Check the spark plug after the first 1000 km (621 mi) and then after 4000 km (2485 mi), change it every 8000 km (4970 mi).
Periodically remove the spark plug and clean it carefully, removing carbon deposits; change it if necessary.
To reach the spark plug, proceed as follows:
Danger! Let the engine cool down until it reaches room temperature.
Lift the fuel tank, see 2.9.1.
For the removal and cleaning, proceed as follows:
Danger! Do not disconnect the spark plug cap with the engine running. The starting system could generate a strong discharge.
Remove the spark plug (2) cap (1).
Remove any trace of dirt from the spark plug base.
Fit the special spanner provided in the tool kit on the spark plug.
Unscrew the spark plug and extract it from its seat, taking care to prevent dust or other substances from getting inside the cylinder.
Make sure that there are neither carbon deposits, nor corrosion marks on the electrodes and on the insulating material; if necessary, clean them with the special spark plugs cleaners and/or a metal brush.
If the spark plug has crackings on the insulating material, corroded electrodes, excessive deposits on the rounded tip of the central electrode (3), it must be changed.
Warning!
- When changing the spark plug, check the thread pitch and length.
- If the threaded part is too short, the carbon deposits will accumulate on the thread seat, and therefore the engine may be damaged during the installation of the right spark plug. Use the recommended type of spark plugs only, in order not to compromise the life and performance of the engine.
- To check the spark plug gap, use a wire feeler gauge to avoid damaging the platinum covering.
Check the spark plug gap with a wire feeler gauge.
The gap must be 0.6-0.7 mm. If not, adjust it by bending the earth electrode with extreme care.
Make sure that the washer is in good conditions. With the washer on, screw the spark plug by hand in order not to damage the thread.
Tighten the spark plug by means of the spanner you will find in the tool kit, giving it half a turn to compress the washer.
Warning!
- The spark plug must be well tightened, otherwise the engine may overheat and be seriously damaged.
- Use the recommended type of spark plugs only, in order not to compromise the life and performance of the engine.
Position the spark plug (2) cap (1) properly, so that it does not come off due to the vibrations of the engine.
Danger! Make sure that the spark plug (2) cap (1) is correctly positioned on the spark plug itself.
Refit the fuel tank.