Think I need new plugs and wires (pics) HELP!
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia
Think I need new plugs and wires (pics) HELP!
Hey guys,
So I'm supposed to be riding 700ish Km over the next two days (daily commuter now, as well) and for some reason as I was just going over my bike I decided to pull the spark plug leads off and have a look.
When I had it serviced around 1200km ago, the guy at HD said they pulled my plugs and cleaned them - I'm calling major bullshit! Both tips are rusty (lead ends) and the one lead I can slide the rubber up off the actual crimped area..**** me
I just put the leads back on and fired er up to make sure it still runs.. it does - fired right up like normal. Knowing I should have a spare set anyways, should I buy a new set to throw in (and new leads) right away before I set out?
2 more questions:
Who uses NGK plugs and what do ya'll think of them? (recommendations appreciated)
Can I only get HD leads or can I find something similar or something that would work in place of?
Bike is a 2001 883XLH
Thanks
So I'm supposed to be riding 700ish Km over the next two days (daily commuter now, as well) and for some reason as I was just going over my bike I decided to pull the spark plug leads off and have a look.
When I had it serviced around 1200km ago, the guy at HD said they pulled my plugs and cleaned them - I'm calling major bullshit! Both tips are rusty (lead ends) and the one lead I can slide the rubber up off the actual crimped area..**** me
I just put the leads back on and fired er up to make sure it still runs.. it does - fired right up like normal. Knowing I should have a spare set anyways, should I buy a new set to throw in (and new leads) right away before I set out?
2 more questions:
Who uses NGK plugs and what do ya'll think of them? (recommendations appreciated)
Can I only get HD leads or can I find something similar or something that would work in place of?
Bike is a 2001 883XLH
Thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 67
From: USA
Id drop in a fresh pair of either Champion or Autolite plugs gapped to .040
or spend the extra $$$ if you prefer Harley-Davidson stamped on the side. Ive no experience w/NGK plugs, but I suspect they would work okay.
As for sparkplug wires, if in a rush your HD dealer should have them in stock. Or take your existing to an auto parts store, have them match the length and end boots, and simply buy two plug wires. I do know AutoZone sells individual wires.
As for sparkplug wires, if in a rush your HD dealer should have them in stock. Or take your existing to an auto parts store, have them match the length and end boots, and simply buy two plug wires. I do know AutoZone sells individual wires.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia
thank you sir! grabbed some plugs tonight and will have to head over to HD in the morning and hopefully they have some wires in stock.
believe it or not, i do try to find **** in my manual and what not..
believe it or not, i do try to find **** in my manual and what not..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,416
Likes: 6,366
From: Honah Lee
I would stick with the Harley stuff if easy to come by. NGK are great and have a better coating in my opinion however. What I run. They serve as ping and miss fire sensors on my bike and seem to work fine. However, they are off on the resistance scale compared to the Harley plug. Your bike does not have that function. So where you live may suit you better. I got caught in an ice storm down South and caught a lot of salt while running the Harley plugs in my attachment. Bot sets have 10K on them. Would have gone a lot longer. Doubt you need to carry spares. Use a very thin film of anti seize down one side of the threads. Also a dab of dielectric grease (silicon) on the boot will help it pull off later. I just run them up till they bottom on crush washer and turn 1/8 turn. If you reuse them, after they run up, not even 1/8 since the washer is already crushed..A real sparkplug socket has a rubber sleeve to center plug to protect the proclean end. If you use a regular extension socket, keep it square. An offset box wrench will work fine. I do not have a lot of room under the tank on mine where the fuel line comes off the tank on the back plug even with my 3/8 drive ratchet and spark plug socket.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:07 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 67
From: USA
Be sure you gap the new plugs prior to installing.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia
I would stick with the Harley stuff if easy to come by. NGK are great and have a better coating in my opinion however. What I run. They serve as ping and miss fire sensors on my bike and seem to work fine. However, they are off on the resistance scale compared to the Harley plug. Your bike does not have that function. So where you live may suit you better. I got caught in an ice storm down South and caught a lot of salt while running the Harley plugs in my attachment. Bot sets have 10K on them. Would have gone a lot longer. Doubt you need to carry spares. Use a very thin film of anti seize down one side of the threads. Also a dab of dielectric grease (silicon) on the boot will help it pull off later. I just run them up till they bottom on crush washer and turn 1/8 turn. If you reuse them, after they run up, not even 1/8 since the washer is already crushed..A real sparkplug socket has a rubber sleeve to center plug to protect the proclean end. If you use a regular extension socket, keep it square. An offset box wrench will work fine. I do not have a lot of room under the tank on mine where the fuel line comes off the tank on the back plug even with my 3/8 drive ratchet and spark plug socket.
RIPSAW..went and picked up plugs and wires at local HD this morning and got everything changed over - rode 400+ km and no problems.
Since a few shots of Seafoam and new plugs/wires she's been running great. More 'go' and sounds better it seems. Thanks for the wisdom. Cheers
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