Read my plugs?
Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators
- Earl43P
- Silver Member
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2012 8:10 pm
- Location: Farmington, PA
Read my plugs?
These have a ton of miles on them.
I clean/gap them occasionally, but it's been thousands of miles ago.
In order from L to R, RF, LF, RR, LR.
Right bank exhaust will soot speckle your hand/glove/garage door.
Uses a good bit of oil.
This is from my 82 which sees 500-600 miles a week, most weeks.
Starts right up, sputters one cylinder when cold. My guess is its the RF that sputters and speckles.
I clean/gap them occasionally, but it's been thousands of miles ago.
In order from L to R, RF, LF, RR, LR.
Right bank exhaust will soot speckle your hand/glove/garage door.
Uses a good bit of oil.
This is from my 82 which sees 500-600 miles a week, most weeks.
Starts right up, sputters one cylinder when cold. My guess is its the RF that sputters and speckles.
2008 GL1800 "yawn"
KTM390A “Hootinanny”
04 ST1300 DDDD (Double darksided daily driver) Sold 4/2022
93 GL1500I Double darksided and SOLD 3/29/20.
99 Valkyrie IS, Fast Black Double Darksided
"Fishtailed, flipped and flung me, but wearing it well". Sold!
82 GL1100 retired DD, needs work.... Sold 3/3/17
KTM390A “Hootinanny”
04 ST1300 DDDD (Double darksided daily driver) Sold 4/2022
93 GL1500I Double darksided and SOLD 3/29/20.
99 Valkyrie IS, Fast Black Double Darksided
"Fishtailed, flipped and flung me, but wearing it well". Sold!
82 GL1100 retired DD, needs work.... Sold 3/3/17
- desertrefugee
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
- Posts: 3947
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Chandler, AZ, USA
Re: Read my plugs?
I'd say put a fresh set in and call it a day.
Nothing alarming there - especially if it's running well.
Nothing alarming there - especially if it's running well.
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
- robin1731
- Membership Admin
- Posts: 21729
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 8:31 am
- Location: Decatur, Indiana
Re: Read my plugs?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^ What he said. And really you don't read plugs that have thousands of miles. Too many cold starts and warm up idles to get true readings.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
- mrtwowheel
- Titanium Member
- Posts: 430
- Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2014 8:07 pm
- Location: Michigan Tri-state area
Re: Read my plugs?
Treat the poor thing to some new plugs!!!! Maybe not, but those gaps look huge and the electrodes are rounded and wearing away. 1982, .031" - .035"
Scott
Scott
'86 1200 Interstate, alternator conversion, pinstriped by Charlie Buzzard
'75 GL1000, Blue Green, fermenting
Many more, mostly Hondas
Newbie, my ass
'75 GL1000, Blue Green, fermenting
Many more, mostly Hondas
Newbie, my ass
- jdvorchak
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5238
- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:01 pm
- Location: East Alton, IL
Re: Read my plugs?
They look good to me. Maybe a little lean but since you probably just rode it and it cooled down that would be expected for the year model. I can't tell the heat range on the plugs but if you decide to change them try a normal heat range or even a colder heat range. If you are already using normal heat range then just let it go. If you have the hot heat range consider buying the normal heat range plug. No reason to fix it until you break it.
I do respectfully disagree about being too old to read. The "read" of the plug would show the last about 15 minutes of running no matter the age of the plug. Problem is on a bike that is running good reading the plugs is really not a good indicator of combustion health unless one or more plug looks dramatically different than the others. Oil fouled or black carbon would stick out like a sore thumb.
As for the speckle. That is just condensation in the exhaust and mufflers unless you notice that you're having to add anti-freeze all the time. Also make sure you don't have and exhaust leak on that right side. That would also let in moisture.
I do respectfully disagree about being too old to read. The "read" of the plug would show the last about 15 minutes of running no matter the age of the plug. Problem is on a bike that is running good reading the plugs is really not a good indicator of combustion health unless one or more plug looks dramatically different than the others. Oil fouled or black carbon would stick out like a sore thumb.
