|  | Topic : Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. |  |
| | | GerPa | | Jupiter |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 10/12/2011 | | Posts | : | 1,919 | | Location | : | Mackay, Central Queensland, Australia |
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| | Posted : 18 Mar 2019 - 09:13 Post title : Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. | | | About to embark on a LDR to the middle of Oz so dont want any unforeseen problems
Just got my Valves Checked and Plugs Changed today and here is some history that might help people make some decisions with some confidence.
My 2010 1600 has always run on Fully Synthetic Oil. The First 30k on Amsoil 20W50 and the last 30K on Penrite 20W 60 or 10W60. and gets changed every 10,000klms and has run 99.9% of its life on Unleaded Ron 91 Fuel.
The bike does not get Flogged but does NOT get nursed also. It might have been a "Mid Week Build " Bike 
Valve Specs.
Inlet 0.10mm to 0.15mm
Exhaust 0.15mm to 0.20mm
First Valve Check and Plug Change was at 19485 Klm,
Results
Inlet .15, .15 .15 .13
Exhaust .2, .2, .2, .2.
All within specs 
Last Valve Check and Plug Change at 60,240 thus 40,755 Klms Life.
Results
Inlet .13,.12,.13,.12
Exhaust .18,.19,.17,.18
All within Specs
Below is a photo of the plugs @ 40,755 Klms and in my opinion they display a Perfect Burn. 1 x Plug was hard/tight to get out and had some corrosion on the electrode tip / cap so ensure you coat your threads with the appropriate lube when fitting the plugs,
So based on what I have above I feel under the same condition it will not be getting another check and plug change until the 100,000 klms or next 40k interval.
One could also think that you MIGHT even get to 100,000 klms without doing a valve check.
|  May-2011-1600, 20306 Tune, Mustang Vintage Solo Seat, Meerkat Cat Bypass, + Meerkat Modified Short TORS   ,K&N Air Cleaner,K&N Oil Filter, JBQ lifting system, Gold Plug Magnetic Sump Plug,Dart Fly screen, Rivco Risers, GiPro Gear Indicator, Breakaway Cruise Control, Avon ISO Grips, Scorpion Western Low Handlebars, Kury Switchblade Pegs, Garmin Zumo390LM,Michelin RC2 on Front RC 3 on ,Modified Rear Drive Pulley Hub Bearings (Mat1600/Alex4 Modification) Front Susp: Std & 7.5W Oil /126mm Air Gap & Rear:Hagon Nitro's with 26Kg/cm Springs + Lots of other "Bling" stuff.
| | Post edited by GerPa on 18 Mar 2019 - 20:57 |
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| | | danr620 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 28/06/2016 | | Posts | : | 92 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 18 Mar 2019 - 12:44 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: Ge | | | Jupiter,
Thanks for the report. Mine is 2010 BB kit. With 16000 miles, After the kit was done at about 9900, I think I am good for awhile. Was wondering about the plugs, will probably chk them.
thanks again and ride safe.
Dan
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 18 Mar 2019 - 16:02 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. | | | Gerry (and Jupiter :) another great write up.
I hope it's not difficult to remove plugs for the first time. If I experience unusual resistance, probably let penetrating oil do its job overnight.
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 18 Mar 2019 - 22:29 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: Ge | | | Gerry, at what km did the K&N filter go in?
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | GerPa | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 10/12/2011 | | Posts | : | 1,919 | | Location | : | Mackay, Central Queensland, Australia |
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| | Posted : 19 Mar 2019 - 08:54 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: L | | | Lee ,as discussed I have tried everywhere to back track the fitment date of the K&N and my guestimation is about 14 to 15,000 Klms ago.
