| Author | Message | ||
     Typeone |
Could any engine condition cause a newly installed plug (Buell Pro Series) to decrease in gap from the recommended .035 to below .020? I'm wondering if my dealer never gapped the front plug correctly. I couldn't even get my gap tool in the tip at the smallest setting, .020! Rear plug was fine, .035 gap. I've put about 1500miles on the pro plugs since they installed them. I've been trying to cure some lower RPM running issues, mainly tuning with TFI, and finally decided I do not like the Pro-Series plugs and ordered up a set of NGKs (DCPR9EIX) to replace them with, I've still got ping issues I'm trying to cure as well. While I'm waiting for them I pulled the pros to swap the stockers back in (H-D 10R12A) and noticed the crazy-tight gap. This is most likely a tech error, correct? By the way, I have no idea what all the fuss is about regarding the plug changes on the XB. It was a snap! little tight, sure, but i was dreading the install and couldn't believe how easy it was, with the correct tools of course. Try changing the cyl 1 plug on a '66 Porsche 912! you'll learn some new curse words attempting that little bit of maintenance  (Message edited by typeone on July 31, 2005) | ||
| Buellerx |
What did you use to get to the rear plug? I have to take mine to the gynecologist to get the plugs changed. | ||
| Typeone |
For the rear plug I went through the little triangle opening in the frame, you need to remove the outer airbox cover first of course. Then a 5/8" deep socket, a swivel or 'universal' joint and a 5" or so extension. Worked like a charm. To guide it in I could fit my hand on the underside of the frame and a bit of my hand through the triangle opening. I don't have small hands either, seemed to be fine. Fuel hose trick was overkill. The only part I struggled with was the boot on the rear was a little stuck to the plug. Also note, the Pro-Series plugs are not 5/8" like the 10R12As  i needed to run out and get an 11/16" deep socket to remove those. | ||
| Starter |
Yeah checked mine on the weekend for the second time in the bikes life and it a 5min job to get them out, gapped and reinstalled. Admittingly the worst part was as you said getting the boot off. The wobble extension is definately the way to go. A trick that was mentioned on BadWeb quite some time ago and worth it's weight in gold. | ||
| Bomber |
only way the gap would lessen in there is if the piston smacked it (or Foreign object leaping around in teh cylinder) -- either of these conditions would likely have been noticable cuz of the more serious trouble they'd cause -- I'd just assume whoever installed the plug smacked it a good one during install -- | ||
| Typeone |
thnx Bomber, thats what i figured. just wanted to be sure before i mention this and the primary overfill to my dealer during my next visit. pretty disappointing. | ||
| Bomber |
disappointing, you betcha -- easy to do, though (you can figure out how I know) -- the good thing about my bikes is that, if there's anything wrong, I can re-position myself to look in the barend miror and really eyll at the bonehead that screwed it up! ;-} | ||
| Bud |
the plugs are easy changed, with the right tools. it really is a pain to fit the upgraded plug wires ( the short one's ) if you don't want to use a screwdriver because your afraid off the damage they can do to the wires  | ||
| Typeone |
i agree that it's easy to do but i wouldnt expect a tech, who i've also just paid to do the service, to smack the front plug since the area is so clear for installation. i don't want this to turn into a dealer bashing thread but i get nervous bringing a bike into a dealership for real service when they can't even make sure plugs are gapped correctly. I'm with you, the more I can do myself, the better. I'll still let a dealer do simple stuff, like the plugs, if i'm in for more major service which was the case here. | ||
| Bomber |
Type -- you're right, of course -- that said, I know I"ve had bad days at work, and wished I coulda had a chance to re-live them -- you too, mebbe insert appropriate smiley here |
