Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: fouramdesigns on May 04, 2009, 09:36:42 AM

Title: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: fouramdesigns on May 04, 2009, 09:36:42 AM
On the board? Got the bike back, the Co was way off, still feels a little underpowered to me. Think it may be time to change the plugs.
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: erkishhorde on May 04, 2009, 10:19:47 AM
Very simple.

Tools needed:
Deep socket (can't remember the size but I'm thinking 3/4") (http://s.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00943327000?hei=248&wid=248&op_sharpen=1&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0)
ratchet for socket
anti-seize (http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/imagemagic.php?img=images/315234.jpg&w=75&h=192&page=)
spark plug gap gauge (http://www.restockit.com/images/Product/medium/Kdt161.jpg) or (http://www.etoolsetc.com/images/products/large/LIS-67870.jpg) or (http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-11746525231274_2046_1437676058)

Procedure:
-Find your spark plugs and remove the caps. Try not yank on the wire and only pull on the cap portion.
-Then adjust the gap on your new plugs using the gauge and tapping them on something hard like the concrete floor.
-Apply anti-seize to the threads of the spark plug and then screw it in. When applying anti-seize you don't need to glob it on. Squeeze the tub so that a little comes out and then drag the threads across the tip of the tube to smear it on thin. Maybe do this one 2 sides of the thread. As you screw it in it'll spread itself over everything else. Be careful not to cross-thread it and always start it off by hand and then use the ratchet only once you're sure it's going in correctly. Try not to over tighten too. Snug works. If you have to get a really good grip on the ratchet to tighten it then you're trying too hard and you're beyond snug.
-Put the caps back on and you're good to go.
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: fouramdesigns on May 04, 2009, 12:55:31 PM
Thanks for the reply. I guess I should have been a bit more specific. Like the location of the top plug. I found the one behind the radiator. It's the top cylinder I'm not so sure about.
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: DucHead on May 04, 2009, 01:20:09 PM
lift your tank.  it's behind the battery tray.  make sure the surrounding area is clean and than nothing falls into the hole.
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: DucatiBastard on May 04, 2009, 02:19:13 PM
And make sure your tank is less than half empty
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: fouramdesigns on May 04, 2009, 02:30:19 PM
Ok, why? Leak?
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: battlecry on May 04, 2009, 04:31:25 PM

Worse.

The weight of a full tank will stress the rear hinge.  Weak design will fail and the tank will spring a leak.  You will have to reseal the tank.   

Better to be safe and siphon off most of the gas.

Regards,

BC
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: He Man on May 04, 2009, 05:37:23 PM
if u have a plastic tank just keep the bike upright, you shoudlnt have any issues. also id just ride it empty. its more fun then drinking gas.
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: fouramdesigns on May 06, 2009, 01:39:49 PM
damn that was easy. Roars like a beast now. Bottom plug had a bit of water on the plug collar, and in the boot. Didn't seem to be any below the collar. Bike still has a gas smell from the exhaust. Even after the shop adjusted the CO and synched the throttles.
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: ♣ McKraut ♣ on May 06, 2009, 01:49:18 PM
i've never adjusted the gap on plugs i've used...just threw in the NGK DCPR8E and rode.  of course i also have a ton of popping, but i don't believe that's related to the spark plugs.
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: BastrdHK on May 07, 2009, 06:01:16 AM
I have to adjust the gap on every plug I use...auto and moto.......they seem to come gapped wide from the factory.

NGK DCPR8E
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: dimk on May 07, 2009, 06:33:34 AM
I think that iridium plugs do not need gaping ???
Title: Re: Changing spark plugs tutorial?
Post by: fouramdesigns on May 07, 2009, 07:17:07 AM
I didn't gap the NGK's. Can't tell of any issue so far. Should I pull them and check the gap? Seems to run just fine. Guy at the local bike shop said they we're pre-gapped, so no need to perform.