I just changed plugs and wires yesterday. I went with stock plugs and Symax 8mm red wires. My 96 ci 07 FXSTC has a Stage 1 mod. I gapped the plugs to 38 as Doc recommended. Test ride was AWESOME. She definitely runs better and responded quicker. The plugs I pulled were about 43 so at the max gap. Thanks Doc for YOUR infinite wisdom!

I own an aftermarket shop...this guy is just good, I have my customers go to youtube while we are working on their bike.Plus he is articulate.

Doc, thank you for your video. They are an excellent source of sound advice. Keep them coming.

Going to get spark plugs from the dealership right now thank you for sound advice and taking the time out to do these videos they greatly help us who aren't professional mechanics but can at least do minor repairs and upgrades

Great advise... this video gives you great details on the basic spark plug install . .little steps in this video add up to the proper install . . . no more ' hick' ups'.... thank you

As always, Doc, you are awesome. You make it seem so clear and sensible when you explain issues.

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that....Doc

Your dad sounds like a smart man, he taught you well. Now you get to teach us a thing or two about Harleys. Great video Doc, see you next time!

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

Great info. Thanks. Don't forget about the crush washer, needs replaced when you dress the plug and adjust the gap if you reuse the same plug.

Thank you for sparkplug tips. My 103 has a stage one kit currently which has been tuned at Harley Davidson so I recently changed my sparkplugs on my 2015 Ultra Limited to Screaming Eagle sparkplugs and also upgraded my plug wires to the Screaming Eagle plug wires. Hoping for a little more performance until I go to the next stage 2 kit.

NGK spark plugs feature what is known as ‘trivalent plating’. This is a silver-or-chrome coloured finish on the threads that is designed to provide corrosion resistance against moisture, chemicals and weathering. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without the use of anti-seize. NGK tech support has received a number of tech calls from installers who have over-tightened spark plugs because of the use of anti-seize. Anti-seize compound can act as a lubricant altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this important information. I am concerned about steal going into aluminum without lube🤷‍♂️…Doc

@martinelectraglide8490

Жыл бұрын

It's not a bad idea to have some antiseize compound on the thread of the sparkplug, but you have to compensate for the torque-value. This is a good advice you gave. Thank you for sharing your experience and background story. 👍👍👍👍👍. Greetings from The Netherlands

It amazes me how many people don't know how to do simple maintenance. Thanks for helping the world be a little bit more aware of proper care of their scooters

Wow! Got me thinking, 35,000 miles and don’t remember ever having them changes. Thanks

Great tip, with common sense. The good old school tune up: Plugs, Oil and Filters. I suppose we have done away with points by now but, My old 1980 FXRS80 had points.

Thank you Doc, I was getting tired of different dealerships telling that it's normal on a 2 month old bike. 2021 streetbob with 8200 miles on.

Thanks Doc! Perfect timing, I’m changing my plugs on my Iron 883 this week 👍👍

such an informative video, I needed this info. thank you sir !

Keep up the great work on all these videos Doc!!! Great feedback, we appreciate you boss 🫡

When you change your front tire change your spark plugs too.Thanks for the information, it's right on.

@buttheyreinvestmentsdear3132

4 жыл бұрын

Russell Linthicum this is true. I just bought a 2005 Sportster, with 11,000 miles on the clock, on the original front tyre. I’ve just replaced the tyre and the plugs too. Not too sure whether 15 years is a very good service interval though. 🙂

Going on a trip with my 2015 road king. While checking everything the stock 6r12 plugs have about 10,000 on looked good but I had another set of fancy iridium plugs in the toolbox. Tossed them in and bike started better & idled better. Wasn’t even gonna change them but glad I did

Excellent explanations Doc! That'll keep it runnin right. 👊

Thanks Doc I have a 2019 triglide the reverse stopped and I watched your video and reset the breaker it works fine thanks Joe in Valdosta Ga.

@almilani4300

4 жыл бұрын

Trikes are the way to go ! I swore I would never ride anything EXCEPT an Electra Glide. I just bought a 2019 Freewheeler and I've never looked back. Motorcycling is fun again and I feel much safer. Especially with my lady on the back !

