Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Palooka on January 17, 2009, 07:16:20 PM

Title: Replacing spark plug caps?
Post by: Palooka on January 17, 2009, 07:16:20 PM
I pulled the front cap off to spray some WD40 in there when my S4R dropped back to one cylinder after riding in some heavy rain and the plug getting wet. Now I cant seem to get the gap back on. Is there a trick to it?

Cheers
Palooka
Title: Re: Replacing spark plug caps?
Post by: Porsche Monkey on January 18, 2009, 06:24:53 AM
If your talking about the boot that goes on the plug it should just pop on.
Title: Re: Replacing spark plug caps?
Post by: Palooka on January 18, 2009, 11:20:51 PM
I would have thought so but it's proving troublesome. Any knack to it?
Title: Re: Replacing spark plug caps?
Post by: DarkStaR on January 18, 2009, 11:27:34 PM
So, all you did was pull off the plug wire from the plug?

Nothing else?
Title: Re: Replacing spark plug caps?
Post by: Palooka on January 18, 2009, 11:43:35 PM
Disconnected the wire from the cap, pulled the cap off. Now cap wont just push back on. Have tried tapping gently with a rubber mallet but still no joy.

Cheers
Palooka
Title: Re: Replacing spark plug caps?
Post by: WTSDS on January 19, 2009, 02:48:05 AM
If it's the type that sits on a spark plug with a threaded top bit then peer into the cap and you'll see a little hollow tube with a piece of what looks like a paper clip. The wire is springy and sorta jumps across each thread  as the cap goes on. Try putting a small nail into the hole, sounds like the wire has been mashed, get a new cap.

If it's the other type, get a new one..
Title: Re: Replacing spark plug caps?
Post by: eichh on January 19, 2009, 04:44:56 AM
I usually put some dielectric grease on the inside (where the plug goes) and at the top sealing portion (on the outside) of the boot and it slides on like a champ aslo it prevents moisture damage.
Title: Re: Replacing spark plug caps?
Post by: Langanobob on January 19, 2009, 06:30:42 AM
This is puzzling and I hope it's resolved by now.   Like WTSDA said if you look inside the boot there's a little round metal tube that has to fit over the metal stud on top of the spark plug.  Is it lined up straight?  If not you can use a nail or something similar to get it pointed in the right direction.  It helps to wiggle the boot as you put it on, not just a straight push and No Mallets, no matter how gently. Are you sure it's the spark plug boot you pulled off and not the oil temp sensor connection or something else?  Sometimes another set of eyes or hands can work wonders - anyone else around who can look at it?
Title: Re: Replacing spark plug caps?
Post by: DarkStaR on January 19, 2009, 08:59:33 AM
Quote from: Langanobob on January 19, 2009, 06:30:42 AM
This is puzzling and I hope it's resolved by now.   Like WTSDA said if you look inside the boot there's a little round metal tube that has to fit over the metal stud on top of the spark plug.  Is it lined up straight?  If not you can use a nail or something similar to get it pointed in the right direction.  It helps to wiggle the boot as you put it on, not just a straight push and No Mallets, no matter how gently. Are you sure it's the spark plug boot you pulled off and not the oil temp sensor connection or something else?  Sometimes another set of eyes or hands can work wonders - anyone else around who can look at it?

Since it's an S4R, I'm guessing the OP means coil when cap is stated.   ?