How to Replace Harley Spark Plugs & Properly Set Gap

[@steveross2797]

Couple of points: set the gap to the minimum as the centre electrode wears during use, opening the gap. As others have said use anti-seize. When tightening use a torque wrench and keep checking until you get consistent torque several times due to the crush washer on the plug seating itself under load. To open the gap use the proper lever (usually on the plug gap gauge), don’t lever against the electrode as it can be damaged. Great, simple video! Cheers from Australia! 👍🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@michaelmorgan5714]

Can I give this 3 thumbs up?

[@09FXDB-XL883C]

One other thing I noticed was that he didn’t apply any dielectric grease to the plugs.

[@dejonsmall9886]

Before removing the plugs, use an air compressor to blow the dirt from around the plugs as a precaution.

[@nickgibb4687]

good call mine gets changed every year. its cheep

[@stevesherlock5334]

Yep and dielectric grease on the boots

[@michaelmorgan5714]

@@stevesherlock5334 You saved me the trouble. I'm a retired mast electrician. How do you feel about anti seize on the threads? I use it others don't Gixerfoo does not thinks it caused a problem once. Don't get me wrong I appreciate his videos.

[@stevesherlock5334]

@@michaelmorgan5714 I personally don’t. I’ve never had plugs get seized up. I change them every year on my bike and it’s garage kept so everything stays pretty clean.

[@chrisphilhower6029]

@@michaelmorgan5714 NGK said Not to use it. It Interferes with the Ground. And the Oil runs into the cylinder. I sent hem a picture of a plug years ago. That's what the Tech told me.

[@LarryWard-s7x]

I got 110 thousand on factory plugs and wires. I'm blessed on this bike with no problems.

[@lisar3006]

I just bough a 98 FLSTF that d had been in storage in a climate control building since 2014. It was a one owner bike with 27K on it. It had the original factory plugs in it and were fine. I did a full service and of course and changed them out but I kept them as back ups in my tool bag.

[@mcbainhvac]

Copper anti-seize will help prevent any gulling of the aluminum threads in your head the steel and aluminum don't like each other if you happen to over tighten or over heat this will help they have a high temperature anti-seize. Also always keep an extra plug on your bike and the a spark plug wrench just by a cheap one.

[@michaelmorgan5714]

Not to mention excluding moisture and air to eliminate corrosion.

[@emerybarg6424]

Harley wants you to use Champion plugs. I tried a different brand and ended up with problems. It missed or spit/sputtered. Took it in and they went right to the plugs and put the champion back in it and I have never had troubles since. 88.6k miles and still riding. :)

[@RyanUrlacher]

Good info. Thanks for sharing with the community.

[@carlossojo9127]

I always take off the tender before warming the bike for 0:00 at least 5 minutes. After warming it, I place back the tender if I'm not running the bike for a while. Thanks!

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Ryan. Replaced my plugs (and battery) following the owners manual at the start of the 2020 season. Used plugs from the Harley dealer and near enough the same price as a discount auto parts retailer. This was right before installing the Ciro 3D Spark Plug Hut (which they don't seem to stock anymore?).

[@xedder1]

Thanks Ryan for continuing to produce videos related to the 2014 Mt. Rushmore Harley Davidson bikes. I have the 2014 Limited and your videos and instructions are always helpful. Safe Journey to you, your staff, and all my other bike-a-holics!!!

[@chrisphilhower6029]

Hey Ryan. My 2018 Sportster 1200 has Accel Plugs in it now. Weird 18mm size. Runs fine with them. When I did my plugs, Used Silicon Grease on the Boot Contact. Have about 12k on the bike now. He probably should have Twisted them first. I have seen people Pull and Rip out the innards or the Boot. Cleaned out my T-Body and AF today.

[@gloryland59]

Thanks for the simple video without all the hoopla.

[@scottthornton9237]

While your in there: Run your fingers up the plug wires! (I got this info from the Harley-Davidson forum): The plug wire rubs against the weld on the bottom of the fuel tank. Causing a cut into the insulation of the plug wires. I don't know about you but, i don't need a 20,000 volt spark zapping my gas tank! Besides causing a serious miss in the ignition. My ride is a 2014 Ultra, I wrapped a copious amount of electrical tape around the divot that i found in my forward plug wire.

