QuestionHi Bill,
I am the original owner of a 1996 Honda PC800 and am ashamed to admit I haven't changed the spark plugs for about 4 years. :-(
1) First off, a friend told me there is no need to change plugs if the engine is running OK. Is this true? Although my mileage seems low (34 - but I spend a lot of time idleing at stop lights and traffic) the engine runs very smoothly.
2) Is there something I should put into the plug opening prior to trying to unscrew the plug in case it is 'frozen' or something?
3) Do you recommend the irridium or plantinum plugs or just the standard plugs?
Thanks for your time!
Aloha,
Jim Day
Honolulu, HI
AnswerAloha, Jim.... Here is a list of links to PC800 sites who may have specifics. ....
http://www.directcon.net/lcshepp/PC800LinkList.html
If your bike has an owner's manual, then consult it for the recommended spark plug replacement suggestions. In general, if the bike is running smoothly and the fuel mileage is holding steady, then the plugs must be doing okay. They do erode over time and if the plugs are original it may be a good idea to check them. I haven't worked on one of these bikes, but I have heard that battery removal and replacement is quite a chore, so getting to the plugs may also be a challenge.
Plugs should be installed with a drop of anti-seize compound so they don't seize the threads in the cylinder head. There isn't much you can do to spray something down in the plug recess to help loosen the plugs. Sometimes, trying to tighten one slightly will help loosen the grip on the threads allowing you to then loosen the plug. Don't overtighten them on installation.
Check the websites of the various spark plug manufacturers to see if they have something other than the OEM resistor plugs available for your bike. Bikes are not like cars with 100k mile tuneups. If you don't have an owner's manual, check with the various sites or go to www.helminc.com for a factory copy.
Bill Silver
Big Island, HI
