Loose spark plug, should I replace the wires too?

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Jul 27, 2017 | 09:27 AM

Grunge Munkee

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Stage IV

Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 4

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From: Indiana

Loose spark plug, should I replace the wires too?

I have a 2013 CVO Road King (Screaming Eagle 110) and once in a while it will just cough and die at low idle shortly after starting it. Sometimes on startup it will backfire through the intake. I also get a lot of popping from the exhaust on decel (not sure if that is because of the aftermarket slip on exhaust though). I recently noticed that the front spark plug was loose, as in I turned the plug wire and the spark plug rotated with it. The plug doesn't look fouled but I plan on replacing them anyway. Should I replace the wires also? Can a loose plug damage the wire? There is some carbon on the plug just below the wire boot, I assume from blowing out of the cylinder. I'm not sure if the loose plug has been causing my issues or not but that is where I am going to start because tightening the plug back down didn't solve it.

Thanks in advance.

(gratuitous photo of my bike included)

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Jul 27, 2017 | 09:30 AM

TriGeezer

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 32,934

Likes: 36,032

From: Carlsbad, CA

Check the terminal on the wire for any corrosion. If it's ok...I wouldn't replace the wires.

Jul 27, 2017 | 09:35 AM

Magnut1

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 4,726

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From: Toledo ohio

Would be a good time to inspect the front wire where it hits the front of the gas tank. Lots of wires are rubbing through and shorting on the tank. If the plugs have less than 5000 miles on them, and it doesn't look like the plugs are leaking when the insulator meets the hex area, and the electrode looks nice and light tan, then I wouldn't replace them. I tend to swap front to back sometimes after I inspect them. The rear plug is susceptible to more heat.

Jul 27, 2017 | 09:51 AM

TheGrandPoohBah

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 14,731

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From: Mountain Top, Alabama

Clean plugs, make sure top tip is tight, check gap, light dab of anti seize on threads, light touch of dielectric grease on top tip of plug, proper torque plugs, insure good snap fit of cable to plug, and ride that mammy jammy.
If its time for new plugs, do so, but I would go with the above first. Next step if above is not effective, new plugs.

Jul 27, 2017 | 10:03 AM

HKMark23

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 6,175

Likes: 1,966

From: Great State of Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGrandPoohBah

Clean plugs, make sure top tip is tight, check gap, light dab of anti seize on threads, light touch of dielectric grease on top tip of plug, proper torque plugs, insure good snap fit of cable to plug, and ride that mammy jammy.

If its time for new plugs, do so, but I would go with the above first. Next step if above is not effective, new plugs.

X2 except, when I think plugs, I change plugs, or nearly so. They're cheap and I swear there is sometimes something wrong with them you just can't seem to see. I know guys who, regardless of what the manual says with respect to plug replacement, just change em out with every oil change, and swear it makes a difference. YMMV.

Jul 27, 2017 | 11:40 AM