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08-19-2013, 07:17 PM | #1 |
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2011 Vaquero Spark Plugs
Has anyone found a replacement spark plug instead of the NGK ilzkar7b11 for the 2011 Vaquero? A cross reference chart would be great.
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08-20-2013, 10:06 AM | #2 |
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The plugs used in the 1700's are designed for the 1700 engine and I have found no cross reference.
They are a very good design in many ways. It has been my experience that on engines with large bores multiple spark plugs per cylinder (usually 2 per cyl) are better than a single plug. Better combustion efficiency thus better mpg, performance and lower emmissions. Kawi deviated from the 1500/1600's with 2 plugs per cylinder to a single plug on the 1700's. They did however do a few things. First and easiest is to put the plug in the center of the combustion chamber, best place on a 4 valve head. Second they incorporated an EXTREMELY projected tip design, putting that plug gap DEEP into the combustion chamber. This has the affect of shortening the flame front's travel to all areas of the c/c and bore. Another good thing about this plug is the center electrode is made of Iridium, an extremely hard material that has minimal wear characteristics, they will last a long time. I have seen these plugs with over 20,000+ miles and they were NOT in need of replacement, so I am recommending checking the plugs at 30,000 miles. As long as the electrodes are in good shape and there is no signs of compression leaking from the seal between the center porcelin and the outer metal shell, clean the plugs in a plug cleaner, gap if necessary and put them back in. Here is a good (bad?) example of compression leakage thru a plug. Note the brown combustion streaks staning the porcelin just above the metal shell, indicating this plug has long lost it's integrity. RACNRAY
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08-21-2013, 08:47 AM | #3 |
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Why not put the Correct plugs back in it ?
I see people monkey around with spark plugs at the dealership where I work all the time just to save a dime or because they don't know any better. Then the vehicle runs like crap and they bring it to us with the "check engine" light glowing. I always ask the question, "Why don't you just put the "correct" plug in it that came in the engine from the factory???"
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08-21-2013, 01:33 PM | #4 | |
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Quote:
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Jerry "Old Bear" Barker Clarksville, TN Americas Guardians PS MC President, Tennessee 16-A VBA #02203 "Blaze" 2017 Vaquero "Black Magic" 2011 Vaquero, 69k miles, handed down to my son for hopefully many more miles! |
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08-24-2013, 12:39 AM | #5 | |
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Quote:
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08-24-2013, 12:52 AM | #6 | |
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Quote:
You have any thoughts on the K&N Air Filter or would you suggest something else. The bike is stock mechanically and the only change I plan to make is to heat wrap the pipes this winter.
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My friends call me KC!! Wichita, KS VBA #02089 Previous Bikes: 75 Yamaha 175 09 Vulcan 900 Classic 11 Vulcan Vaquero Harleys: 75 Sportster XLCH 84 Sportster 1000 85 FXRT 79 Low Rider |
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08-24-2013, 09:08 AM | #7 | |
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Quote:
The K&N is a worthwhile investment, makes more power than a clean stock filter and pretty much lasts forever. RACNRAY
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"TRUE HAPPINESS IS IN THE HEART, NOT IN THE OUTSIDE FIXES" WITH OVER 46 YEARS AS A MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN/HI-PO SHOP OWNER I AM A PURVEYOR OF FACT NOT FICTION! "WE LIVE OUR LIVES IN CHAINS NEVER KNOWING WE HAD THE KEY" |
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08-24-2013, 11:29 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
KC
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12-19-2013, 07:47 PM | #9 |
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Spark Plugs: replacing with NGK ILZKAR7B11 at 31Kmi (Service Manual recommends at 30K). I haven't inspected to see "if needed", just gonna do it.
K&N air filter: I read a critique on another forum that they do indeed provide more "performance" but at the expense of more debris due to their construction to let more air in.
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12-19-2013, 08:37 PM | #10 |
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filter Micron rating.
When using any filter other than the one designed for the system, be it engine, air, or hydraulic, it might be a good idea to check the micron rating of the factory filter and the one you want to use. A 2 micron filter will remove more contaminate material but can plug up faster if the filter media does not have enough surface area. A 15 micron filter will allow bigger particles through the filter and can plug up as fast depending on media surface area.
All filters have a micron rating. Find out who makes them and compare. That cheaper filter might not be so cheap if you shorten your engine life. Get a washable filter with a small micron rating and wash it more often. Oberg makes an engine oil filter that is washable, and has a sensor that indicates it is starting to plug up. Ask questions.
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Last edited by Snake Ranch; 12-20-2013 at 12:34 AM.
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12-23-2013, 09:21 PM | #11 |
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DIY spark plug change today.
Changed out the sparks plugs this afternoon at 31,208mi. It took about 1hr including a run to the hardware store for a 14mm extended socket. The pics above are the old set with the front cylinder sp on the left and rear cylinder sp on the right.
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12-24-2013, 05:32 AM | #12 |
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They look pretty good.
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12-24-2013, 09:07 AM | #13 |
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Almost a shame to go through the effort to change those plugs. They look fine. I believe the plugs are iridium. That's why they last so long.
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2012 Vaquero 1700 Nomad (Deceased) Cobra Tri-Ovals Racnrays Invention (Throttle Mod) Ivan's flash Thunder Tornado Big Air Kit |
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12-24-2013, 12:29 PM | #14 |
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Yes, the old sp's do look impressively good and they are iridium and the replacements are the exact same OEM; but, not really "a shame" to change them as I'm a by-the-book kinda guy with the maintenance schedule which, I believe, is why this bike has performed flawlessly so far with only regular maintenance required.
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12-24-2013, 12:35 PM | #15 |
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Nothing wrong with doing maintenance by the book.
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2012 Vaquero 1700 Nomad (Deceased) Cobra Tri-Ovals Racnrays Invention (Throttle Mod) Ivan's flash Thunder Tornado Big Air Kit |
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