Triumphrat

Hairball · 12-26-2005

I got a new set of TOR's + mapping and starting the bike in public is down right embarrassing, not the sound ( I love the sound ) but the amount of rev's it takes to get the beast started, almost double the amount of rev's starting than starting with the stock silencers

I read a post that it may be time for new spark plugs....4500 miles???

seems hard to believe they need to be changed this early but I am willing to try anything.

My question is... what is the easiest way to access the spark plugs?
It does not seem possible to get to them with the tank on, and I have not quite figured out how to remove the lower air box section.

Is removing the lower air box as much of a pain as it looks?
Even if it is, I am pretty handy with wrenching, but I could sure use a little guidance.

Thanks
Rick

crashmasterd · 12-26-2005

You shouldn't have to change spark plugs after 4500 miles. What you are looking for is water trapped down around the spark plugs. The coil boot design is poor, and allows water in, but not vapor out.

Of course you have to take off the tank, but it sounds like you've done that already. It looks really difficult to take off the lower airbox housing, but in reality it isn't. Really, it's a no-brainer. I don't think you would even need to take off the top of the airbox, but it makes things easier going back together over the throttle bodies.

1) Remove all vacuum lines and electrical cords from the top of the airbox.

2) Remove the two retaining bracket bolts from the rear of the lower airbox.

3) The throttle body boots are a slip fit and will pull off when you lift upwards and backwards.

4) Gently lift up and backwards on the airbox until you can remove the crankshaft breather at the bottom right rear of the airbox, and the air injection hose on the bottom center of the front.

5) There is a bullet and rubber grommet attachment on the front of the airbox similar to body work fittings. Move the airbox backwards and it comes right out.

Simple, really. It sounds harder than it is, and looks wicked difficult until you try it.

Underneath just disconnect the wires from the coils and carefully pull them off the spark plugs.

If there is water down in the spark plug holes the plugs will be rusty and nasty. Use compressed air to blow all the water out and clean as much of the rust and debris as possible before removing the plugs. Once removed you will notice that the electrodes are just fine. If they aren't then you have a different problem.

If there is water down in the holes, it may be a good idea to put it back together and take it back to your dealer. Some people have got this taken care of under warranty.

Hairball · 12-26-2005

Thanks for the reply, I followed your instructions easily, well written...

I am careful not to hose the plug area during washing, but I have been caught in the rain at least 10 times in the past 3 months, so I suspect a bit of corrosion on the plugs, I will change them out and seal the boots, if nothing else, eliminate the plugs and connections as a problem.

Geof3 · 12-27-2005

I wouldn't worry about the plugs, do check for water though... If you keep it dry it's not a problem... Somewhat hard starting is a fairly normal thing for these. If it's particularly bad, maybe the mapping got fouled up. It definately will never start after one or two cranks... no matter what you do...

s2kf4isabre · 07-05-2008

Good write up on replacing spark plugs, I'm about to do this myself on my '06. I didn't anticipate it though to be needed so soon (manual says 12k/2yr intervals!). Hopefully when I get down there, the job will be straight forward and I won't find corrosion damage.

Anyone have any recommendations on particular types of plugs to get? Or just whatever dealer provides?

Ferris · 07-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hairball

Thanks for the reply, I followed your instructions easily, well written...

I am careful not to hose the plug area during washing, but I have been caught in the rain at least 10 times in the past 3 months, so I suspect a bit of corrosion on the plugs, I will change them out and seal the boots, if nothing else, eliminate the plugs and connections as a problem.

You really want to look at this Hairball!

http://www.triumphrat.net/speed-trip...-plug-fix.html