Spark plug Lifespan

[EcoRider]

Any luck ?

[neil700]

I ordered a pair yesterday , but their system said no stock in the warehouse ?? But they are on to it and will give me a shout ... Will keep everyone posted as to my progress

[EcoRider]

I visited the Pinetown branch on Saturday, and after checking the part number on a computer the guy told me that he can see some "movement" of the spark plugs. He confirmed that ten plugs should arrive in Pinetown by Tuesday (tomorrow).

I am not sure about the exact allocation of their warehouse, but you shouldn't experience any problems in getting yours.

[murray]

yep, ditto here.

[EcoRider]

I got two NGK spark plugs at Autozone Pinetown today.

I think the Autozone branches experienced a slight problem with the part number, but things seem to be sorted during the day.

Should anyone experience any problems in getting spark plugs from Autozone, please feel free to give me me a shout...

[murray]

will be ordering 2 this afternoon, will let you know how it goes.

[murray]

So, stopped at the Autozone at rock cottage, they were in a word, useless. So went to the Randburg one on saturday and ordered no problem, will be collecting tomorrow afternoon.

[EcoRider]

I received some "official" information about spark plug inspection and replacements on our bikes. This info comes from a very reliable source in this area, and it would not make sense to reveal more information in this regard.

Some advice about spark plug inspection:

1.To ensure that the gap between the center electrode and the side electrode at each plug is still correct, a wire type feeler gage of 1.0 mm ((0.04 inch) must be used.
The 1.0 mm feeler gage must NOT insert between the gap.
Should it be possible to insert the feeler gage between the gap, it means that the Plug is warn, and needs to be replaced.
Do NOT try to adjust the gap, by bending the side electrode. If the gap is too big, the spark plug needs to be replaced.

(A normal (flat) feeler gage could damage the center iridium electrode, therefore a wire type feeler gage must be used)


2.If the electrodes are contaminated with dirt, the spark plug must be replaced.

3.When new, or still in good condition, the center iridium electrode at the spark plug will have a "sharp" tip. When the tip got rounded, it means the plug is warn, and needs to be replaced.


Spark plug torque : 22 Nm (2.2 kgf.m / 16 lbf.ft)



To remove the spark plugs, the plastic cover at the bottom needs to be removed, and the spark plug area must be cleaned with compressed air:



Our bikes came with the correct spark plug wrenches, which are part of the tool kits - so I assume Honda does not mind if we change spark plugs ourselves:



A 10mm socket makes it very easy to remove the spark plugs:



With more than 38 000km on my '700, I had a very close look at the spark plugs. The electrode gaps were still 100% correct, and I could not trace any wear. Fuel consumption is still exactly the same as before, so the plugs have been re-installed:



I decided to have another close look at the spark plug condition at 50 000km.