Spark Plugs

[xlrik]

To anyone who has conducted their own service.
I found I had a little problem on our recent North East Chapter run - which I put down to Carb Icing, was getting a stutter at approx 4500rpm on motorway at approx 70mph - 80mph (it was absolutly pissing it down). It was usually happening on slight overrun but sometimes happened when I was opening the throttle too.

I will try some of the fuel addative - can anyone recommend some to use.

But also would like to check the plugs and leads - got to the leads today and look ok but will coat with water repellant anyway just to be sure. But when I went to remove plugs their was no tool in the kit as the bike was second hand the old keeper obviously kept it.
Can anyone comment if the proper Honda tool kit spark plug spanner is any good as to use a socket means I have to remove the hole tank to fit the long extension bar - and as none of my plug sockets fit I will have to purchase a new socket anyway so will get the proper honda item if it is a good tool.

Also found the two taps for fuel - after it was too late though!

Would appreciate any guidance

Rik

[tonyg]

The proper Honda tool kit spark plug spanner works ok, but I think you'd be better off with the correct size plug socket and extension bars/knuckle joints.

tonyg

[Barry T]

It doesn't sound like carb icing to me - it is not something that is normally associated with rain.   A good squirt of WD40, or better still remake the connections to the coils and give them a wipe of Petroleum jelly.

I found the Honda plug spanner worked OK.  I understand that you can remove the rear plug without removing the petrol tank.  My problem is that I only have one thumb on each hand - so I remove the petrol tank - when it is virtually empty!

On the question of plugs, I am about to replace mine for the second time in 43,000 miles.

[font]

 ???Which flavour of Petroleum Jelly should you use?
I am particularly partial to Orange.

[happychappy]

I believe Anne Summers do a lager flavour one 

[xlrik]

Sorry guys
You are thinking the wrong spark needs rectifying!

[xlrik]

Guys
Sorry to bring this up again - but still having a problem in damp cold weather - I will opt for changing HT leads but still seems to be a stutter like the carb icing I had on my Kawasaki. Can anyone recommend a fuel addative to help reduce the problem.

Also I now have 3 spark plug sockets and not one fits - cannot find the size of the socket stated anywhere and dealer hasnt got a clue how to go about ordering a tool kit (dealers eh they are bloody useless) can anyone measure the socket size and tell me the size I need. (I suppose I could just get a set of plugs for it but I wanted to get the right tool at the same time so the information would be good in advance.)

Cheers

Rik

[Honeymonster]

Rik, give David Silver spares a bell Click here for contact details  They are very helpful and should be able to sort you out with a new plug socket.

Silkolene FST is supposed to be good, have no first hand experience though.

HM

[Varaderoguy]

Sorry to bring this up again - but still having a problem in damp cold weather - I will opt for changing HT leads but still seems to be a stutter like the carb icing I had on my Kawasaki. Can anyone recommend a fuel addative to help reduce the problem.

Also I now have 3 spark plug sockets and not one fits - cannot find the size of the socket stated anywhere and dealer hasnt got a clue how to go about ordering a tool kit (dealers eh they are bloody useless) can anyone measure the socket size and tell me the size I need. (I suppose I could just get a set of plugs for it but I wanted to get the right tool at the same time so the information would be good in advance.)

OK - sorry to push my nose up on this issue (and believe you me I don't half get a LOT of stick for this comment) but here goes.

The problem you are having is indeed Carb Icing.  Now - aparently, the Varadero does infact have a carb heater, but this does not seem to work correctly on the MK1 Vara's.  I know about this, because I spent the best part of a year trying to fix this problem.  It is a NIGHTMARE problem, but hopefully the following guidelines will work.

1) Spark Plugs - my MK1 Vara used to EAT Sparkers - don't ask me why, but consider upgrading to an Iridium sparker and only change them every 32,000 miles.  You get a better spark and higher fuel economy.
2) Use SUPER UNLEADED.  It should resolve most of your misfiring and carb-icing issues.
3) Check your HT Leads - on my MK1 Varadero, the front sparkplug lead kept on disintergrating.  USE HONDA OEM part, because my garage at the time used non-standard bits and the HT lead connection went intermittent causing all kinds of problems
4) Consider using a plastic cover over the front of the front Sparkplug - this stops water and crap shorting out the HT voltage to the spark plug (I can send photo if you want)
5) Get your carb balanced.

That should do it

[xlrik]

Cheers Fellas

I believe it is Carb icing as i have insulated the plug leads and sealed them and still get a problem - but i am going to give the bike a good service so will treat her to new plugs ( will try your suggested plugs Max) and will then see if problem reoccurs ( will fill up with S Unleaded as I have run her down for service anyway as I like to remove the fuel tank rather than just tilt it ( can check filter box is clean and clean and rust prevent inner frame while I am at it).
If symptom persisits I will fit new HT leads - but would first of all like to narrow the diagnosis down a little so I know what it is if it occurs again in later mileage.

Once again thans for the info.

Rik

[funny]

i have fitted iridium plugs and they do work wonders, they do stop some of the stuttering,they have improved my fuel consumption.But oh boy just under 26 quid for two!!!!!!!!! tis a tad expensive.
they havent stopped the occasional back fire through the carbs though.
yes you can fit the rear plug with the tank on but its a real barsteward as it keeps dropping off of the strange crisscross metal thing on your fingers. far better to take the tank off(in hind sight).

Talking of expensive, 47 quid for an air filter from a dealer or 39.95 for a pattern one from the local back steet operator is this right I ask myself or is it just southern greed again??