This time - Spark plugs...

[JayDub]

It seems that the recommended plugs for my '95 Steamer are NGK DPR9EA-9, Is this correct? or is there a tried and tested improvement here in the UK? - Also The owners manual I have is for an earlier model as the wiring diag doesn't cover the (time) clock and the copyright mark is 1992, would that be the T300 model, is there a lot of difference? as the w/shop manual I have is for the T300 but seems to to be accurate enough.

[dave NL]

Yes it seems. But in the WS manual it states grade 8 plugs, i went for grade 8 , they run a little hotter and self-clean better during short trips, which would be a good thing during start-ups. Grade 9 is not really required, only in high rev, high power engines.

[JayDub]

Yes it seems. But in the WS manual it states grade 8 plugs, i went for grade 8 , they run a little hotter and self-clean better during short trips, which would be a good thing during start-ups. Grade 9 is not really required, only in high rev, high power engines.

Maybe DPR8EA-9 instead of DPR9EA-9? or is the last number the grading.

[dave NL]

You got it right! DPR8EA-9

[JayDub]

I may give them a try mate, Thanks.

[rybes]

just found this handy little thing http://www.ngkpartfinder.co.uk/motorbikes_scooters.php while the subject of spark plugs is up, iridium v normal...whats the differnce ?

[JayDub]

just found this handy little thing http://www.ngkpartfinder.co.uk/motorbikes_scooters.php while the subject of spark plugs is up, iridium v normal...whats the differnce ?

I suppose there are many who would argue this (maybe to justify spending 4 times as much on Iridium ones ) but I've been told by 2 mechanics that the difference between (quality) standard plugs and any other type for road use was only noticeable on a monitor/test equipment, as the driver/rider would not be able to tell otherwise, only the grade or 'temperature' really matters... Personally, having tried Iridium plugs in a GPZ900r, I would tend to agree.  Some people are easily swayed by marketing... but that's just my opinion 

[JayDub]

And thanks for the link rybes, that's a useful site, also interesting is how dave NL also suggested DPR8EA-9 instead of the OE DPR9EA-9.

[GavD]

I found the NGK website recommended DPR8EA-9, whereas the Triumph & Haynes manual both said DPR9EA-9. I went with the manuals, seems to run fine.

[dave NL]

Interesting. The booklet which comes with the bike states grade 9. But the Triunph manual i got states grade 8.

Is there difference between manuals?

Besides the manual, also the research on the net leads me to think grade 8 might be the better choice for the steamer. ( carbs)

Injection engines usually run a little hotter, grade 9 would be more ovbious then

[JayDub]

So... Its official now then - dave NL is the resident expert on steamer spark plugs - all hail Dave!    Thanks Dave.

[dave NL]

  roflol

[nickjtc]

Interesting. The booklet which comes with the bike states grade 9. But the Triunph manual i got states grade 8.

Same for me. My service manual is US/Canada, but my owners manual is UK. Maybe they recommend different grades for that side of the pond??

As an aside. Is it me or are the cavities down to the plugs different diameters? I had an extremely frustrating session yesterday pm after checking the plugs on cylinders 1 and 3. No problem with 3, but when the plug was tightened on 1 the deep socket I use was wedged and would not come out. With a light shining down the hole I could not see any reason for it to get hung up. I ended up grinding some of the material around the lip of the socket.

And answer me this, oh Steamer experts.  You need to use a deep socket to get to the plug on cylinder 2. How are you supposed to get it in the hole with the lack of clearance between the cam cover and the frame tube, short of physically shortening it or taking the cam cover off???

[JayDub]

I didn't have a big problem with #2 as I had already made up a tool using an old box spanner with a 3/8 drive 14mm socket welded in the end for my GPZ900r, fortunately it was just the right length if I inserted the tool first then attached the ratchet.

[Bixxer Bob]

If you have the original Triumph toolkit there's a special plug spanner in it that does the job a treat