As for the speckle. That is just condensation in the exhaust and mufflers unless you notice that you're having to add anti-freeze all the time. Also make sure you don't have and exhaust leak on that right side. That would also let in moisture.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L
71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold
Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L
71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold
Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
- Mrirbic71
- Silver Member
- Posts: 897
- Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2012 11:04 am
- Location: New Jersey
Re: Read my plugs?
new plugs.
1982 GL1100
Being happy ain't nothing but having something to look foward too..
No matter what I'm doing I'd rather be riding.
Being happy ain't nothing but having something to look foward too..
No matter what I'm doing I'd rather be riding.
- Neil
- Moderator
- Posts: 5667
- Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2008 3:34 pm
- Location: Davenport, Florida
Re: Read my plugs?
Can't read plugs any better than I can read tea leaves but, if those came out of my bike I'd be putting in some new ones ... for the price why take a chance on being stuck far from home?
- Earl43P
- Silver Member
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2012 8:10 pm
- Location: Farmington, PA
Re: Read my plugs?
The gaps were fairly wide, I cleaned them on a wire wheel, gapped them and she likes it.
("Buy new plugs" /Pshaw, kicks rocks/ these are fine, gotta be the 4th or 5th time I've cleaned them up.)
It actually does have sooty exhaust leaks at the Harley muffler clamp joint, both sides. Left bank doesn't soot up a glove when you rev it. I'm talking anytime it's running, not just that big spray from a cold start that splooged all on her garage door. Perhaps I'll do a video to show what I mean.
Appreciate all the comments!
I did an oil change (20-50 was too thick for starting in this cold) and treated her to semi-synthetic 10-30 Rotella.
No misfiring in all of yesterday's rain to/from work.
I'm spending all my "motorcycle money", as she calls it, on the 1500 I'm trying to finish fixing.
This 82 needs: Fork Seals/bushings, brake pads and steering stem bearings (notchy) and a rear tire soon.
("Buy new plugs" /Pshaw, kicks rocks/ these are fine, gotta be the 4th or 5th time I've cleaned them up.)
It actually does have sooty exhaust leaks at the Harley muffler clamp joint, both sides. Left bank doesn't soot up a glove when you rev it. I'm talking anytime it's running, not just that big spray from a cold start that splooged all on her garage door. Perhaps I'll do a video to show what I mean.
Appreciate all the comments!
I did an oil change (20-50 was too thick for starting in this cold) and treated her to semi-synthetic 10-30 Rotella.
No misfiring in all of yesterday's rain to/from work.
I'm spending all my "motorcycle money", as she calls it, on the 1500 I'm trying to finish fixing.
This 82 needs: Fork Seals/bushings, brake pads and steering stem bearings (notchy) and a rear tire soon.
2008 GL1800 "yawn"
KTM390A “Hootinanny”
04 ST1300 DDDD (Double darksided daily driver) Sold 4/2022
93 GL1500I Double darksided and SOLD 3/29/20.
99 Valkyrie IS, Fast Black Double Darksided
"Fishtailed, flipped and flung me, but wearing it well". Sold!
82 GL1100 retired DD, needs work.... Sold 3/3/17
KTM390A “Hootinanny”
04 ST1300 DDDD (Double darksided daily driver) Sold 4/2022
93 GL1500I Double darksided and SOLD 3/29/20.
99 Valkyrie IS, Fast Black Double Darksided
"Fishtailed, flipped and flung me, but wearing it well". Sold!
82 GL1100 retired DD, needs work.... Sold 3/3/17
- desertrefugee
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
- Posts: 3947
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Chandler, AZ, USA
Re: Read my plugs?
("Buy new plugs" /Pshaw, kicks rocks/ these are fine, gotta be the 4th or 5th time I've cleaned them up.)
Did my heart good to laugh like that! Man, you are tighter than Willie Nelson's headband!
But if she goes, she goes right?
Lol, still sputtering!
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
- salukispeed
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1951
- Joined: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:08 am
- Location: Oak Forest Illinois US
Re: Read my plugs?