[@charleswilburn7656]

I found same thing on my 12 RK. Wrapped electrical tape as well.

[@garryeuler9173]

Nice video....Like to see ya do the same for an M-8 engine(4 plugs).....

[@cptdenny007]

Somehow I over looked replacing my OEM spark plugs on my 2015 Road Glide CVO (I hate when that happens). I changed mine out at just under 69K miles.

[@954Lacko]

Hey Ryan! Thanks for your videos! You are inspiring me to start doing the basic maintenance on my 2018 road king! I do not have a mechanic background, but with the service manual and your videos i am confident that i can do it right! In the recent weeks i am looking for a good torque wrench, can you recommend me one with both ft and inch pound settings? Than you and Marry Christmas!

[@davidsantibanez4122]

Just bought an 11 Electra glide and is losing power while riding then regains it. I’m hoping that by changing the spark plugs it would be fix if not i guess it could be the intake maybe that needs to be changed? Fuel pump? Carburetor?

[@sulimanothman]

Should the battery be disabled before starting the process of changing the spark plugs?

[@nanoswithabackbone232]

Should you disconnect the battery to do this?

[@DeafStunts]

Hi Ryan, Merry Christmas 🎄 and thanks for continuing your channel. 💯🙂👍🏽

[@Matamotoblog]

How many torques does it have in the spark plugs 😀

[@crazylouie68]

Opinions on anti-sieze before installing ?

[@1975harleydad]

I recently purchased screaming Eagle spark plugs to go with my screaming Eagle 10 mm equal length wires, screaming Eagle cams and plate, screaming Eagle slip on, Screaming Eagle intake/filter and Dynojet tuner. However, I have heard that the gap for Screaming Eagle plugs is different than stock plugs. Is that correct or should I stick with the 0.38-0.43 rule?

[@davechurchill416]

Great information. Thanks

[@RyanUrlacher]

U betcha

[@rushtk2112]

Are there any vids how to do it on a 00 flhtcui

[@olSta1948]

Could you a video On how to change the fork oil on a 2013 Dyna switch or similar bike ?

[@RyanUrlacher]

We've filmed that already. It's in the bucket. Not sure when we'll get it released. Stay tuned.

[@RobertDorsey]

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from our family to you and your's... from Alberta Canada... love your videos and all you do for the biker community... I hope you are having a wonderful and blessed day!!

[@ironsteed5766]

Can you show on an M8. I understand you have to lift the gas tank.

[@CovenantAD33]

4:06 my twelve year old sense of humor laughed at this point… 😅

[@freebird3190]

Dude Love your Videos I'm no novice been riding my whole life and working on them.. but at 52 I Finally bought an Ultra Classic Mostly for my Wife's Sake .. Damn those plug wires are a bitch but I got em without pulling the tank ! Your videos make things a lot easier than just the Service manual .. Love your Documentary's as well.. Keep up the Great work !

[@HospitalmanMikey]

No anti seize?

[@Sam123QU29]

NGK has suggested not to use them as it leaks down

[@HospitalmanMikey]

@@Sam123QU29 Dang glad I asked! Thank you sir

[@FLHRC2013]

Always use copper anti-freeze!

[@switchingearsgarage648]

Most new plug designer says don’t use any anti because they are pre coated. Ride safe

[@RyanUrlacher]

No need in our experience. Never an issue. Go for it though if you like.

[@scott_0492]

obviously you meant anti-seize, but some less experienced folks will be confused by your reply....

[@FLHRC2013]

Switching’ Gears thanks for the up to date information. Research revealed that not only is anti-seize not needed but it causes increased spark plug heat. Will stop using it!

[@FLHRC2013]

Anti-SEIZE not freeze

[@David-yo7sy]

Is there any benefit or problem putting some grease or anti seize on the plugs?

[@scottquier929]

Grease - not a good idea. The copper anti-seize will help ensure the plugs don't seize in the cylinder, making it much easier and safer to extract them the next time. Just my take on the matter, but gotta remember I'm nobody's expert.

[@hcoffandersen]

Yes indeed there is...👍🏻

[@RyanUrlacher]

You certainly can, but we've never had an issue not doing it. Go for it if you like.