Sorry mate I know that dosent help.
| May-2011-1600, 20306 Tune, Mustang Vintage Solo Seat, Meerkat Cat Bypass, + Meerkat Modified Short TORS ,K&N Air Cleaner,K&N Oil Filter, JBQ lifting system, Gold Plug Magnetic Sump Plug,Dart Fly screen, Rivco Risers, GiPro Gear Indicator, Breakaway Cruise Control, Avon ISO Grips, Scorpion Western Low Handlebars, Kury Switchblade Pegs, Garmin Zumo390LM,Michelin RC2 on Front RC 3 on ,Modified Rear Drive Pulley Hub Bearings (Mat1600/Alex4 Modification) Front Susp: Std & 7.5W Oil /126mm Air Gap & Rear:Hagon Nitro's with 26Kg/cm Springs + Lots of other "Bling" stuff.
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,661 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 19 Mar 2019 - 09:37 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: Ge | | |
GerPa wrote:
Valve Specs.
Inlet 0.10mm to 0.15mm
Exhaust 0.15mm to 0.20mm
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I have been working with Engines/Motors for about 47 years now. During those 47 years, I have learned a lot, and also made many mistakes. That said, in this case, where we are talking valve lash, my experience is that manufacturers always chose the clearance well to the safe side. The disadvantage of that, is increased valve train noise, and possible increased wear.
The first thing I did, when I got the bird, was to check all on the Engine, including valve lash. The clearance was within specs, so I left it as is. After 2000 km. I checked again, took out the cams, measured all shims. Ordered new shims, for intake valve clearance 0.075, and exhaust 0.1 mm. Later I ported the cylinder head, and cut new valve seats, re-shimmed the valves, again to 0.075 on intake and 0.1 on exhaust.
This has now been working without any problems, for more than 25.000 km., and the advantage is less valve noise, and larger cam duration.
Further I have checked valve lash on the hot engine, and on both intake and exhaust it is 0.025, witch is perfectly acceptable.
I do not advocate for others to follow my example, anyway on your own risk, just pointing out, that with care, it is possible to optimize.
Together with me fitting the manually adjustable cam chain tension, it has greatly reduced valve train noise, especially at hot engine.
My 2 cents.
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
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| | | alatamoc | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/06/2015 | | Posts | : | 73 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 19 Mar 2019 - 22:10 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: A | | | Definitely do that. The shop managed to snap one of my plugs during its 12k miles service last year.
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 19 Mar 2019 - 22:55 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: S | | | I have not been game enough to set my clearances to the minimum specs, not being sure how long I could get before the tolerances closed up.
I did the clearances on a mate's bird last year, I think his was around 65000kms and had only had the dealer service check at 20k. Most of his inlets had closed up so that I could not get a .02 gauge to fit. Usually my inlets close up, exhausts stay fairly constant at the wider spec.
I've been suspicious of the triumph foam air cleaner letting dirt through, affecting the inlets.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | Slcharger | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 18/02/2016 | | Posts | : | 1,661 | | Location | : | Denmark |
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| | Posted : 20 Mar 2019 - 01:29 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: | | |
Leethal wrote:
I have not been game enough to set my clearances to the minimum specs, not being sure how long I could get before the tolerances closed up.
I did the clearances on a mate's bird last year, I think his was around 65000kms and had only had the dealer service check at 20k. Most of his inlets had closed up so that I could not get a .02 gauge to fit. Usually my inlets close up, exhausts stay fairly constant at the wider spec.
I've been suspicious of the triumph foam air cleaner letting dirt through, affecting the inlets. |
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Lee, my specs are below minimum specs, and the reason it woks, is that the cams let the valves close softly, because of the reduced clearance, compared with maximum clearance.
Closeup in clearance mostly come from valves slamming into the seat. The larger the clearance, the bigger the slam, and the more valve noise.
Just think of the Ducati Desmodromic valve system, where the valves are closed and opened, without a spring.
| Big Bird, Bordeaux with " Celtic theme " Airbrush, 2010, 1700CC, ABS, 65.000 km. Lowered with Nitros rear shocks, Linear front springs, Burchard forward footrest kit, Kuryakyn ISO grips, LOTS of chrome, SLcharger REV2+ tune, Modified Cee Baileys windshield, Oil pressure gauge, Air box elimination kit, Portet cylinderhead, Intake cam advanved 8 degree, Exhaust cam retarded 2 degree, 10.5 C/R, Knock sensor, Machined flywheel, DNA Chrome Spoke wheels, 18x8.5"- AVON AV72- 240/40/18, 21x3.5"- AVON AV71- 120/70/21, Corbin seat with backrest, 20W fork oil. Hiflo HF303RC oil filter, Penrite Racing 20-20W60 engine oil, Adjurl lights.