IMHO they look pretty good as far as color and debris is about normal for a bike that uses some oil. They are starting to get rounded and this requires a bit more voltage to jump the gap then sharp new ones but I'm with you, clean , Gap and go again unless you want spend and try a set of Iridums. I like them so far.
Honda 72 CL100 sold
74 CB750 K4 nice driver
1966 CA77/305 Dream nostalgic driver
84 GL1200I work in progress
1970 CT 70
1982 GL500 Interstate
74 CB750 K4 nice driver
1966 CA77/305 Dream nostalgic driver
84 GL1200I work in progress
1970 CT 70
1982 GL500 Interstate
- rcmatt007
- Treasurer
- Posts: 31316
- Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:48 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rcmatt007/
- Location: New River Valley, Virginia
Re: Read my plugs?
plugs are cheap
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
- robin1731
- Membership Admin
- Posts: 21729
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 8:31 am
- Location: Decatur, Indiana
Re: Read my plugs?
rcmatt007 wrote:plugs are cheap
Worn plugs can make the rest of the ignition system work harder. Causing other parts to wear faster than normal.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
-
- Titanium Member
- Posts: 301
- Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2014 2:07 pm
- Location: Fairfield, Iowa
Re: Read my plugs?
If everyone on this post sent you 1 plug, you'll be set for a lifetime!
John
John
1977 GL1000/1976 GL1000
1975 GL1000/1975 GL1000 (Parts Bike)
2002 FLHRCI/1993 ZR750C3 Zephyr
1982 GS750EZ/1978 GS550
1978 KZ1000A2/1978 KZ1000A2 (frame only)
1980 KZ650F1/1979 KZ650B3
1979 KZ650C3/1981 KZ550A1
1977 KZ400A1 Deluxe/1979 KZ400B2
1982 KZ250D2/1980 KZ750E w/parts bike
This is not MY circus and You are not my monkeys!
1975 GL1000/1975 GL1000 (Parts Bike)
2002 FLHRCI/1993 ZR750C3 Zephyr
1982 GS750EZ/1978 GS550
1978 KZ1000A2/1978 KZ1000A2 (frame only)
1980 KZ650F1/1979 KZ650B3
1979 KZ650C3/1981 KZ550A1
1977 KZ400A1 Deluxe/1979 KZ400B2
1982 KZ250D2/1980 KZ750E w/parts bike
This is not MY circus and You are not my monkeys!
- CYBORG
- Moderator
- Posts: 24552
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 12:52 pm
- Location: Muskegon mich
Re: Read my plugs?
I'm in , whats the address???
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
-
- Titanium Member
- Posts: 301
- Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2014 2:07 pm
- Location: Fairfield, Iowa
Re: Read my plugs?
I'll do it too! PM everybody on this post with your address and let us know how many plugs you get!
I run NGK D8EA, hope you get at least one matching set!
John
I run NGK D8EA, hope you get at least one matching set!
John
1977 GL1000/1976 GL1000
1975 GL1000/1975 GL1000 (Parts Bike)
2002 FLHRCI/1993 ZR750C3 Zephyr
1982 GS750EZ/1978 GS550
1978 KZ1000A2/1978 KZ1000A2 (frame only)
1980 KZ650F1/1979 KZ650B3
1979 KZ650C3/1981 KZ550A1
1977 KZ400A1 Deluxe/1979 KZ400B2
1982 KZ250D2/1980 KZ750E w/parts bike
This is not MY circus and You are not my monkeys!
1975 GL1000/1975 GL1000 (Parts Bike)
2002 FLHRCI/1993 ZR750C3 Zephyr
1982 GS750EZ/1978 GS550
1978 KZ1000A2/1978 KZ1000A2 (frame only)
1980 KZ650F1/1979 KZ650B3
1979 KZ650C3/1981 KZ550A1
1977 KZ400A1 Deluxe/1979 KZ400B2
1982 KZ250D2/1980 KZ750E w/parts bike
This is not MY circus and You are not my monkeys!
-
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