Page 1 of 3
SPARK PLUGS, A Continuing Saga!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 4:18 am
by Retro
Hi folks,
Can anybody answer a 'simple' plug question for me? [I've have searched through loads of posts both here and elsewhere but could find no specific answer]
I ride a 2013 E.F.I G5 and want to replace the original fitted plug. There is loads of discussion both here and on other R.E. sites about plugs but can anybody tell me for sure if the factory fitted metal plug cap has a suppressor built in - or is the lead itself suppressed?
My reason for asking such a seemingly trivial thing is that our hosts recommend the N.G.K.BP6ES for the E.F.I.'s. There is so much mention elsewhere however from riders who seem to be fitting the BPR6ES resistor version but if the cap is already suppressed - then surely, 'doubling up' is not a good thing spark wise.
Thanks in anticipation
R
SPARK PLUGS, A Continuing Saga!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 5:37 am
by simon
Its not a good idea to have suppressors if you have a magneto ignition but with a battery and coil setup not such a worry. The EFI's are a mystery to me so I don't know if they have battery and coil or modern igniters but if Hitchcocks suggest a non resistor plug thats what i'd go for. The question I would pose though is why do you want to replace the plug?
SPARK PLUGS, A Continuing Saga!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 5:37 am
by simon
Its not a good idea to have suppressors if you have a magneto ignition but with a battery and coil setup not such a worry. The EFI's are a mystery to me so I don't know if they have battery and coil or modern igniters but if Hitchcocks suggest a non resistor plug thats what i'd go for. The question I would pose though is why do you want to replace the plug?
SPARK PLUGS, A Continuing Saga!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 7:58 am
by Retro
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your comments. The reason that I want to replace it is that I'm doing a few 'spanner' jobs and thought that it was as good a time as any to stick a new plug in. I've not had any running or ignition problems so far but have read reports of the factory fitted Mico plugs causing problems and breaking down prematurely and thought that it was something that could be easily and cheaply avoided by fitting the very well thought of N.G.K.
The plug in mine is a Mico - W R7 DDC 4. I could find out little about them other than the company is now a part of Bosch [India] and I assume that the 'R' in its type number stands for Resistor. The bikes factory fitted metal plug cap looks identical to the metal resistor one that our hosts sell and may be the reason why they recommend the none resistor BP 6ES plug for U.C.E's.
I'm sorry if it all sounds unnecessary and pointless - a typical R.E. 'blind' alley to nowhere - but I'd just like to know. Cheers, R
SPARK PLUGS, A Continuing Saga!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 10:06 am
by Leon Novello
If in doubt, just fit a non-resistor plug, start it up and watch for static interference on your TV screen and radio. Or maybe the neighbours will let you know when you ride past. That said, most electronic equiptment in the home these days have their own resistors built-in in the factory. A resistor would only be necessary to prevent interference with any engine management system on the motorcycle itself.
SPARK PLUGS, A Continuing Saga!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 10:12 am
by Thack
Retro, I suggest you find out for sure with a multimeter. Check the HT lead and the plug cap together. Measure between the connector at one end that goes into the coil and the metal terminal up inside the plug cap at the other end. I can't remember what a typical resistance is for these, but if it's in the hundreds or thousands of ohms, then you've already got suppression and you should buy a non-resistor plug. If it's a very small number or ohms, or zero, then you need the resistor plug.
It's better to find out for sure than guessing.
SPARK PLUGS, A Continuing Saga!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 10:12 am
by Thack
Later on this morning I'll check mine and report back.
SPARK PLUGS, A Continuing Saga!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 4:50 pm
by Thack
Flummoxed! Does anyone know how to disconnect the HT lead from the coil? How embarrassing.....
SPARK PLUGS, A Continuing Saga!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 5:29 pm
by papasmurf
Thack, you probably can't disconnect it is likely to be moulded on.
SPARK PLUGS, A Continuing Saga!
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 5:33 pm
by papasmurf