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Spark plug gaskets 78cb750f

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Rockwork

Spark plug gaskets 78cb750f

Does it make sense to change the gaskets of the spark plugs when we take them out to clean them?

Our iridium plugs are supposed to last up to 50K miles but I still need to pull them out to clean them, and it doesn't seem the gaskets will seat as well the second time I put them back in. The manual instructs to bring them up finger tight then turn them 1/4 more, but obviously that isn't the same after the first time when they were seated.

I've looked all over for spark plug gaskets but can't find any. Would it work to buy a cheap set of plugs and just use the gaskets on the iridiums?

"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

TOOLS1

Re: Spark plug gaskets 78cb750f

Administrator

You do not need to change spark plug gaskets when you remove the spark plugs. Also, unless your engine is burning oil, you do not need to clean the plugs, and if the plugs did need cleaning, you should repair the engine, and replace the plugs. Another thing you should think about, is that the Iridium plugs are pretty delicate, and could be easily damaged if you tried cleaning them.
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Rockwork

Re: Spark plug gaskets 78cb750f

awright, awright, awright. You shamed me into not pulling the plugs. Instead, I poured a can of Seafoam into my tank and road at 5K to 6K RPMs for 40 miles out Long Island and back. Not only did it cure my sluggish engine, but it recharged my dwindling battery. Unfortunately, I ride almost exclusively in NYC traffic, which prevents me from opening it up for extended rides. This is good reason to get out of the city on my bike more.

Thanks for the encouragement.

"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

TOOLS1

Re: Spark plug gaskets 78cb750f

Administrator

"This is good reason to get out of the city on my bike more. "
And you need a reason for that?

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shinyribs

Re: Spark plug gaskets 78cb750f

Administrator

How often are you needing to clean your plugs?

Dirty plugs are most likely the cause of an overly rich tune. Weak coils and worn rings are less likely, but something that can cause dirty plugs.

Rockwork

Re: Spark plug gaskets 78cb750f

It's hard to say how much the plugs need cleaning. It ran so sweet today after yesterday's purging. I'll go for a high speed ride out Long Island next weekend then check the plugs after that. I very well may be running rich -- coils are new and rings are probably not worn.

"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."