G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through January 27, 2009 » Plug it!! « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Zoedogg1
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 12:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

So I was changing my plugs last night and when I gapping the new Iridium plugs when I accidently broke off the very tip of the electrode (or what ever it is). I then went ahead and gapped it to the correct gap anyhow and installed it. This ever happen to you? I started my bike and and it seems to run just fine, but will this become a problem? It does'nt seem that it would since it is gapped correct and gets the spark it needs to run.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Diablobrian
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 01:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

That was the iridium part of the plug that broke off. The plug may or may not foul more easily,
I hope for your sake that it was the front plug since that is far easier to replace if it does
fail or foul.

If it was me I would change that plug out ASAP.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dongalonga
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 04:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

get that plug out of there immediately
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Indybuell
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 04:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Get it out! Replace.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Redfive
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 05:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have a set of the Iridium plugs ready to go for my next tune up. The electrode is so small that I'm afraid to even touch it. Is there a trick to gapping them, if they do need gapped. I know my standard gapper will most likely break or bend it.

Redfive
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Moosestang
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 05:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have a set of the Iridium plugs ready to go for my next tune up. The electrode is so small that I'm afraid to even touch it. Is there a trick to gapping them, if they do need gapped. I know my standard gapper will most likely break or bend it.

Redfive


I have a little round gapping tool(the cheap ones they sell at the checkout counter) and it has a round hole in it specifically for opening the gap without touching the electrode.

With that said I still broke the very tip off one of mine because I wasn't paying attention. It's been running fine since. Why would only the very tip be made out of iridium? The whole electrode is iridium as far as I know.

I don't think you have anything to worry about.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Skinstains
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 11:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You gap the plug by bending the arm from where it comes off of the plugs threaded body. You should not have any contact with the electrode until you are very gingerly measuring the gap. As far as I know the tip you broke off is the important part. I would replace it.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Zoedogg1
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 11:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have a new plug coming, but it doesnt seem it would be a big problem. I would think the whole electrode would be iridium also, and as long as it is gapped correct. Oh well...one is on the way. These stupid things are spendy! It took nothing to break the tip off.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Moosestang
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 01:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I emailed ngk asking about the electrode and if there would be any reduced performance.

Where are you guys getting your information about the tip being made of iridium?

I used an emery board to file mine flat.

They claim iridium is a very dense material, but i guess that does not make it strong. I'm amazed it can handle the pressures in the combustion chamber.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Zoedogg1
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 02:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Serious? You filed it down? Heck, if thats the case and it works fine for you, then I've got nothing to worry about.
As far as the tip being iridium, I dont really know if it is or not. It could be tin foil and if they sold it as iridium I wouldnt know the diff.
But really, after I put it in anyhow, I noticed my bike ran better at idle than I ever remember, and it was a cold start in 30 degree temp. It never sputtered, hick up'd or missed for that matter. So thats what made me figure "HEY, nothing wrong here" I'll leave it for now.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Moosestang
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 06:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I didn't file much and I used an emery board, which doesn't do much.

Here's ngk's response, very quick response i might add.

Only the piece that is now broken off is iridium. The rest of the electrode is actually a regular nickel-alloy. The plug should still function properly as long as it has been re-gapped but keep in mind that the service life of the plug is now reduced because the precious metal portion is missing. I would suggest replacing it at the same interval you would a standard nickel plug, which on a motorcycle is typically around 5-8k miles. Hope this helps, thank you.


So only the tip is iridium like was allready said. I guess iridium is to expensive to make the entire electrode out of.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ourdee
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 06:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I ordered 2 at Advanced Auto Parts today. 6.99 ea. They said the plugs would be in at noon tomorrow.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Moosestang
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 07:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I ordered 2 at Advanced Auto Parts today. 6.99 ea. They said the plugs would be in at noon tomorrow.

What part number did they order? I had them order me some and they came without top caps. I ended up buying two top caps on the net for .5 cents each and two more plugs.

The correct part number will have a C in it.

NGK-DCPR9EIX

If there's no C, then there's no top cap.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Zoedogg1
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 07:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Man...I just ordered mine from American Sport Bike today and I think I paid 9.99 ea. Hmmm. I'll have to start searching around town for these... just being lazy I guess with all the millions of dollars I have laying around.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Moosestang
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 08:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

check sparkplugs.com. They usually have them for under $8 and you can find a coupon code on the internet for 15% off. Their shipping will kill you though. Sometimes they have free shipping too.

The ones without the caps are cheaper and no one in my area could order the dcpr9's for me.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ourdee
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 08:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yep I ordered the DCPR9EIX. He said they come with the nut. I had been looking at Sparkplugs.com. If you send them a S.A.S.E. they will send you decals for free. My philosophy goes a little like this, There is a bike shop in my neighborhood. I go see what he can do for me prior to others, same with the auto parts store. A lot of times they do for me better than the web. Cycle shop has beat Ebay on stuff. I thought the C in it had to do with it taking a 5/8'(16mm=0.6299") socket. I think the one without the C takes a 3/4"(18mm=0.7086").

EDIT: NGK book sais DC is 16mm hex and the D alone is 18mm hex.



(Message edited by ourdee on January 15, 2009)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Moosestang
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 09:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I think it's metric, 18mm fit like a glove if memory serves. I checked with napa, advanced discount auto and neither could order the dcpr9's.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ourdee
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 09:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

This link takes you to it-->
http://ngk.com/sparkplug411.asp
<-- then click on

Manufacturer's Numbering System

NGK (at the lower left)
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and custodians may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration