So I decided it was probably time to change the spark plugs tonight. Been idling a little rough lately and it seems to hesitate from time to time when I mash the throttle. These plugs that I took out have probably been in the car about 2 years (maybe 3, can't really remember). Anyway, I've never been good at reading the plugs to determine if things are running well or if it's running rich/lean, so I thought I'd ask everyone for help. Thanks!

 

those actually look worn, but otherwise really good.

when looking at the plugs you're looking at the color of the porcelain inside, you want it to be a nice brown color, like yours are. white = lean, black is rich.

 

I would call those a little lean but otherwise good.

 

I'd reuse 'em! After a quick cleaning of course.

 

when was the last time you swapped in a new fuel filter? Mine needs it yearly...
cheap $4 investment


Stu Aull
80GS Alaska

 

So.... what spark plugs and fuel filter (mostly stock sequential with exhaust and intake)? Where would you buy them?

Thank you,
David

 

fuel filters? who cares

spark plugs? NKG's all the way............autolites are good if and only if you are trying to get a rebuilt engine to run. Switch to NKG's when you verify that you got a spark.

Or simply, go with NKG's they are readily available at autozone, o reily's , advance auto, or whatever

 

Sounds good, One more question about the NKG's.... I saw people talking about heat 7 or 9? Or something to that affect. What is this and how is it important for a stock motor? Is it the heat produced by the spark?

Thank you very much, midnight mechanic!

-David

 

Disregard, I found a ton of info on it already. Thanks!

 

ND or NGK 4 prong plugs all the way, rockauto has both. Get the $4-5/ea plug. Don't bother with the cheapie two prong/conductor plugs from other vendors. There is also a $27/ea iridium plug from ND; I can't possibly see how it could be worth the extra money as iridium plugs in 2 & 4 strokes have never been worth the money.

 

Those plugs look like your oil-control is still excellent, and you're definitely not running too rich.

 

Thanks guys, I went to order the plugs and no ones wants to ship them to my military address overseas so I am gonna go to Autobacs (Japanese autozone) and see if I can find a good alternative here. I gotta learn more Japanese!

-David

 

The proper plugs are made in Japan, so you should be able to get exact application parts - no need to substitute.