spark plug check at 6K Miles ?

[squarebore]

So why is it I can fit iridium plugs to my car that last 150000kms and I'm supposed to check the plugs on the s10 after 10000 kms?

 

[Don in Lodi]

So why is it I can fit iridium plugs to my car that last 150000kms and I'm supposed to check the plugs on the s10 after 10000 kms?

I have no proof, don't have the OEM plugs in hand, but the traditional copper core plugs really are a 30,000 mile plug. The high tech alloys should hold out for much longer. The only other thing I've got is we're running about a thousand RPM more than an auto. That's a lot more firings/day on two cylinders vs multiples of two.

 

[datjackal]

Haven't some on here pulled their plugs and found corrosion from a leaking coil gasket?
It may be overkill but pulling them now gains you experience and a chance to correct any coil/plug corrosion that may be starting.

I end up ignoring them altogether at 6k miles, I was just not able to bring myself to do what seemed like a meaningless task.

I just finished the 12k check, and they looked great. While I was in there I "rotated" them. On the GS there was a primary and secondary plug, and the secondary was always less worn, it made more sense to swap those around. I don't think it matters on the S10 as they all looked about the same, but it made me feel like this was a worthwhile exercise.

I will replace them at the next check which for me will be 24k. One thing to note was that the 4 screws that hold the coil sticks were hard to remove. I saw some greenish residue on them. I am thinking it was some light rust. I applied a bit of anti seize to make it easier for the next service.

 

[markjenn]

One thing to note was that the 4 screws that hold the coil sticks were hard to remove. I saw some greenish residue on them. I am thinking it was some light rust. I applied a bit of anti seize to make it easier for the next service.

No, it's thread locker.

- Mark

 

[datjackal]

No, it's thread locker.

- Mark

Well shoot, I did the opposite then. I have not seen locktite on other coils on any other bike before.

 

[markjenn]

Well shoot, I did the opposite then. I have not seen locktite on other coils on any other bike before.

I wouldn't worry about it. There's enough residual on there that those bolts aren't going to loosen and I'm not sure why Yamaha feels they need thread lock in this application to start with.

- Mark

 

[shrekonwheels]

I had to laugh, a more or less bullet proof bike that's designed by educated engineers, mechanics etc who's designs and recommendations are used to publish the maintenance manual...can you see where this is going? I wouldn't bet on the idea that it's wrong, especially if your bike was built a year or more after the original (think amendments to manuals.)
I would however bet on the fact that the recommended procedures are done at certain intervals for reasons obvious or not.

Built and designed by a company who has dealer networks that are not a charity. Most people are incapable of basic maintenance thus it is extra money for a dealership.

He is fine not checking the plugs. Here is how it would go at the dealership.

Mech one "we have a bike that wants his plug gap checked, lols"

Nobody touches the bike, mechs play cards instead.

 

[Tony99]

I changed mind at 24,000 and there was no need but I was already there. Kept the old ones in case it takes a nap in a creek. It now has 26000 miles and time for a valve adjustment which it probably doesn't need but I don't want to void my warranty

 

[shrekonwheels]

Valve adjustment is cheap insurance IMO.

When I adjust my valves I will change out the plugs as well.

 

[Tyke]

A pal of mine made an enquiry at the National Motorcycle show whilst visiting a plug manufacturers stand, he asked " do I need to check my plugs after say 8000 miles and change them as per manufacturers recommendation after 12000 miles" ?

The guys on the stand fell about laughing

Methinks that's a 'no' then ::008::

 

[WJBertrand]

Is there an iridium or platinum long-life alternative plug available? I ran a set of iridiums in my ST1300 for 80K miles and only changed them out of guilt. They still looked fine and that gap had only opened to the wide end of the spec.

 

[klunsford]

My understanding is that you don't get any more performance running any of the other plugs over the OEM plugs.

 

[WJBertrand]

My understanding is that you don't get any more performance running any of the other plugs over the OEM plugs.

Agreed, my interest is in longer service life.

 

[Don in Lodi]

Even a bare bones copper plug is 30,000. Once a valve check is fine.