Spark Plug Change Interval

[am3098]

The spark plugs were changed in my 1500 about 35K miles ago. The bike seems to run good and fuel mileage hasn't dropped off, but I'm just curious of what the recommended change interval is for plugs on the 1500?

Thanks,
AJ

[dingdong]

My manual calls for 8000 mile intervals.

[MikeB]

Changing the plugs now is not a bad idea but you will most likely not see any appreciable change in performance and/or fuel economy.

I think mother Honda advises plug changes at 8,000 miles to maintain fuel emissions at the lowest possible level but I do not have an exhaust analyzer to test that theory.

Those plugs will work perfectly well past the 60,000 mile mark.

[keithg64]

The changing of the plugs is in my winter maintenance schedule. I'll run between 15k to 20k miles per year.

[FM-USA]

My spark plug change interval is when one cylinder starts misbehaving. .. .. NOOoot.

Every year I pull out the EZ to reach 2 rear plugs and ohm test it. As long as the ohms are not climbing, I put'r back in after checking the gap. I'll also look for material degradation on the business end of the plugs, don't need a piece flopping around in the cylinder. That's extremely rare to happen.
So far I got way over 100K on a set of Iridium plugs, but I do have another set on hand when needed.

[WingAdmin]

I change my plugs every other year. Not because I notice a decrease in performance - but because I worry about the steel-threaded plugs bonding themselves into my aluminum head!

[julimike54]

Maybe that's why I change mine? Just don't like the idea of anything sitting around too long, can't be good, right!

[am3098]

Thanks for the information guys. I went ahead and changed the plugs since they're reasonable at Cyclemax ($15 for 6), and it was pretty easy job.

In doing some research, I ran across several opinions pro and con using anti-seize on spark plugs. I've always used it for the reason that WingAdmin noted; steel plugs in aluminum heads. Permatex recommends the use of copper vs. aluminum anti-seize, I assume for better conductivity. However, NGK has a tech bulletin out discouraging the use use anti-seize. Their tech support people said that if the threaded area of the plug is shiny, that's a coating they apply specifically to prevent seizing. They claim that using anti-seize may cause over tightening the plug and mess up the threads or break the plug off. I went ahead and used a small amount the copper anti-seize anyway since I was able to pick up one of those small job packets that they have by the registers at the auto parts store. I also torqued the plugs to the 12 ft. pound factory spec. The old girl fired right up and runs smooth as silk; not bad for a 22 year old bike; I love my Goldwing!

[Big Bee]

I changed my plugs yesterday a 1000 miles before the recommended interval (16,000) in preparation for an upcoming trip. The old plugs have normal wear, and all were 0.003 inch out of tolerance on the high end. Myself, I use anti seize compound each time I change plugs. There isn't a problem since a ground is also through the plug body and gasket on NGK's.