Spark Plug question...
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Fair Oaks, Caliphornia
Spark Plug question...
How often do you change your plugs and which do you prefer? I've tried both stock and the Iridiums (with about 9000 miles on the current set). I've found threads about which plugs, but not longevity. Opinions welcomed!!! Thanks...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
modern ignition systems and efi lead to long plug life.
mileage numbers are difficult to compare as the wear on a motor of 9000 miles on the interstate may be equal to 900 miles in town.
I use stock plugs as "new, awesome, performance" plugs may not interact well with the ECM giving spurious readings with could activate anti-knock timing retard.
I do use 'awesome' plugs on my panhead as the inconsistencies of the 6 volt system ( weak spark) and coarse carburation sometimes require a better electrode material to burn through the crud.
2˘ Mike
mileage numbers are difficult to compare as the wear on a motor of 9000 miles on the interstate may be equal to 900 miles in town.
I use stock plugs as "new, awesome, performance" plugs may not interact well with the ECM giving spurious readings with could activate anti-knock timing retard.
I do use 'awesome' plugs on my panhead as the inconsistencies of the 6 volt system ( weak spark) and coarse carburation sometimes require a better electrode material to burn through the crud.
2˘ Mike
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 848
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From: Fair Oaks, Caliphornia
The actual plugs I have are the Screaming Eagle plug. I was a bitlery about using a Non-HD plug for the reason cited. I still have my OEMs. I can also see where the type of riding can affect the longevity as well. I guess I'll pull the plugs and see how they look and if good, clean, regap and reinstall. Thanks...
The E3s only had a couple thousand miles on them . Maybe 6/8 months on them. (bad weather here). I replaced them with . Just did that today. Short ride and thet seem to out proforming the E3s
Last edited by ricks2524; Jun 24, 2020 at 05:33 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Lafayette, IN.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Prior Lake, MN
I change them as called for in the service manual, but they always look like they have a lot of life left in them. I just use the stock HD plugs.
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From: San Diego, CA
On a couple of the cars/trucks I have owned, changing plugs is a lot of work. On my current Jeep.... you actually have to remove the intake manifold to change spark plugs...!!!
My Harley plugs, by contrast, are cheap and very easy to change...
I just buy the OEM plugs (or Champion RA8HC) and replace them regularly... I change them every two years.. That translates to low mileage on two of my bikes (5k to 6K), and about 10-15K on the touring bike....
That makes it real easy to keep track of when they are changed, ensures they are always in good shape, and as mentioned, isn't expensive or hard to do..
My Harley plugs, by contrast, are cheap and very easy to change...
I just buy the OEM plugs (or Champion RA8HC) and replace them regularly... I change them every two years.. That translates to low mileage on two of my bikes (5k to 6K), and about 10-15K on the touring bike....
That makes it real easy to keep track of when they are changed, ensures they are always in good shape, and as mentioned, isn't expensive or hard to do..
