sprack Posted April 6, 2003 Share Posted April 6, 2003 I'm in the process of installing the new ngk plugs (iridium) and the instructions on the plug package state not to gap them. When I see what they are set to its 0.030 whereas the book calls for 0.040. Is this ok and should I do it anyway or just use the default? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mithrandir Posted April 6, 2003 Share Posted April 6, 2003 Exactly - do not touch them. They have a very fine coating over the electrodes. If you've already measured the gap, you've ruined the coating already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprack Posted April 6, 2003 Author Share Posted April 6, 2003 super. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted April 6, 2003 Share Posted April 6, 2003 The shop manuel says to check to make sure that you can't get a .040 feeler gauge in (if so, replace). Sooooo, unless you were really ape like, I think you will be OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in PA Posted April 6, 2003 Share Posted April 6, 2003 The gap spec. is .031 to .035. Should be perfect from the box. Mine were. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaXX Posted April 6, 2003 Share Posted April 6, 2003 Joe is right, I got corrected on this too. The Platinum's are a thin layer of Platinum coating, the Iridium's are Iridium all the way through. Sprack, leave them alone out of the box, they are pre-gapped (unless grossly gapped like bent electrode or something). You are OK with the Iridiums if all you did was check though. MaXX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XX RATED Posted April 6, 2003 Share Posted April 6, 2003 I have had this conversation with my buddy who is a Honda Service Manager. He & I agree on the following: The correct plugs are "pre gapped" from the factory; and under normal cercumstances require no gapping. It is however possible to gap the plugs, (Platnium or Irridum) if you gap them properly. Only the electrode (center section) is plated - if you force a feeler guage between the electrode and the ground pin (top l shaped part) - you run the risk of damaging the electrode; especially the irridium because it's so small. If you were to lightly insert (with out forcing) a feeler guage between the two, found you needed to adjust, used a gap tool to widen, or slightly tap the top grond rod to decrease the distance - you should not damage the plug. According to what my buddy says - the Irridium plugs are not as delicate as some on this board have said; the only problem is the electrode is much smaller the traditional plugs and you have to take care, as with anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprack Posted April 7, 2003 Author Share Posted April 7, 2003 I didn't adjust the gap, just checked it. Wire-feeler without forcing it, so hopefully its still ok. jeez, #1 plugs are a pain to get at. Thanks for the help. jesse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaXX Posted April 7, 2003 Share Posted April 7, 2003 Jesse, don't know if you followed these directions but the plugs are alot easier with the right tools and these directions. http://www.cbr1100xx.org/faq/maint_plug-filter.htm MaXX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkxx Posted April 7, 2003 Share Posted April 7, 2003 Removing the plugs was easy. The hard part is getting the plug wires off. On 3 and 4, I had to loop a string under the 90 part of the plug wire and pull and wiggle to get off. A half hour job just to get the wires off. :cry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprack Posted April 7, 2003 Author Share Posted April 7, 2003 Maxx, I followed those instructions. Can't imagine doing it Honda's way. Thanks for the help. jesse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tweety Posted April 7, 2003 Share Posted April 7, 2003 thinking about attempting my first plug change after hearing all of these success stories. i read carlos' and warchild's instructions, (warchilds is at: http://www.superblackbird.com/spark1.cfm) but got a little nervous when it was mentioned that you just have to "feel" the 9 ft-lbs of torque when tightening the plugs, and it's really important not to overtighten. also, he mentioned not to bother even trying to use a torque wrench here. so... advice on tightening them? :wink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprack Posted April 7, 2003 Author Share Posted April 7, 2003 They recommend a 1/4 - 1/2 twist past snug. Thats kind of vague though. When you loosen the ones in there you'll get a feel for how tight it should be. I'm still looking for a low force torque wrench for this kind of job. Wish I had a better answer for you, best of luck. jesse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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