Spark Plugs

[GlennTuc]

Just changed out the plugs in my 08 RSV with 9000 miles on them. The owner's manual says to change them at 8000 miles, but when I pulled the plugs out, they looked fine. I changed them anyway but was wondering why we are supposed to change them at 8000 miles? Electronic ignition and unleaded premium gas will get you about a 100,000 miles on on some car engines. Anyone have any ideas why we are supposed to change them at 8000 miles?

 

Thanks,

 

Glenn

[2WHEELSFORME]

Still on original plugs at 42K.

[V7Goose]

Just changed out the plugs in my 08 RSV with 9000 miles on them. The owner's manual says to change them at 8000 miles, but when I pulled the plugs out, they looked fine. I changed them anyway but was wondering why we are supposed to change them at 8000 miles? Electronic ignition and unleaded premium gas will get you about a 100,000 miles on on some car engines. Anyone have any ideas why we are supposed to change them at 8000 miles?

 

Thanks,

 

Glenn

Frankly, to get 100,000 miles on a set of plugs you need an erosion-resistant electrode like platinum. And then you get into the problem with galvanic corrosion causing the plugs to become virtually "welded" in the head. The was a big problem with those cars that were specifying 100,000 plug life. Lots of ruined heads that had to be drilled and tapped for new plugs after 10 years or so! The reality is, you need to remove the plugs occasionally even if they are still good.

 

Personally, I think the premium plugs are a total waste of money, but even with standard plugs, 8,000 miles does seem way to soon to change them. Generally I would plan on 20,000 - 30,000 miles on a set. If the engine is running good you can get more, but it seems pointless when buying cheap standard plugs. I like to pull them and take a look by 30,000 miles anyway, so if I go to that length, might as well change them while I am there.

Goose

[Eddie Fulmer]

I think I went 30K on mine. I always use anti seize on the plugs when I install them. This makes them easier to tighten and much easier to remove. I use the anti seize on most everything on my bike. It just makes life easier for me. You must remember, however that when you use it it reduces the friction between the threads and you can overtighten easily. Hope this helps.

 

BTW My plugs looked great to. I think I'll go about 40K this time.

[KiteSquid]

I think I went 30K on mine. I always use anti seize on the plugs when I install them. This makes them easier to tighten and much easier to remove. I use the anti seize on most everything on my bike. It just makes life easier for me. You must remember, however that when you use it it reduces the friction between the threads and you can overtighten easily. Hope this helps.

 

BTW My plugs looked great to. I think I'll go about 40K this time.

 

Just make SURE to keep the antis seize off of the ceramic parts of the plug, as most anti-seize compounds are quite conductive......