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 20 Mar 2019 - 22:12 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: | | | Kim I get the reasoning behind your clearances, do you still leave your valve service at 20K?, or do you check more often as your clearance at hot temps is .025 that doesn't seem to leave much margin if checking is left for longer periods. I like to leave mine at 40k as it's one of the jobs that I find tedious.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | MtnRider | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 25/04/2018 | | Posts | : | 26 | | Location | : | Colorado, United States |
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| | Posted : 10 Apr 2019 - 19:21 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: Ge | | | After faithfully having my valves checked at the 12,000 mile intervals for the first 50,000 miles, I let them go past the schedule for a little over 2000 extra miles. It took the dealer 10 weeks to diagnose and do the valve adjustment when I took it in for "Won't Start". Apparently the intakes were too tight to close.
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 10 Apr 2019 - 22:49 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: M | | | Interesting
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | Snyperx | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 14/10/2015 | | Posts | : | 175 | | Location | : | Madison, Wisconsin, United States |
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| | Posted : 18 Apr 2019 - 16:39 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: M | | |
MtnRider wrote:
After faithfully having my valves checked at the 12,000 mile intervals for the first 50,000 miles, I let them go past the schedule for a little over 2000 extra miles. It took the dealer 10 weeks to diagnose and do the valve adjustment when I took it in for "Won't Start". Apparently the intakes were too tight to close. |
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10 weeks??? Sounds like you need a new dealer.
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Regards,
Snyperx
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2012 Thunderbird 1600
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| | | davetac1 | | Thunderbird | | | Reg. Date | : | 06/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,379 | | Location | : | Haverhill, Ma., United States |
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| | Posted : 06 Dec 2019 - 17:30 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: | | | I'll give you guys alittle tip regarding changing plugs: Always do it when the motor is cold! Why?? Cause the heads are aluminum and the plugs are iron,hence the expansion rates are different.In other words,you could strip the threads in the head[s].And when ya do change plugs in any motor,especially ones that use aluminum heads,always,ALWAYS,use alittle never-sieze on the plugs' threads! Don't ask how I know,but let me say this: Experience is a great teacher.
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| | | davetac1 | | Thunderbird | | | Reg. Date | : | 06/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,379 | | Location | : | Haverhill, Ma., United States |
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| | Posted : 16 Dec 2019 - 20:14 Post title : Re: Settling some of the Concerns and Controversy over Plug Life and Valve Adjustment Intervals. (Re: Ge | | | I've been changing spark plugs on all my bikes [the new Indian included]at the 25,000 mile mark,and they were ALL :STILL" in good shape,but since I had the old ones out,I figured I may as well put new ones back in,and will continue following that procedure,desspite what the SM,dealership, or others ,say.
Regarding the valves,I NEVER checked em over the 125,000 miles I traveled with my Tbird,because they never made noise,and the motor ALWAYS idled and performed very well. My previous bike,a 99 Yamaha RSV,had 200,000 miles on it,and when I checked the valves at that mark,[but only cause the valve cover gaskets were leaking] they were ALL STILL within spec.
So my point is: If you allow the motor to warm up before driving off,change your oil at a decent interval,and don't beat the shit out of the bike,[like too many guys do],there's no reason why ya have to check the valves or change the spark plugs any sooner.But that's me,and as you guys should know by now,I'm PRETTY STUPID!!
I've been telling the guys on the Indian site the same thing,but 99% of em have more money then brains,and a lot of time to waste,instead of enjoying their rides.BUT,each to his own!! Dumb as a door bell,Dave!!!
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