| Author | Message | ||
     Jhallgren |
I just put in the NGK Iridium plugs this past weekend for my 10K service. I noticed that the electrode is a lot smaller than the standard HD plug. Does this create a weaker spark then the standard plug? The bike seems to have a dead spot now from 3000 rpm to 4000rpm. I also noted a 2mpg drop from my fuel economy. Maybe a coincidence but all this started after changing my plugs to the NGK Iridium's. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
No good deed goes unpunished. | ||
| Jhallgren |
Lol what you mean by that? | ||
| Invisible_monster |
Is it possible the gap is set incorrectly on those plugs? (Message edited by invisible monster on September 08, 2011) | ||
| Jhallgren |
Ron, The first thing I did was check the gap. I pulled out my feeler gauge and found .035. Attempted to slide it in between the electrode and the ground electrode and it would not fit. I was shocked as I read these were pre-gapped. Even though plugs say they are pre-gapped I still check them. I adjusted as necessary and finally achieved the .035 gap. Installed the plugs. I checked the gap on the stock plugs after I pulled them out and they were .042. Thats expected with 11,000 miles of wear. | ||
| Gamdh |
I've been running them for 50k +- on my '06 and recently installed them on the '10 with no issues .... Note that I do not try to adjust the gap.. A while back I asked Al @ American Sport Bike about gapping these plugs... "I’d visually inspect them for damage prior to install, but you can easily break them if you try to gap them. I’d leave ‘em alone unless something was serious amiss." Perhaps they got damaged or maybe the gap is to much for the plug to perform as expected???? Also assuming you are using : NGK 2316 (DCPR9EIX) (Message edited by gamdh on September 08, 2011) (Message edited by gamdh on September 08, 2011) | ||
| Nobuell |
I have used the NGK Iridiums for two plug changes. The plugs that I received did not have the gap (0.035) recommended by NGK and Buell. I adjusted the gap. You have to be careful to not touch the center electrode. I originally noticed improved low end performance when originally installed. Jhallgren - Did you properly install the exhaust valve actuator and cable or forget to plug it in? Are the plug wires damaged causing a spark short? Verify that the wire boots are fully inserted. Sometimes it is difficult to get them fully engaged. | ||
| Etennuly |
I have seen many times where the other end of the plug wire comes loose from the coil. It can cause the problem you are looking at. | ||
| Jhallgren |
Thanks for the replies. Yes the boots are fully engaged. I triple checked everything before I was done from what I have read about the plug wires not fully engaging. I also put dielectric grease on both ends of the plug wires before reseating them. Maybe I am just being anal and looking for something that was always there and I am just paying more attention now after the plug change. I was a little dumbfounded about my the MPG drop but I checked my tire pressure tonight and notice they were sitting at 31 front 32 rear. I adjusted the pressure. Maybe that was the decrease in MPG. The weather here has gotten colder this last week as well so that could be the reason for the pressure drop and fuel economy shift. I will keep an eye on things and let you guys know. I am just a little concerned as to why this changed all of a sudden. | ||
| Jhallgren |
Oh and Gamdh yes I am using NGK 2316 (DCPR9EIX). | ||
| Bike_pilot |
The small electrode doesn't alter the spark at all, but does provide additional fowling resistance and maybe a bit more precise spark location. In short, the new plugs aren't your problem. Maybe your caps/wires are in poor shape and the plug change made the situation worse. I've used these on and off in many machines over the past decade and have never had an issue with them. I've never had a performance bump from them either, but I have noted that they don't foul as easily and tend to last longer. Cooler weather can cause reduced mpg's on pretty much anything that moves (thicker air takes more hp to punch through). | ||
| Motorbike |
I'm not sure how you can accurately measure a 2 MPG drop. My 08 XT gets anywhere from 42 to 52 MPG. I think it all depends on what mood I'm in while riding. It is almost completely stock except for the Erik Buell Racing ECM. Oh, by the way, I have NGK Iridiums and they are working just fine. Thanks. Froggy, I know you would set your bike on fire if it only got 52 MPG but that's all I've ever squeezed out of mine. I feel real good about 52. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Jhallgren, Just saying that you try to do the engine a solid and it craps on you. | ||
| Jhallgren |
Al, I measure the MPG on every tank fill up. I am usually around 41 42 MPG all the time. This last tank with the new plugs was only 39 MPG. Kind of sucky if you ask me. No difference in how I ride so I can not blame it on that. I will keep an eye on it. Mainly I was just curious about the smaller electrode, thats why I figured I would ask ya guys. I am not overly concerned about it, I was just noting what I was experiencing and figured I would ask. | ||
| Spacecapsule1 |
fire? nah, froggy just sends his bikes cartwheeling down the road if they don't do what he says... |