Doc your old man was a smart dude. Thanks again doc

My Ultra Limited was getting hard to start at 14,000+ miles. Initially thought it was the battery as it is the original battery on a 2016. Decided to put in new plugs and what a difference. Bike fires right up and the power on the road is back. I didn’t realize the amount of power loss the old plugs were causing. I’m going to go with Doc’s advice and replace the every 10,000 miles from here on out.

Doc, thanks so much! My bike has had a hiccup every once in a while lately. I’m checking the spark plug when I get home

@jimscycleandautotn8508

2 жыл бұрын

and survey said ?

When I first looked at the title I said, “Yeah, why change them”. I learned something!

My service manual says change at 20K - My dyna is at 10K right now. I suppose I should check/change my plugs based on this video. Thanks Doc.

I know it’s a 2 year old video but just wanted to add according to the service interval per manufacture specifications on my 15 Road Glide 103HO it’s replace spark plugs every 2 years/30,000 miles which ever comes first. Yes I strongly agree with you keep it simple what you take out is what you put back in .... unless your doing major engine modifications such as altering the compression, etc than it starts to matter.

Hi Doc I agree with you, especially for people changing their own. Better performance for less than the price of a value meal, why not? My only thing is my bike has NGK plugs and after talks to NGK they told me no anti-seize because their plugs already have a coating. So I would say check to see if your plugs have a coating before adding anti-seize, could cause you problems over torquing the plugs

Doc Holiday dude is cool 😎👍🏼🏍 Great tips !

Good information. I change my plugs every 10K miles whether they need it or not. I think my service manual for my 2016 HD Streetglide Special says every 35K miles which makes no since.

Doc, I know that I am a bit late to everything. I have a 03 fat boy. So I am new . I love it as everyone else does. I want to thank you for your videos. You are giving me a ton of information. No way can I ever thank you enough Sir!!!

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your support Dale....Doc

grate advice .. spark plugs are so overlooked now days.

Great presentation and advice.

Doc I could not have said it any more clearly. Perfect, plus check your wires for being dried out and the boots over the plug. I alsways change them out at 10K but i use NGK and changed out to Harley Fat Wires. Tech tip...carry a spare set in your bags...what $15.00 to save headaches. No brainer

He's like the Alton Brown of Harleys

@mrpink1216

3 жыл бұрын

Spot on dude

NGK, gapped at .040, change every 5000 miles. Cant go wrong.

@TraceyAllen

Жыл бұрын

There is nothing better than the stock oem plugs. But if I can’t get them, then ngk.

Got 15k on my 2020 and haven’t had a single issue starting it, however it’s been in storage for 6 months (I’m deployed) so I went ahead and bought a new battery, spark plugs and wires. Thank you for the explanation, I almost forgot about swapping them.

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing and watching our videos...Doc

Correct flame kernel without straining secondary windings is key! Good one Doc! ✌🏻

@bddawson9139

2 жыл бұрын

I really don't understand what you're saying could you expand on that

My bike has 9k miles on it. Just added a S&S cam and a Vance and Hines exhaust. Been having a very hard time getting it tuned. Pulled the plugs and the gaps were closed (under .020) not sure how that happened but she runs much better with the proper gap

I change mine every 3-5 thousand and even then I notice a difference. Here in New England the weather changes drastically in a day, plus with a Mikuni you be could be lean today and rich tomorrow, add traffic and heat, it’s a recipe for abuse.

Great video! Learn something everyday

One additional comment to spark plug changing is to not over-tighten. It's easy to do. Best is to check the service manual and use a torque wrench. CAUTION: if you use anti-seize as Doc recommended, the torque value in the service manual DOES NOT APPLY. The torque values in the manual are for clean, dry threads with only the oil from manufacture. Anti-seize will cause much higher thread loads by the time the torque value on the wrench is met.

@clarktferrill

5 жыл бұрын

And ..with the extreme heat the anti seize can get down into your cylinder heads not a good thing.. I base this on car racing if you want your plugs to foul extreme temperatures put some anti seize on them

Good info .Spark plugs can be cleaned and gap can adjusted. Riding for over 25 years. Plugs have never been a problem. I only had one ever fail completely. A little maintenance goes a long way . .

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

2 жыл бұрын

Great point....Doc

Thank you. Makes sense! Will do.

Check plug tops, make sure they are tight. Anti seize threads, and a little dielectric grease on plug top and a little in the boot for ease of slip on. Champion Spark Plug Chart shows you how "Spark plugs tell a story", you can find them online, or buy one and stick up in the garage.

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

Жыл бұрын

A good follow up Tech Tip….Doc

Doc....thank you for all your tutorial & how to video's. Spark plug question. 2012 Street Glide,stock 103, just turned 40k miles. I use the factory recommended plugs. On recent 40k service at dealership,tech showed me my 5k mileage plugs installed at 35k service) and very top of outer electrode (ground strap),had white deposit. Bike always ran and performed very well. Center electrode had normal wear,no build up. I changed fueling station,but kept using 93 octane. Tech said cylinders and piston tops look good. Any knowledge on why top of electrode had white deposit? Oil migration? (piston rings? valve stem seal /seats? head gasket?) Should I request a compression test on each cylinder? Is it too much to change plugs every 5k miles now that mileage on bike is climbing?

My own experience on my 2007 Ultra I installed true duel exhaust, Vance and Hines mufflers, high intake air and with this a Fuel pack. I have found that between 6 to 10 thousand miles my check engine ligh comes on and takes longer to go off. When I change spark plugs this remedies the problem. Change Spark Plugs Spark!!!

Good video, allot of great info.

Great tip Doc. plus spark plugs (not talking about the ones that are hyped to boost your HP rating by 50%, or they are so intense they would ignite space shuttle fuel) are so inexpensive, would only make sense to put in new plugs even at 6 to 8 thousand miles. Your Harley's worth it!!!

Doc Harley, One thing you did not discuss was resistor spark plugs. They have a built-in gap also in the ceramic stem. You can’t see that but that gap also wears down and gets round. I usually change mine every oil change. They’re not that expensive and I ain’t doing anything while I’m waiting for the oil to drain.

Hey VN, when u take something (voltage) it's the same as receiving, Da. don't try to knock what this guy has to say. He takes the time, has the knowledge and his presentation is relaxed and positive. Thanks Doc.

Thanks for the information

You are very logical and dead on accurate

Yes sir great tip . I change mine every year at beginning of the riding season .... I live in the north ....lol

@peacefulwarrior4078

4 жыл бұрын

Yep do the spark plug replacement at every oil/filter change too 👍

Here's why I disagree with a 10,000 mile spark plug replacement. 1. Engines run closer to the stoichiometric A/F ratio, so plugs stay cleaner. 2. Modern engines have higher ignition voltage, making for a hotter spark and easier to jump the gap. 3. We no longer use lead in the fuel, and fuels are better than those of years past. 4. Engines are better built and have lower blow-by minimizing oil burn and resultant plug contamination. I change mine at 50,000 miles...never a hiccup.

@cptdenny007

2 жыл бұрын

I over looked changing my OEM spark plugs at just under 69K miles. I didn’t notice any performance issues on my then 110” 2015 CVO motor. I plan to change them at 20K miles from now on.

Excellent... Thank you sir 👍🏾

Very interesting! Thanks!!!

Just awesome ! congrats & thanks

Nice and to the point. 👍

I appreciate your videos Doc!

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that..Doc

Great advice.

I normally change my spark plugs every 1500 miles or 2000 depending if I'm getting ready to head for bike week. I bought this little case that holds two spark plugs. I have three of them and when I change my plugs I put the old ones in this plastic case. That way if someone else riding with us has an issue I have spark plugs with us so we can get back to riding. The only stuff that I use on my bike is Harley-Davidson parts. I'm not going to name aftermarket brands that I try at the beginning when I purchased my first Harley. The parts that these aftermarket people sell just do not have the same quality that a Harley-Davidson part has. I use their spark plugs I use the oil when I change lights it's always Harley-Davidson. Great video a lot of people just do not think about their spark plugs. Even with the frequency of me changing my plugs I can feel a big difference the next time I ride my bike.

@mikecianelli9144

2 жыл бұрын

can you tell me where HD. makes their oil ? I don't think so.

Love your videos… 🔥🔥🔥changing mine this week jus hit 10k

They are $4-$10 bucks each depending on brand and where you buy them. Personally I buy the HD silver and change mine with every oil change. But I also ride my bike almost every day, year round. Take care of your ride and it will last longer.

may I add one thing to this. When you change your plugs use a torque wrench and set them to the proper torque.

@alexpiccione610

3 жыл бұрын

and Use anti seize on every spark plug

Good video. I notice many Harley riders spare little expense on their "babies". Most NEVER wait until the mileage specified in the maintenance chart, yet every other machine they own they won't replace a part until it breaks. The arguments that "plugs are cheap", "cheap insurance", "why not just replace them?" makes little sense. If a spark plug cannot last more than 2,000 miles, you bought a crap plug! In the video he refers to the fact that Harley has extended the mileage interval for spark plug replacement and that is for a good reason. "Doc Harley" states the plug is exactly the same. I cannot say with certainty that he is incorrect, but as an auto technician I know plugs have evolved immensely over the last few years. He is absolutely correct when he said the electrodes erode and the gap widens, but the metal which was used was steel or copper. THOSE plugs lasted 30,000 miles in a car. Today the mentality of plug design is to treat the 2 electrodes with platinum or iridium. These 2 precious metals are able to sustain much more abuse without wearing down. Sure, a 2 cylinder engine will fire the plug more often than my Dodge pick up V8, but come on, 2,000 miles!!!? I have much better things to do and remember than to change the Iridium plugs in my Dyna every 2,000 miles. If you're bored and want to "FIX" something on your scooter, check the tire pressure against factory recommended psi. I bet they need air.

@trailerparkcryptoking5213

2 ай бұрын

He didn’t say change them every 2000 miles........he said 10,000 miles, big difference.

Agreed ,for all you young guys out there ,try starting a kick start 6 volt FL Panhead with bad plugs .

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

2 жыл бұрын

Been there, got the T-shirt and larger right calf.....Doc

Hey doc how are you? Regarding to your video witch as alway it’s very interesting and teachfully, I would like to ask you, what about the coils? I recently bought a KV tester and yes, I could test my spark plugs from 10 to 40 KV (understanding that any reading between 30-40 KV its a good indication of the coil condition) but I really would like to know your experience about this in case you use it! Once again, thank you very much for “taking me out the savage” and best regards from Mexico! Paco Balmori

I have a 2015 Limited Low. The owners manual says change every two years or 30k miles, whichever comes first.

Thank you!

When I was in auto shop on high school (1000 years ago) I was assigned to rebuild an old Maytag GAS POWERED washing machine engine. The spark plug was dated 1918 and it was a fat little guy. Here's the big thing; it had a little 8-bladed fan on the bottom, NOT the typical spark-gap thing (I'm sure there's a name for it but I don't know what it is) like today. Have you ever seen a spark plug like that? BTW, I had to use it and it still worked like it was brand new!

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. I have a few unique spark plugs but none with a fan…Doc

Good info for many. Thanx

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Gremlyn….Doc

I have to say. Doc makes a lot of sense.

Good advice

Good monning Doc-Harley 👍. Have a blessday. 👀👂

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

2 жыл бұрын

We appreciate the blessing....Doc

Great video and advice. Plugs every 10k miles is cheap insurance. Use the OEM plugs.

I was wondering the same thing. My old Yamaha Star 950 recommend 8k on the plug replacement but then I got my 2014 Street Glide and the OM said 30k.. Why the big difference? It's still a V-twin design.

I have a kawasaki concours 14 and still trying to figure out why the service tech said every 4 thousand miles kawasaki want spark plugs checked? Thanks for the info!

Outstanding

Doc Harley I am from Brasil we love your videos. On my next trip to usa ill visit your Store, and i would like to takea picture with you.

@ozziejim8472

6 жыл бұрын

He's a genuine HD tech............ so it's gonna cost ya!! ;)

@ozziejim8472

6 жыл бұрын

"Highlighted reply" HAHAHAHAH! crack me up!!

@williams2652

5 жыл бұрын

About $65.00 per half hour, NYC.

Sir good night, excellent explanation, congratulations on this video I am Brazilian and I am watching your video here in Brazil, I am looking for a video on how to repair the LEDs on the Fat Boy panel, you could make a video about it.

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your suggestion. ~ Doc

Doc nice tips

Do you have a video on how to determine an abs light on my 2010 Limited FLHTK ? If I go thru odometer button it gives P55P66. Is there a scanner I can buy to check abs light ?

Thank you dad

Thank you Sir!

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!....Doc

Getting on it today

Thank You Sir

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

10 ай бұрын

Most welcome….Doc

You're taking about New Plugs and the Gaps. Took the plugs(Factory) out of my 2018 1200 Custom. Checked the gap. One cylinder was at .035. The other at .040. Only 200 miles on Odometer. Replaced them with a set of NGK Iridium. Found over the years the Iridium last longer. Ran a set of NGK in a Street 750. 10k Miles and no wear. NGK said not use Anti Seize. It affects the Ground. And the oil runs down the heat sink.

He's got me convinced.

i change plugs every fall when i put the bike away for winter (OHIO) along with all three hole of oil....put on about 6K a year....good insurance...

Heres my advice to harley owners. Have a pouch or use your saddle bags and keep four new spark plugs and a ratchet and socket in any harley you use. When you start them cold and one cylinder doesnt fire until it runs for 10 seconds (which is common), change the plugs. Some will miss out and you have to keep reving them when theyre cold, change the plugs. For the record I have had the best luck with auto lite spark plugs. You have to cross reference them to know what size, as my twin cam uses a different size than my evos. Always also be sure to compare the reach of a plug with the old plug, because if your reach is longer you can knock a hole in a piston top or if too short can result in carbon. Also, keep a round plug gap tool on your key ring, so you can gap them

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

2 жыл бұрын

Earl it sounds like you could write a book on the knowledge you have gathered over the years of riding. Thanks for sharing..Doc

@EarlGuyton425

2 жыл бұрын

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Havent learned that much about the M8 yet though. But from what Ive seen I think the M8 version appears better mechanically than the TC B version due to gear to counter balancers instead of the guide and chain

Iridium plugs have an anode and electrode so hard, they don't wear nearly as fast. Their gap stays constant. Also, torque down your plugs properly. My 1200 Sporty starts right up, cold or hot.

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience….Doc

Concur Sir

I change my plugs every spring then halfway through the riding season, 2 oil changes @ 3500 miles each.

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

25 күн бұрын

Wow……Doc

Thanks sir

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

2 жыл бұрын

Welcome...Doc

Good advice 👍

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍....Doc

Thank you for the great videos. Can you do one on installing a charging port on the handle bars for a cell phone?

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

2 жыл бұрын

Nice idea. What model were you thinking about?....Doc

@Wayz5145

2 жыл бұрын

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson on a 2015 Road King Put a charging port up on the handlebars by my cell phone holder.

I like the E-3 spark plug.

@waygone6657

5 жыл бұрын

Yup, got a pair in my bike. Not sure how long they are going to last. Don't really see a lot of difference in gas mileage but I get a lot less pinging with them when I can't get good gas. Not every place around here has premium gas.

Doc, I can't Find the gap. Spec for replacement plugs in my service manual. Where do I get that information? Thanks for your help sir.

I watched a video on screaming eagle spark plugs and wires and coil what’s your opinion DOC ? on Change stock to the screaming eagle on a 1200 custom Harley Davidson 2006?