All things spark plugs

[ADA]

I have just done my first service outside warranty. I have done a lot myself, booked it into a BMW specialist (not dealer) for computer/more tech stuff. Now I just want to put in the new NGK Iridium sparks plugs. Need a few DIY's etc.

So i am opening a thread for all things spark plugs. Please add what you think is relevant.

 

[ADA]

NGK Info page.

Here is general info page about different spark plugs from NGK. I find it easy to understand as a common person.

REMEMBER that the standard plug spec in the 'Riders Manual' is;
NGK DCPR 8e (standard)
NGK DCPR 8e IX (Iridium, what I like, more power, better fuel efficiency, longer life)
=============================
from; http://www.ngkspark.com.au/sparkplug.php# (24-3-11) Click on 'Spark Plug Types'

Product Information

What is a Spark Plug & What Does it do?
Spark Plug Anatomy

Spark Plug Types

The following table gives an example of the characteristics and service life of resistor spark plugs when used in a modern unleaded engine:

Type*

Centre Electrode

Ground Electrode

Service Life **

Benefits

Click Image to Enlarge
Nickel Alloy

Nickel

Nickel

20,000 - 40,000 kms

Standard style Spark Plug


Nickel Alloy
(V-Groove)

Nickel

Nickel

20,000 - 40,000 kms

Improved ignitability due to sparking at periphery of the electrode


Iridium IX

Iridium tip

Nickel

60,000 kms

Long service life and even better ignitability due to a small diameter centre electrode


Laser Platinum

Platinum tip

Platinum pad/chip

100,000 kms

Extremely long service life. High ignitability due to fine tipped centre electrode


Laser Iridium

Iridium tip

Platinum pad/chip

100,000 kms

Extremely long service life. Improved high ignitability due to fine tipped centre electrode


NEW!
DFE Iridium
(Double Fine Electrode)

Iridium tip

Iridium tip

100,000 kms

Superior ignitability due to fine tip centre and ground electrodes. Excellent service life.


*NGK Spark Plugs are designed to OEM requirements and as such, a variant of each of the above styles may not be available as it may not be an OEM requirement.
**Please note that the service life is provided as a general guide and may vary due to vehicle driving conditions.



What is a Surface Discharge Spark Plug?

Part Numbering System

 

[ADA]

DIY with photos coming.

 

[Smythson]

Just about to upgrade (?) to iridium plugs and was researching ADV. One poster reckons NGK plugs bake the coils?

Anyone had any problems with these?

Thanks,

S

Ref - http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=769144

 

[Fanum]

Just about to upgrade (?) to iridium plugs and was researching ADV. One poster reckons NGK plugs bake the coils?

Erm.....thaty's how many internet rumours and " well I was told that...." type 'facts' start....

Assuming that you're talking about this bit of one of those posts:

NGK iridiums are cheap and well, cheap. Quality, performance and price are all cheap, and they leak gasses between the porcelain and insulator at higher mileages and bake the coil snout on.

It costs more, but go for Denso iridiums if you want the best.

He isn't talking about the ignition coils.

TBH I'm not sure WTF he IS talking about.......'gases leaking between porcelain and insulator'?

 

[JJH]

Denso are good plugs I ustd to sell them. The brown ring you can sometimes see around the white part just next to the silver part is said by some to be blow by gasses and builds over time ngk are also good plugs and in my opinion the only reason to buy either is price. JJH

 

[Dean]

Just about to upgrade (?) to iridium plugs and was researching ADV. One poster reckons NGK plugs bake the coils?

Anyone had any problems with these?

Thanks,

S

Ref - http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=769144

My iridium plugs are going in within a couple of weeks most likely.

24K mile service, by main dealer, Purchased from Motorworks as advertised above. (thanks to motorworks such a fast service using the online shop )

These babies

I love a bright spark

 

[SteveT]

Just a quick question or two on this info thread . . . . do you really need a special tool to remove the plug coil pack?

And what length & size of plug spanner is needed to reach and remove the plugs?

