What would cause an array of sparks from the sparkplug boots

So I guess the ticking noise I was hearing from the valve cover is not the valves, but instead, a series of sparks resonating from the sparkplug cap. I took her for her inaugural ride last night. Everything was perfect, but when I got home I heard this odd ticking noise. Only because I was in complete darkness was I able to see a series of sparks dancing around the top of the plug boot (not wire) and the engine block. It occurred on the two left hand side plugs, but not the other two. I’ll buy a beer for the person who can explain this one. If it helps, the plugs are new and the bike was dry. Jay

 

I'd take a look at the spark-plug-boot-to-ignition-wire connection. You've got too much resistance somewhere there which is causing the spark to go to ground at the block instead of through the spark plug. Dismantle, clean and retest to see if that's the case.

 

Look at the Plug Caps with a magnifying glass. It could very well indicate that there are some hairline fractures in the Plug Caps.

 

Don,

I'm all over it. But dismantle how. Will the caps separate/screw away from the coil wires?

 

Yep. You may need to slide back the protective rubber booty that keeps water from going down the wire, but the plug cap should just unscrew from the wire (Righty-Tighty, lefty-loosy). You'll need to clean the cap stud, and inspect the wire for corrosion. Also, don't forget about the plug-end. Clean, clean, clean. That's the name of the game.

 

Re: What would cause an array of sparks from the sparkplug b

I can think of plenty of things to clean with, but what would you use/do? I was thinking of a non-residual rubber restorer for the boots once clean. What do you think? Thanks again! Jay

 

For the boots? Sure. But for the electrical connections: electrical contact cleaner. One that completely evaporates with no residue, such as CRC's Lectra-Motive cleaner (PN 05018).

 

Don't forget to smear a little dielectric grease on the rubber bits to smooth the installation, protect against wetness, and provide electrical isolation (it is non-conducting).

 

I just do a monthly "Armoral Festival"

I paint the stuff on everything.
I have an array of brushes and go after All my rubber parts and lines with a brush-on or a wipe-it-on and leave it.

I just squirt the stuff right on the Tranny Boot and let it drip dry.

Hardest part to do is the front tire. I can't rotate it ... so, I do it in sections.

Stealing the tooth brushes from the Rest Room in the Dentist Office is the Fun Part ... I have enough tooth brushes to outfit a Battalion!

 

Actually I would just replace the caps, but if you want to keep them you need to check the resistance after cleaning them. Should get 5kOhms from one end of the cap to the other.

 

I have the same issue with a couple of my wires. I just got this bike last week and I'm learning all these issues.

I think I know the answer to this one, but does this effect the way it runs and mostly idles?

 

Re: What would cause an array of sparks from the sparkplug b

I have a similar problem with this new 750 I got. I have some minor arching from a plug wire to the block. I'm gonna try to replace the wires on the original coils, as I really dont want to invest in a new set of dyna coils.

Eww.. I wouldn't want to join your battalion. I feel sorry for those that are.

 

They're new tooth brushes.
They come wrapped in plastic.
I wouldn't snag somebody's toothbrush unless I had some really bad Carb Bowls to clean.

I was wondering how well my daughter's electric toothbrush would work on that Carb Bowl varnish.

I'll bet somebody already thought of that one!

 

Re: What would cause an array of sparks from the sparkplug b

You already have. 1st Civilian Division, 1st Armchair Battalion...

"You are addressing a superior officer!"

"No, sir... merely a higher ranking one."

-- Bruce Dern/Kelsey Grammer, "Up Periscope"