If you've owned a motorcycle for more than a few years, you probably have encountered some problems with the spark plugs. This is especially true if you own an older motorcycle. Spark plugs are small, but they are a vital part of engine operation. If some of them are malfunctioning, your whole bike is going wrong and causing you problems. In this article, we will find out what are the causes that make the spark plug of your motorcycle defective? And how can you replace it?
Motorcycle spark plugs - General information
There are a whole bunch of motorcycle spark plugs on the market that meet specific needs. So, before you get started, we advise you to take a look at our complete guide on the subject.
What are the causes of spark plug deterioration?
Once you figure out that the spark plugs are faulty, you probably want to know how to avoid this problem in the future. Don't feel too bad if you need to replace your spark plugs, as the main reason for their deterioration is age.
We love being able to say that all spark plugs are forever (and any replacement part you buy!). Over time, the buttons at the end of the spark plug simply wear out from sparking. Anything that relates to a vehicle's electrical components will likely wear out sooner than other parts (even if everything is maintained properly).
Improper timing of your engine can wear out the spark plugs much faster than their expected life. If your gasoline detonates too early or too late in the engine's combustion chamber, all that back pressure is going to build up on the spark plug because the pressure has nowhere to go.
A lean-burn motorcycle can also wear out and quickly blacken the spark plugs. This therefore means that the carburetor or the fuel injector is not introducing enough gas into the combustion chamber. The gas that is inserted burns much harder because there is more air than there should be. This higher temperature can easily warp and bend the spark plugs, or even destroy them within a day.
How often should you change a motorcycle spark plug?
You can ride your motorcycle for years without realizing it's messing around with faulty spark plugs, but you should probably take a look before they start giving you trouble. Motorcycle spark plugs must be replaced every five years. However, you don't necessarily need to check them regularly before then if they're not causing any problems.
If you need to replace a spark plug, you must change them all at the same time. Again, spark plugs are inexpensive and easy to change, so you might as well change them all while you're at it. If one candle fails, there is a good chance that the others will follow quickly.
How to replace a faulty motorcycle spark plug?
This is because replacing spark plugs only requires a few simple tools, a few dollars and about an hour of your time. If you want to change the spark plug on your faulty motorcycle, the first thing to do is to disconnect the battery to eliminate any risk of shock.
The next thing to do is remove all of the spark plug caps. These should be easily removed by pulling on them a bit. At this point, the rear end of the spark plug is exposed. The ends are shaped like a nut, so you can use a socket wrench to pull it out. Most spark plugs are 5/8 ″.
There are special bushings that have rubber gaskets inside; so when you finish unscrewing the spark plug, the socket will be able to pull it out for you. Sometimes the spark plugs can be hard to reach, so a tool like this comes in very handy.
Please note:
Many people think that when they buy new candles, the gap at the end of the candle is already set to the correct distance. This is not true and you have to settle the correct gap yourself.
There is a tool that looks like a silver euro and has an edge that goes from thin to wide around the edge. You can easily use this tool to set the correct gap at the end of your spark plugs. You will need to consult your owner's manual or look online to find out what gap you need to have with your motorcycle-specific spark plugs.
Recommended key to change the spark plug of your motorcycle available on Amazon
Once you have set the proper gap on your spark plug, you need to coat the outside of the spark plug with anti-seize. Most motorcycle engine blocks are made of aluminum, so when you thread a steel spark plug into an engine block, the two metals tend to stick together because they are different from each other. 'other. The anti-seize solution will prevent this from happening.
You can now thread all your new spark plugs into the engine with your socket wrench. Replace the spark plug caps and reconnect the battery to the motorcycle.
Spark plugs for your motorcycle available on Amazon
Our recommended products:
To conclude, here are some recommended products for your faulty motorcycle spark plug:
