Head Temp?

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May 2, 2013 | 07:33 PM

GMRO

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 505

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From: Russellton, PA

Head Temp?

What rule of thumb do you use when thinking of head temp before removing plugs?

Sure overnight and stone cold is best right? But if you just back from riding and wanted to pull plugs to change them or else how long do you wait or what feeling temp on the heads do you wait for? Wouldn't think you would want to torque in a new set with the heads hot? Or remove them for that matter when hot right?

Thanks!!!

May 2, 2013 | 07:38 PM

smitty901

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2008

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Put your hand on the head near plug if it is warm to the touch walk away come back latter.
You can get way with it but it not worth the problems if you mess with it warm.

May 2, 2013 | 07:40 PM

Lowcountry Joe

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,928

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From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC

All plug removal/install should be done with those aluminum heads cold. The plugs and the heads need to be relatively the same temperature so once seated they expand and contract together. Install a cold plug in a hot head and you could cause some needless damage to the threads.

May 2, 2013 | 07:41 PM

Juan L

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Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 107,687

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From: Ft. Worth, TX

I say remove them while they are smoking hot, burning yourself on everything possible until you finally get the little lava laden jewel out of the hole and it is so hot you can't hold it long enough to inspect it properly. That is what I like to do.

How about you GMRO?

May 2, 2013 | 08:20 PM

geezer glide 56

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Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,889

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From: Mississippi

I honestly don't think it matters...I have changed plugs for years in hot engines...cold engines and never had any issues or thread damage.

May 2, 2013 | 08:38 PM

Bagger Jim

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Joined: Jun 2011

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From: Fort Myers, Fl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by geezer glide 56

I honestly don't think it matters...I have changed plugs for years in hot engines...cold engines and never had any issues or thread damage.

+1....

May 2, 2013 | 09:05 PM

brewdog

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 545

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From: North West PA

Here's what do. Learned this from a motorcycle mechanic years ago. Buy a 20" box fan from wallyworld prop it up on the floor pointed toward both cylinder heads from the side of the bike. Doesn't matter which side, just aim it and let the CFM of the fan draw the heat off the engine naturally. I place the fan at a distance of 3 feet or so and tilt it at a slight angle to make sure the blows across all the fins on both cylinders. Turn it on high and come back in 20 minutes. Works like a charm.