[@xenyyrockkstar]

Hi Ryan, I have a 2014 Ultra Classic. Do I have only 2 spark plugs or 4?

[@xlrider1565]

No anti-seize on the threads before installing them?

[@RyanUrlacher]

Nope, not needed and never do. they come out fine. Put it if you like.

[@SunshinePaleMoon]

Any thoughts on the Screaming Eagle plugs?

[@SunshinePaleMoon]

@@gucci4871 that's what I'm hoping- plus the SE exhaust

[@gcdiver]

Ryan, my Sportster owners manual indicates 11-18 ft pounds of torque. Is it safe to set the wrench at 15 ft pounds?

[@RyanUrlacher]

That's inside the specs, so I'd say yes. Ride safe & Ride Often! Check out this KZbin Channel as we have a ton of free videos for you! Check out our useful for purchase videos: www.lawabidingbiker.com/buyvideos BECOME AN ECXLUSIVE MEMBER-GET BENEFITS: www.lawabidingbiker.com/patreon Leave a flat donation: www.lawabidingbiker.com/donate Shop in the Official Law Abiding Biker Store: shop.lawabidingbiker.com Subscribe to the Law Abiding Biker Podcast: www.lawabidingbiker.com/app Join our free email club: www.lawabidingbiker.com/emailclub

[@0873sp]

I have a M8 motor that I believe has 2 plugs per cylinder, correct? Secondly how do you know if they are bad?

[@RyanUrlacher]

Yes, 4 on the M8. There are many pictures/guides online that will show you what different colors and conditions of plugs mean. Technically, if your bike is running fine then they're good. I could not go too long. They aren't expensive.

[@0873sp]

@@RyanUrlacher gotcha Ryan. Appreciate it. I do keep the factory recommended maintenance up and so far, I have 35K miles on the original spark plugs and they are still running great. The only problem I have had with this motor were two defective head gaskets and I suspect the builder of my engine just took 2 old ones off the shelf that just had to make it on my engine. Of course, Murphy's law. Lol. Other than that, I have had 0 problems with my engine. I'm so glad I had the ESP!!

[@nietolkj]

Does anyone know what the torque specs for just replacing the throttle body not manifold on a 2020 rd glide with 107 engine. Did a mess up and cracked my t.b trying to put on a arlen ness air breather damm rookie

[@waygone6657]

You don't need a plug socket and ratchet. I carry a 6 in adjustable wrench, it works fine. Not all plugs that fit your Harley are the same wrench size. The adjustable wrench fits them all :-)

[@Sam123QU29]

This was the comment I was looking for. Sweet

[@carlossojo9127]

Hi Ryan, I owned a 2014 HD Street Glide. During the summer time I don't use it so often, during that time what I do instead is warm it inside my garage every two days w/o any kind of problems except 3 days ago, I proceed to warm it as usual and I noticed that right after a few minutes she turn off by herself. I proceed to crank it but now dont want to start. So, here I am not knowing what to do or what kind of basic troubleshooting that I can initiate. Could you kndly tell me a few ways to try to fix my bike. Can you kindly help me on this important matter? Carlos Riverview, Florida

[@LifesApancakeFlipIt]

@carlossojo9127 your battery needs to be left on tender simply running your bike in the garage for 5 minutes actually hurts the battery more than not starting it at all and plus you should run it around for 15 minutes but yeah definitely needs to be plugged up if not riding

[@skiphughes9511]

Yeah do a real bike M8 road glide top plugs are fun

[@josetorres-ld8ij]

Mine look super rusty what/how you suggested me removing them

[@ridefitnation]

Excellent

[@Jeff82556]

The typical gap for most Harleys is: 0.038-0.043 in.

[@--J--]

another great vid

[@RyanUrlacher]

TY

[@xlrider1565]

TY.

[@4freedom3per]

No lube on the threads????

[@nicholascollin7467]

Can anybody tell me what make that small fairing/cowl is on the front of that dyna in the background ?

[@nicholascollin7467]

From 2:00 in

[@jonathanwilkins03]

Third comment! Yay me!!

[@RyanUrlacher]

Rock on!!

[@skiphughes9511]

Yeah do a real bike M8 road glide top plugs are fun

[@skiphughes9511]

Yeah do a real bike M8 road glide top plugs are fun