Just installed NGK Iridium plugs - great first impression

[knobber]

Originally Posted by BobaLloydBiker

I'm jumping on the wagon, ordered mine yesterday and should have them by Friday. It's as hot as the sun here in Texas and I have been having some pinging issues on the ride home from work late afternoon when the temp's at it's hottest which is right about 100 so will give them a try. I have the standard copper so also going to a cooler plug should help the cause too. We shall see.

I have 2 sets for sale if anyone is interested!

[Caveman]

Just filled up the tank again & hit 34.66 mpg this time. The plugs definitely helped the mileage. This was about 1/2 city and 1/2 highway.

[hammer]

Just curious about these Iridiums. Is it possible some are seeing an improvement because it is a "colder" plug. NGK offers the DPR7EA-9 and I am pretty sure I have seen these for less than $15 for 4. I am not sure if that plug does fit but it should.

Hot weather, higher octane used to point to a colder plug for some.

I am changing plugs about every 24,000 miles and have not seen much degradation in the plugs at all. Just cheap maintenance.

[Caveman]

It wasn't a factor for me since I already had the DPR7EA-9 plugs in my bike. There was a solid improvement when I swapped them out for the Iridiums. I also run premium fuel which is 91 octane out here.

Originally Posted by hammer

Just curious about these Iridiums. Is it possible some are seeing an improvement because it is a "colder" plug. NGK offers the DPR7EA-9 and I am pretty sure I have seen these for less than $15 for 4. I am not sure if that plug does fit but it should.

Hot weather, higher octane used to point to a colder plug for some.

I am changing plugs about every 24,000 miles and have not seen much degradation in the plugs at all. Just cheap maintenance.

[hammer]

Thanks for adding that.

[VARider07]

Caveman, nice bike. I got this 07 in Feb. Not crazy about the colors, like yours better. Nice thread on the plugs. Will do same when I change.

[Caveman]

Thank you. I was actually looking at a bike the same color as yours just a few months ago & the deal never happened... then I ran across the one I ended up buying & the rest is history.

Color aside, how are you liking your bike?



BTW- I'll be starting a new thread shortly. I just scored a Harley Davidson King Tour-Pak in excellent condition that is almost the same maroon color as my bike.

Originally Posted by VARider07

Caveman, nice bike. I got this 07 in Feb. Not crazy about the colors, like yours better. Nice thread on the plugs. Will do same when I change.

[Navigator]

I received my NGK Iridiums today but for the life of me cannot find what the proper gap should be. I can't find it in either my owner's manual nor my Kawasaki shop manual.

What is particularly weird is the shop manual procedure. Under the Periodic Maintenance chapter, page 2-55, Spark Plug Replacement, the first step is:
"Remove:
- Fuel Tank (for Rear Spark Plug)
- Spark Plug Caps".

WTF? Remove the fuel tank?

There is even a segment with illustrations on how to put the socket over the plug properly so as not to break the plug (Really?) but nothing as to the proper gap.

Does anyone know what the gap should be and if so what is your reference?

[Caveman]

They come gapped at 0.036" from the factory which works for my 2007 Vulcan Nomad 1600. What bike do you have?

Originally Posted by Navigator

I received my NGK Iridiums today but for the life of me cannot find what the proper gap should be. I can't find it in either my owner's manual nor my Kawasaki shop manual.

What is particularly weird is the shop manual procedure. Under the Periodic Maintenance chapter, page 2-55, Spark Plug Replacement, the first step is:
"Remove:
- Fuel Tank (for Rear Spark Plug)
- Spark Plug Caps".

WTF? Remove the fuel tank?

There is even a segment with illustrations on how to put the socket over the plug properly so as not to break the plug (Really?) but nothing as to the proper gap.

Does anyone know what the gap should be and if so what is your reference?

[UNCLE WILLIE]

different iridiums come in the 1700 - factory manual says .039-.043 --- most ngk come pre set and don't need to be changed

[hammer]

Sounds right pre-gapped but I always check them anyway. On my 1600, I have experimented finding .38 works well on the stock plug. Picking mine up from O'Reilly's this week.

[Navigator]

Originally Posted by Caveman

They come gapped at 0.036" from the factory which works for my 2007 Vulcan Nomad 1600. What bike do you have?

2007 Nomad. What puzzles me is not being able to find the correct gap in either of my manuals. We shouldn't have to guess at this.

Have also noted other responses. The previous owner had written .33 in the back of the owners manual but I'm not sure where he got that. I'll stick with the the .036 and see how it works. We're not talking significant differences here.

Appreciate comments.

[Texas nomad]

Went to get four of the NDK iridium plugs today at O'Reilleys but they had to order them. They had two E-3s in stock, but would have to order the remaining ones. I told them to go ahead and order them. I'll get them tomorrow...then I began to wonder... Has anyone had any bad results from changing to either the E-3s or the Iridium plugs? I'd hate to damage my motor. Do they run too hot? The biggest things I find interesting from reading other posts is the reports of no pinging, increased mpg, and tighter/better throttle response. I realize mine isn't an HD but it would be nice to have the quicker response when I twist the throttle the HDs I've ridden had that...

[Caveman]

It's on page 119 of my Owner's Manual. They list an expected range of 0.032 - 0.036 when using recommended plugs.

If you're missing it in yours, I'd be happy to scan what you need & post it.

Originally Posted by Navigator

2007 Nomad. What puzzles me is not being able to find the correct gap in either of my manuals. We shouldn't have to guess at this.

Have also noted other responses. The previous owner had written .33 in the back of the owners manual but I'm not sure where he got that. I'll stick with the the .036 and see how it works. We're not talking significant differences here.

Appreciate comments.

[hammer]

Yep my 2006 page 115 says the same.