| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
So...I had a passenger on big bird last week for the first time in I don't know how long...and he was running really crappy. Not stalling, but the idle was wavering, power was hiccup-y, just all around not-smooth. It'd been like that for a while but riding solo (lighter) I guess I wasn't putting as much strain on the bike. So, I'm racking my brain...."what's going on?". Then it hit me. Spark plugs and wires. My bike has just shy of 32k on it. I'm not sure I've ever replaced the plugs. So...I got a fresh set of 10R12A's off the shelf, and some new wires, and swapped them. Old ones came right out, no damage, new ones went in with plenty of antiseize. Gap is called out at .035" - the old ones were worn to .045"! First bump of the starter and it fired up. Rock-solid idle. Great power, no hiccups, no wavering idle speed...he's BACK! Rode to work yesterday, no issues, nice linear power, super-smooth. Passenger again last night, and again - nice linear power, no hesitations, no hiccups. Starts easier, runs better, and once I get my intermittent speed sensor replaced I'll be able to tell if my MPG has gone up. The small things DO make a difference!  | ||
| Etennuly |
 Ya eh? Good to see that you did not rebuild the engine or replace the ECM first!  So many people want to start with a hammer when all you needed was a small screw driver.  | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Always rule out the easy stuff first is always a good way to approach these bikes. | ||
| Tootal |
You can't take a screw out with a hammer? Hmmm.   | ||
| Nillaice |
clean your speedo before you repalce it. the magnet on it will collect ferrous wear material and make it read wonky | ||
| Sludigoh |
What kind of wires did you use? I'm thinking about doing plugs and wires on mine, just as PM and figure once I have them exposed, might as well do both. | ||
| Ftd |
I replaced mine years ago. Back then these were the flavor of the month: http://www.magnecor.com/magnecor1/main.htm http://www.amazon.com/Magnecor-Series-Ignition-XB-Series-2003-2010/dp/B0057GEXK0 (Message edited by Ftd on June 24, 2014) | ||
| Ourdee |
I'm going to go adjust my valves. Good excuse to check the plug while it is out. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I've already cleaned the speedo sensor. It seems to crap out with heat; used to be, a key-off/key-on reset would bring it back. It's getting more stubborn now  Not a big deal to fix though. Just have to remember to do it in the garage, as opposed to when that needle drops! | ||
| 05mxdiesel |
That speed sensor will crap out. I would go ahead and order it from Al. Mine did the same thing last year. Defiantly get the magnacore wires. They are worth it. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I had a set of Magnecors with heat wrap on them so I tossed them in for now. We'll see how they survive. |
