Do I need a service manual to replace the spark plugs on the ST?

[mehcoib]

Hi,

during this winter I'm doing some DIY on my 2015 ST-S: oil change, air filter, headlights adjustment, adding brake pads 'shims' (with 3M high temperature aluminium foil tape), etc. But my Spyder now has 22500 km (~14000 miles) and it looks like I should replace the spark plugs as well, according to the owner manual.

I saw posts of people saying they did it by themself and it was not that difficult, but I don't have a service manual and I don't even know where these spark plugs are located!

Most of the panels are currently off so I have the feeling it won't be a big job to replace the spark plugs by myself, am I right? Is it worth replacing the wires as well?

Can someone tell me how to proceed? Or at least where the spark plugs are located, I think I'll be able to figure out how to do the job then.

Thanks!

 

[pegasus1300]

Yes you should get a shop manual. No the job isn't hard and yes on your VTwin you should replace the plug wires as the BRP ones are fragile and could break very easily. The rear plug is on the left side and you should be able to see it if you have the plastic off. The front plug is under the air filter housing and it is best to remove it. Take your time and look at it closely to see how it comes off. Buy your plugs and wires from BajaRon a sponsor here who will take good care of you and supply you with the plugs, wires, and pastes that you need as well as directions on how to do it. There are you tube videos on plug changing on a VTwin,watch a few of those. Have fun getting to know more about your machine.

 

[Flamewinger]

Yes as they're not easy to get at plus you should tighten things per torque specs.

Gat the BajaRon plugs as well as the plug wires as the OEM wires are probably going to break during the process. I found a set of Crafstman plug cap pullers that made it easy to pull the caps off. Couldn't do it normally. To get at the front plug you have to remove the air filter housing and route the new wires from the right side to the left.

Canammauals.com

Plug cap pullers

 

[Bfromla]

opcorn:Gonna get all intimate with :spyder2: for Valentines :congrats::yes::yes::roflblack::roflblack: :thumbup:

 

[mehcoib]

thank you for your help!

I found the plugs, the back one seems pretty easy to access but I'll have to remove the air filter housing to get at the front one.
I sent an email to BajaRon since everybody seems pleased with his products.

I'll see if I can avoid buying the plug cap puller...

Again, thank you!

 

[JayBros]

That pair of Lisle spark plug pliers is less than $6 from Amazon. Don't cheap out on simple tools to help do the job. JMO, good luck!

 

[TONYO]

LOL! You are gona love this Keep us updated n ill pray fer ya. opcorn:

 

[glennm]

Is there a simple way to tell if the wires are oem or have been upgraded? Spydey had several upgrades before I purchased including the sway bar but the previous owner had no idea what may have been done it prior to her purchase. Thanks

 

[BajaRon]

Is there a simple way to tell if the wires are oem or have been upgraded? Spydey had several upgrades before I purchased including the sway bar but the previous owner had no idea what may have been done it prior to her purchase. Thanks

Pull the left side inspection panel off and look at the coil boots/wires. If they are plain black, then you've probably got stock wires.

 

[ARNIE R]

I just did the wire/plug change a few weeks ago. Took two days (panel removal and replacement and some lighting accessory wiring) and a lot of swear words. The hardest challenge turned out to be the removal and replacement of the front cylinder wire. It runs between the two cylinders under the air box housing and has a sharp 90 degree turn. In addition, there is a wire tie near this bend holding the wire in place. Couldn't pull the old wire out in either direction because of the wire tie. I did not remove the air box assembly due to having to cut more wiring harness ties that were in the way of its removal and trying to manipulate it off of the throttle bodies and out of the frame area, so that was my fault. Eventually, I cut the old plug wire and yanked the two halves out from either end.

Fishing the new plug wire in and around the 90 was an effort using a long stick and string set-up, but eventually, it came thru.

Yes, get a hold of a shop manual and study it well and allow yourself plenty of time and a comfortable working space (and good lighting - it's dark down inside that area).

Have fun and good luck! ray:

 

[mehcoib]

Rear spark plug removed with no issue (and no pliers), and new spark plugs and wires have been ordered (thanks BajaRon!). While waiting for them I can take my time to remove the front spark plug...

 

[glennm]

Pull the left side inspection panel off and look at the coil boots/wires. If they are plain black, then you've probably got stock wires.

Thanks Ron

 

[mehcoib]

Is there a simple way to tell if the wires are oem or have been upgraded? Spydey had several upgrades before I purchased including the sway bar but the previous owner had no idea what may have been done it prior to her purchase. Thanks

Here are mine, they are stock. (trying to join a picture)

 

[glennm]

Here are mine, they are stock. (trying to join a picture)
View attachment 187703

Thanks will check them out.

 

[SNOOPY]

Looking for spark plug gap on 998cc.... :read:



Edit: I see that the iridium plugs are basically pre gapped.

.