Maintenance and replacement of spark plugs on a motorcycle.

Maintain and replace Your motorcycle spark plugs are essential if you want to ride with them. Although they do not affect the engine, its condition, however, depends on its performance, the fuel consumption of your two-wheeler and, of course, how it is started. If the spark plug is defective, there is no explosion that ignites the gases in the cylinders. Result: The motorcycle will not start.

How to clean a candle? When and how often should it be changed? Learn how to service and replace spark plugs on a motorcycle.

How to care for spark plugs on a motorcycle?

Problems getting started? Replacing the spark plug is not always necessary. Sometimes the explosion of an air / gasoline mixture will leave brown or whitish marks on the electrodes, making starting difficult. To solve the problem, it is enough to clean them.

Disassembly

To clean the candle, you must first extract it... Depending on its location, it may be necessary to disassemble the fairing, air filter housing, water radiator, and possibly the tank. If your motorcycle has one, be sure to also remove the electric stock from the muffler. And once the path is clear, take the key, insert it into the spark plug to remove it.

cleaning

To clear the candle take a wire brush and wipe the tablet with it in a downward motion to properly remove brown deposits from the electrode without getting them directly into the spark plug. Then take a rag and gently wipe the insulation with it.

Adjusting the interelectrode gap

The distance between the electrodes increases as the spark plug is loaded. Thus, starting difficulties can arise due to the fact that this gap is too large and no longer allows the required spark to be produced. This results in a loss of power, but also in an increase in fuel consumption. This is why take the time to correct this gap while cleaning as well. Usually, the distance should not exceed 0.70 mm.... So, take a set of shims and place it between the two leads. If the recommended distance is exceeded, gently tap the electrodes until the wedge reads 0.70. You can use a small hammer or any other item of your choice.

How do I replace spark plugs on a motorcycle?

If the electrode is affected spark erosion phenomenon, cleaning is not enough. If it is dirty, deformed, and too far apart, it means the spark plug can no longer be used and must be replaced. Accordingly, after disassembly, you need to insert a new spark plug instead of the old one.

How to insert a new candle correctly?

One thing you should know is that replacing a spark plug on a motorcycle does not have to be done the old fashioned way. This operation, although relatively simple, requires a few rules to be followed.

Before inserting the candle, take the time to coat its threads with graphite or copper grease. This will make it easier to disassemble when the time comes.

To insert, insert the candle by hand first... So if it doesn't go straight into the cylinders, it will get stuck and you will feel it. Then you can adjust its trajectory. This will not be possible if you use a wrench, because you run the risk of forcing the passage and subsequently destroying the threads of the cylinder head.

After you have made a few turns with your fingers and have reached the seal without being blocked, you can use the spark plug remover. This will increase the tightening depending on the torque recommended by the manufacturer.

Reassembly

After the new spark plug is correctly installed, reassemble it. First, take the muffler, clean it and put it back in place until you hear a small click. Then reassemble the electrical terminal, then the tank and finally the fairing and covers.

Good to know : Even if there are no signs of wear, the spark plug must be cleaned regularly. Also, remember to follow the manufacturer's recommended usage period. In general, the spark plug should be replaced. every 6000 km up to 24 km depending on the model (number of cylinders).