Triumph Tiger 800 Spark Plug Service And Coil Check

Spark plugs are a motorcycle maintenance item that any rider can accomplish using a few hand tools. Checking the ignition coils can be a little more intimidating, but with an inexpensive meter and the demonstration in this video, that task is easy too. Watch as my son changes the plugs and we check the coils of his 2013 Triumph Tiger 800XC. Other bikes will be very similar.

[@tinks43]

Great tutorial for those that don’t know 👍🏻

[@davidecosoli7374]

Well Done! I am waiting for electric starter replacement in the future, many thanx for the videos☺

[@edsyphan3425]

I like that trick with ziptie on the fitting. Getting that hose off always fights me. Doing the valve check is about the only thing I don't like about the Tiger after 60k.

[@tinderboxarts]

I should have filmed the valve check last time we did it, but I'll do that next time. On this bike the valves were in spec at the last check. Glad to hear you've got 60K on your Tiger, at least we know it can last!

[@edsyphan3425]

Yes, has been bulletproof, outside of the problem they all had with the shift drum. Mine is a '12,I'm sure that has been addressed in the newer ones.

[@chipkosboth3233]

What do you do when the bottom of the coil comes off? The rubber housing that fits around the plug?

[@tinderboxarts]

Did you lose the rubber down in the spark plug hole or did it come off after you had the coil out? I think they are molded on, but obviously a little force will pull them off. If the boot is down in the hole still on the plug you might try slipping a hook from a pick set under the bottom of the boot and pulling up as you slip it around. Or, make your own tool out of a coat hanger with a little hook on the end. Whether the boot can be reattached to the coil, I'm not certain.

[@supertony4708]

Will the check engine light come one when you have a fail ignition coil like in cars? I accidentally break the small plastic ring on top of coil (around the epoxy). Will it cost a new ignition coil or just leave it be? Just the ring on top broken when I use a tool to pull it out. Please help!!

[@tinderboxarts]

I'm not clear on which part is broken on your coil. However, if you do the two resistance tests shown in the video and the coil still checks out, then you may be okay. The computer will display an error signal like a car and that error can be read with a code reader, but I can't say if it would pick up the problem you mention. If your coil is broken in a way that allows the spark to "leak" out to a nearby ground then that would be a problem. I suspect you'll know pretty quickly once you restart your engine.

[@adasrh]

What is that dielectric paste?

[@tinderboxarts]

I can't recall now, but it's nothing special. You can get it at any automotive parts store. Permetex is a widely sold brand. The dielectric grease serves to keep corrosion at bay and keep water out. It doesn't conduct electricity, that is done through the mechanical connection of metal to metal. It just protects that mechanical connection.