Speaking of Motorcycles was: Spark Plugs Breaking?

From: fawcett@uism.bu.edu
Date: Sat May 13 2000 - 17:39:47 EDT


Sorry to trouble the list with this but your timing is impeccable! I've had my
bike in storage for the winter and when I installed the battery today (had it
trickle charging) the damn starter doesn't work... I bump started it and it
runs beautifully but no starter! Can anyone with a bike and a suggestion for
what I should check or do please send me a note (off list, please)?? There is
plenty of power and it clicks like a bastard when I punch the starter but it
won't turn over or crank at all. I'm thinking the reduction gear is stuck but
I'm hoping it's not that. Oh yeah, my bike is a '94 Honda Magna VF-750C.
TIA!!!
Tom
(fawcett@bu.edu)

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: DML: RE: Spark Plugs Breaking?
Author: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net> at smtpout
Date: 5/13/00 12:22 PM

I don't really think they were put in that tight at the factory. I think
that when the engine is first "breaking in", it expands and contracts quite
a bit, and that is what causes the plugs to tighten up.

For this same reason, plugs can get pretty tight in aluminum motors. I left
some plugs in my motorcycle for nearly 15,000 miles and I actually broke one
off at the threads trying to remove them - had to get it out with an
'easy-out'. That's why they recommend changing plugs so often on
motorcycles (like once a year or every 3-5k miles). I also learned to put
anti-seize on the plugs ;-)

Along this same line of reasoning, you want to remove (or loosen) plugs from
(aluminum) engines when they are hot, since the metal is expanded; however,
let the engine cool down before installing and tightening the new plugs.

--
'92 Dak CC 2wd 318 3.55
'84 GoldWing Interstate



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