My bike ain't needing a change of plugs, if the manufacturers blurrb is to be believed, but I do like to know the condition of my engines sparklers and have the right gear to allow me to check them out.

Thanks in advance

SteveT

 

[Smug]

Denso are good plugs I ustd to sell them. The brown ring you can sometimes see around the white part just next to the silver part is said by some to be blow by gasses and builds over time ngk are also good plugs and in my opinion the only reason to buy either is price. JJH

From NGK which are excellent plugs

A brown stain – often mistaken for gas leakage – is sometimes observed in a ring around where the insulator joins the metal shell of the spark plug. This discolouration is generally called Corona Stain and is the result of oil particles present in the air around the engine adhering to the insulator surface.

The Corona Stain is often seen on spark plugs that are installed deep into the engine such as on many four valves per cylinder engine applications. This is because oil particles are not blown away by air circulating around the engine compartment and thus adhere to the insulator surface. It is important to understand that Corona Stain causes no deterioration to the function of the spark plug.

 

[Smythson]

Thank you all. Sincerely not trying to start another internet rumour or defame NGK by any means. I'm a little bit precious of my engine as it's a little beyond my expertise and budget if i mess it up.

NGKs should be arriving tomorrow...

 

[Smythson]

Just a quick question or two on this info thread . . . . do you really need a special tool to remove the plug coil pack?

And what length & size of plug spanner is needed to reach and remove the plugs?

My bike ain't needing a change of plugs, if the manufacturers blurrb is to be believed, but I do like to know the condition of my engines sparklers and have the right gear to allow me to check them out.

Thanks in advance

SteveT

I've been looking at the special coil puller - they appear to come in plastic and ally. If you look on eBay they only show for 12/1150 however looking here

http://www.motorcycleparts-hornig.c...html?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=organic

they appear compatible? I'll defer to the more experienced among us for the definitive answer...

The NGK DCR8EIX/3606 (as shown above) require a 10mm socket.

Best,

S

 

[Shadwell]

Just a quick question or two on this info thread . . . . do you really need a special tool to remove the plug coil pack?

And what length & size of plug spanner is needed to reach and remove the plugs?

My bike ain't needing a change of plugs, if the manufacturers blurrb is to be believed, but I do like to know the condition of my engines sparklers and have the right gear to allow me to check them out.

Thanks in advance

SteveT

Cant believe this thread has started today, i am doing my first service out of warranty tomorow and i was just wondering the same thing. Do you need to use the "special Tool or Coil Puller" to remove the coil or is there an easy way to do it with out it?

 

[Smug]

I've been looking at the special coil puller - they appear to come in plastic and ally. If you look on eBay they only show for 12/1150 however looking here

http://www.motorcycleparts-hornig.c...html?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=organic

they appear compatible? I'll defer to the more experienced among us for the definitive answer...

The NGK DCR8EIX/3606 (as shown above) require a 10mm socket.

Best,

S

I bought a plastic one and it is a waste of time because it spreads and doesn't work. I now use right angle thin nose pliars. Best to buy the ally one.

 

[Fanum]

Do you need to use the "special Tool or Coil Puller" to remove the coil or is there an easy way to do it with out it?

I bought a plastic one and it is a waste of time because it spreads and doesn't work. I now use right angle thin nose pliars. Best to buy the ally one.

A pair of flat bladed screwdrivers or a pair of forks, blunty ended knives or spoons from the cutlery tray, or pretty much any damned pair of non-sharp levers or two twigs will do the job

Don't FFS start getting hung up on this sort of thing......use a bit of common sense and JFDI

 

[Shadwell]

A pair of flat bladed screwdrivers or a pair of forks, blunty ended knives or spoons from the cutlery tray, or pretty much any damned pair of non-sharp levers or two twigs will do the job

Don't FFS start getting hung up on this sort of thing......use a bit of common sense and JFDI

I dont get hung up on very much pal but a little bit of friendly advice does not hurt before you go pulling something new out of an engine!