fitting new spark plugs?
 

i have just fitted new plugs, but was told i should have checked the gap........ its the first i have heard about this, ive never done it before,

so how important is it?

Re: fitting new spark plugs?
 

Some people still do it but generealy NGK dont recomend checking the gap as they say that all plugs are pre-gapped

If you are installing the multi electrode type plugs that many modern hondas use then i think you are not ment to try with thoes at all

Re: fitting new spark plugs?
 

Not all engines use the same gap - thus I would never fit a plug without checking it.

Most multi electrode plugs can't be gapped, so must be fitted as supplied, but it's worth checking that the gaps are correct when new - they're not always.

Re: fitting new spark plugs?
 

New spark plugs usually have the gap pre-set, but that doesn't mean the gap is right for your bike, the manual should tell you the plug gap. If the gap is to big you might get a weaker spark that won't burn the fuel as well.

Re: fitting new spark plugs?
 

I check the gap on every new/used plug before I fit it, but for new plugs for the SV or any other engine that uses the same gap, I've very rarely needed to adjust a new plug. Don't fuss, an do it next time you have them out.


Jambo

Re: fitting new spark plugs?
 

As above, if it works leave it alone.

Re: fitting new spark plugs?
 

Do you think your local Suzuki dealer bothers to check the gap? Thats the kind of thing that home mechanics do, who give a sh!t about their bikes and have the time to spend doing things properly. I bet my 18000 mile full Suzuki service history bike has never had a plug gap checked. I know for a fact they've never bothered to check the clutch adjustment as I did it myself for the first time last week.

Also did the wife's car last week. Seat say in the manual it's supposed to have fully synthetic VW50x specifiaction oil, so I check the service receipts and the Seat main dealer has used a cheap semi-synthetic for the last 6 years since the car was new. It now for the first time since it left the factory it has the correct oil in it and I paid less than the dealer was charging for the inferior oil.

Call me cynical but anyone getting paid by the hour to service somebody elses bike just whacks the plugs in and rolls it back out the workshop door.

If the bikes running nicely, stop worrying about it.

Re: fitting new spark plugs?
 

Did you get them from a honda dealership with honda written on the spark plug box?
If so they are meant to be pre gapped

Re: fitting new spark plugs?
 

+1. Get a proper adjuster tool too. They're convenient and cheap. Don't just bend it about with a pair of pliers.