Today's internal combustion engines are continuously becoming more advanced and producing better horsepower-per-liter ratios. All of this advancement is occurring thanks to the use of a component that Edmond Berger invented in 1839: the spark plug. The spark plug takes an electrical current and forces it to jump a small gap, creating a spark that lasts only milliseconds. This gap is often a deciding factor in whether the car runs well or not at all.
- Shovelhead Spark Plug Chart
- 2001 Flht Standard Carburated Spark Plugs Problems
- 2001 Flht Standard Carburated Spark Plugs For Sale
Little Tolerance
Automakers build their cars to use spark plugs with gaps measured in thousandths of an inch. The gap on most mass-produced spark plugs ranges from 0.035 and 0.049 inches, with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.003 inches.
Checking New Spark Plug Gaps
Nearly all companies that mass-produce spark plugs pre-gap the spark plugs before they ship them out. Shipping and handling, however, may cause the plugs to move around, resulting in changes in the gap size. For this reason, when replacing the spark plugs in your car, you must check the gap in the plug prior to installing it.
Adjusting New Spark Plug Gaps
If the gap on a spark plug is not within the manufacturer's specified range, do not install this plug. If the spark plug is a standard copper plug, you can readjust the gap. If the spark plug is iridium- or platinum-tipped, refer to the spark plug manufacturer's recommendation on adjustment. Many state not to readjust the gap.
More Articles
A broad range of problems can cause rough idling in a motorcycle engine. A problem with fuel delivery, spark plug operation or metering of the air-fuel charge can cause problems at idle that may not be obvious at higher rpm ranges. Motorcycle manufacturer recommendations vary, but most issues can be isolated using a basic set of general procedures and a few tools.
Spark Plugs
Step 1
Inspect the spark plug wires for signs of damage. Look into the boots at the ends of the wires and check for corrosion or burning of the terminals within the boots. Replace as necessary.
Step 2
Remove the spark plugs using a spark plug socket and ratchet. Inspect the spark plugs for mechanical damage and oil or carbon fouling. Replace as necessary.
Step 3
Insert a spark plug gapping tool between the electrodes on the spark plug and check the gap. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for gap information, and gap the spark plugs accordingly.
The new season of Younger premieres June 12th 10/9c on TV Land.#YoungerTV #TVLandSubscribe to TV Land:Catch up on Younger on the TV Land App!Follow Younger:Younger Full Episodes:Twitter:Facebook:Instagram:Pinterest:Tumblr:YoungerTV:About Younger:'Younger,' stars Tony(R) Award winner Sutton Foster ('Bunheads') Hilary Duff ('Lizzie McGuire'), Debi Mazar ('Entourage') and Miriam Shor ('GCB'). Take a trip down memory lane with these Josh & Liza moments. Ladies special ep 21. Patricia Field, who worked with Star on 'Sex and the City,' is a costume consultant on the production. Written, executive produced and directed by Darren Star ('Sex and the City'), Younger is based on the novel 'Younger' by Pamela Redmond Satran.
Inspect the spark plugs for mixture indicators. White deposits indicate a lean mixture, and excessive coking or carbonizing indicates a rich mixture. Adjust the carburetor accordingly.
Compression Check
Shovelhead Spark Plug Chart
Step 1
Install a compression tester into a spark plug hole with all other spark plugs removed.
Step 2
Step 3
Spin the engine over using the starter switch until the compression tester gauge needle stabilizes.
2001 Flht Standard Carburated Spark Plugs Problems
Step 4
Record the reading and move the tester to the next spark plug hole.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all of the cylinders have been tested. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine if the compression is within tolerance. Bad compression indicates worn rings, pistons and cylinders; the engine requires a rebuild to rectify this condition.
Fuel and Mixture Checks
Step 1
Inspect the fuel in the tank for signs of water, dirt or rust flakes in the fuel tank. Clean the tank and re-coat as necessary.
Step 2
Remove and inspect the fuel filter. Clean or replace as necessary.
Step 3
Remove the air filter. Inspect it for dirt or damage. Clean or replace as necessary.
Step 4
Inspect the intake manifold for cracks or deterioration that could be introducing air into the intake. Repair or replace as necessary.
Step 5
Check the carburetor idle circuit for blockage. Check the fuel injectors for damage or blockage if applicable.
Ensure the carburetors are synchronized if the motorcycle uses multiple carburetors.
Other Components
Step 1
Make certain the battery is fully charged and all battery cables are tight and free of corrosion and sulfate deposits.
Step 2
Check all wiring and terminals at the ignition coil and electronic control module, if applicable, for tightness and corrosion. Check for breaks in the insulation of all wires connected to the ignition components.
Check the exhaust pipes for damage or modifications. Modified exhaust pipes or baffles can change the back-pressure in the system and affect the mixture. Use stock exhaust pipes, and make certain the mixture is set for the back-pressure supplied by the exhaust system.
Tip
- Refer to manufacturer’s specifications for year and model-specific information and procedures for these tests. Consult a qualified mechanic if you feel uncomfortable performing any of these procedures.
Warning
- Do not spin the engine over for more than 10 seconds when performing the compression test to avoid damaging the starter, battery and solenoid.
2001 Flht Standard Carburated Spark Plugs For Sale
Items you will need
- Spark plug socket set
- Ratchet
- Compression tester
- 2009 Softail Models Service Manual; Harley-Davidson Motor Company
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images