wedge type gaping tool. Much more pressure than it can take. If you fracture the electrode, the plug is no good. Still, it is easily and safely done with the right tool.

It is OK to use the wire gauges on the correct tool to measure gap. Feeler gauges will give you more readings and can also be used. It's not that you can't touch the center electrode at all. Just don't touch it when making adjustments to the grounding electrode.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Here's a couple of pics of one of the OEM spark plugs when I changed them at around 28k. The center electrode is in great condition. It's difficult to see but the ground electrode shows erosion and a little bit of a pit. As I recall all three plugs showed the erosion.

 

[acdcking12]

Here's a couple of pics of one of the OEM spark plugs when I changed them at around 28k. The center electrode is in great condition. It's difficult to see but the ground electrode shows erosion and a little bit of a pit. As I recall all three plugs showed the erosion.

View attachment 189987

View attachment 189988

So does that mean they really needed to be replaced? Or were in general, great condition and the change was not needed?

 

[Gunner3773]

Well, sometimes the Spyder people get it right. I'm sure going to check mine out when the time comes.

Do you use premium gasoline?
Any other information you can provide would be appreciated. ......:thumbup:

I always use 91 Non-Oxy in my bikes.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

So does that mean they really needed to be replaced? Or were in general, great condition and the change was not needed?

Good question! What I took it to indicate is that the plugs do deteriorate, i.e., the erosion, and the gap increases as the pit gets larger so obviously the plugs won't last forever. Whether 28k changeout is earlier than really necessary or ideal, I don't know. But I sure as the world wasn't going to put them back in at this point in the process! hyea:

 

[BajaRon]

I always use 91 Non-Oxy in my bikes.

I'm with you on this one. Well worth the extra expense when I can find it. If they ever charge what it actually costs for ethanol fuel at the pump, straight gasoline will be less expensive. It's certainly better.