Replacing Spark Plug Caps

[BassCliff]

Hi,

This is a really simple operation and I finally got around to changing my plug caps while changing my oil this weekend. Of course, I had to snap a few pictures and I'll put together a little write-up. Here's a preview.

For replacing the stock caps, I used 2 each - NGK XB05F and VB05F. Twist off the old plug caps.



Above you see the new plug cap and the protective rubber caps.

Cut about 1/4" from the end of the spark plug wire so that you get to fresh, non-corroded strands.



Place the larger rubber cap on the big end of the plug cap. Push the smaller rubber cap onto the plug wire.



Twist the new plug cap into the spark plug wire. It should only take about 4 turns until it is seated well. Pull the small protective rubber cap over the top of the spark plug cap.



Reattach to your spark plugs and away you go!



If you want to test your connections, feel free to attach a loose spark plug to the new cap, lay the plug on the head (to ground it), turn the motor over with the start button and look for a good spark.

That's it. I told you it was simple.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[GabrielGoes]

nice, i know this was definitely a big question when i first did it... btw are those stock coils/wires? it will make me feel a bit better about mine if they are
edit: very nice tip on cutting the corroded tips and starting fresh!

[BassCliff]

Hi Gabe,

Yes, I still have the stock coils and wires on my bike. One of these days I'll be cool enough to get the green Dyna coils.

BTW, this site explains what the NGK part numbers mean (length, angle, resistance, etc.):
http://www.sudco.com/spark.html

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[77 cafe racer]

Broken CAP.

Hello, I was removing the cap from the plug and the inside of the cap broke!
can I just get new caps and twist them on.
Thanks
Jeff

[cowboyup3371]

Yes you can Jeff. But I would do it from Z1 or your local bike shop not Autozone.

[j12racer]

this is great stuff! thanks for the info! i need to replace mine also... is it much harder to replace the wires all together or do you have to replace the coil in order to do this? one more question. how do i test my coils? i have a multi meter but im not to good with electrical. any help is appreciated thank you.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Just have a look at my website, particularly the electrical section. You can replace just the wires but you have to be careful digging out the old wires.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[GabrielGoes]

Thank goodness Basscliff... i remembered as i was working on the bike today, i looked at the plug wire tips.. oh marone a mi! i cut off the tips and started freshhhhhh thank you for the tip on cutting the ends off!

[gert du prez]

7mm or 8 mm wires ?

Hi,

on the Z1-site, mentioned as 'recommended items' for the green 3.0 Ohm coils, I see a 7mm and 8mm suppression (core) wires. I have no idea what the difference is between suppression or copper wires ?

the difference in 7mm or 8mm, is that model related or more like a choice one has to make ?

[Nessism]

Hi,

on the Z1-site, mentioned as 'recommended items' for the green 3.0 Ohm coils, I see a 7mm and 8mm suppression (core) wires. I have no idea what the difference is between suppression or copper wires ?

the difference in 7mm or 8mm, is that model related or more like a choice one has to make ?

Suppression core wires have additional resistance so you don't need a resistor type cap (like the OE Suzuki and these NGK caps). Use either copper core w/resistor cap or suppressor core w/o resistor cap. Either works.

Oh, and 7mm is fine. 8mm wires are overkill for all but the most powerful ignition systems.

[Truth]

Very nice info Basscliff! Thank you for taking the time to do stuff like this. (rest of you guys too) You've been a HUGE help getting my bike ready to ride. In the middle of a ton of maintenance right now, and the laptop is always right next to me while I do it.