Spark plug, wire, cap replacement help.

[PatNoPed]

Last night I went for a short cruise around the neighborhood and I noticed sparks jumping from my plug/cap to the top of the engine. I couldn't see this happening in the daytime but now I know why I'm getting misfires and jerky performance. My question is about replacing the spark plug wire and cap. Do I have to cut the old cap off and wire up a new one? How do you replace the plug wire with a better one? I think it will run much smoother with a better connection.
Thanks y'all!
Patrick

 

[Dave31]

The stock plug and wire are not great on these motor's...You will notice better improvement with new one's...

http://motorbicycling.com/f30/bicycle-motor-spark-plug-755.html

http://motorbicycling.com/f3/spark-plug-wire-boot-634.html

A good 7mm plug wire and cap can be picked up at any auto parts store

 

[thatsdax]

it simply un screws. The plug wire is screwed into the CDI igniter unit with what looks like a sheet metal screw. Simply twist the wire counter clockwise and it will unscrew from the CDI Black box unit. Thanks..

 

[PatNoPed]

Cool... Thank you! My auto parts store didn't have individual wires, I'll have to drive around some more.

 

[misteright1_99]

Cool... Thank you! My auto parts store didn't have individual wires, I'll have to drive around some more.

Ask them for a Distributor wire......They are sold individually.....

 

[PatNoPed]

That was going to be my next question! Thank you! I just left the parts store. They said most of the wires they sell are carbon cored, the one off the bike engine has a copper core. Does that matter? What would be a good vehicle distributor wire to order (ie make n model)?

 

[Bikeguy Joe]

That was going to be my next question! Thank you! I just left the parts store. They said most of the wires they sell are carbon cored, the one off the bike engine has a copper core. Does that matter? What would be a good vehicle distributor wire to order (ie make n model)?

I believe our fearless leader Cruiser has wire/cap combos for sale really reasonbly priced....but you'll have to ask him.

As for the wire if he doesn't, measure the length of what you've got, and ask for a 7mm wire of that length or close...I don't see any reason why a carbon core wouldn't work just as well as a copper core.

Or.....buy a "do it your self" wire kit, use what you need and sell the rest here on the "Swap Shop".

 

[misteright1_99]

That was going to be my next question! Thank you! I just left the parts store. They said most of the wires they sell are carbon cored, the one off the bike engine has a copper core. Does that matter? What would be a good vehicle distributor wire to order (ie make n model)?

Just ask them if you could see what they have. They took me to the back where they were all hanging, and I picked my own. I got the longest and cut it to the length I wanted and now have extra wire, in case it gets damaged..
Might be tough to find a copper core. I dont think it makes much difference...

 

[Norman]

I can get you copper cored plug wire industrial grade 7mm this wire is used on engines that run 24 hrs 7 days a week. I'll check with the shop as for price if your interested. Let me know by PMing me
Norman

 

[PatNoPed]

I ended up buying a cheap set of wires for a chevy car. Cut to fit and I have 3 extras. They're the regular carbon type and it runs great now. No more misfires, runs and idles nice and smooth, and starts easier! I'm glad I went for that night ride cause I wouldn't have ever seen those sparks dancin out from that plug wire. Thanks for the help everyone!
Patrick

 

[misteright1_99]

Cool........

 

[Dave31]

Glad you got it going

 

[KCvale]

Just a note...

When I build a high performance bike, usually a shifter but not always, most get the following from SIckBikeParts.com:

I use this plug wire:
http://www.sickbikeparts.com/catalo...ducts_id=39&osCsid=1rrkdomtium9jjcktc2vt3hei1

And this plug:
http://www.sickbikeparts.com/catalo...ucts_id=141&osCsid=1rrkdomtium9jjcktc2vt3hei1

They give you a performance boost you can actually feel.

 

[iEATKiDs13]

is there a specific size the cap needs to be to fit the spark plug?

 

[JustAnotherBozoOnABike]

is there a specific size the cap needs to be to fit the spark plug?

the stock sparkplug comes with the tip removed leaving a smaller, threaded tip and the stock wire end is made to fit on this threaded tip so the stock wire won't work with a new sparkplug and a new wire won't work with the stock sparkplug, you need to replace both.

...do yourself a favor and follow KC's advice and order that new wire and plug from SBP, you won't be sorry. (the links are contained within his post just above yours, ...and they ship fast so you won't wait long)

peace, bozo

 

[KCvale]

Actually if you leave the spark plug cap on the top you can use an automotive plug wire and cap but ya, the kit caps require the plug top be removed.
Didn't your kit come with a spare cap and plug and plug wrench among other spare parts?

I do like the better wire/cap SBP has but seldom need them, the stock wire works just dandy if you just make sure it is screwed in tight but if you do get one get an Iridium plug while you are at it, those things make a difference you can actually feel.

One other note is you don't have to use all the plug wire as the cap screws right off so if you place your CDI up on the front bar you can just cut it down to fit nice like this.