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Author Topic: Spark arcing from plug cap to the head - CB550  (Read 1725 times)

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Offline HawaiiMike

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Spark arcing from plug cap to the head - CB550
« on: April 29, 2008, 07:28:18 PM »
I've finally been doing some riding on my '76 CB550F after buying it five months ago.  There was bad weather, the front brake pads needed changing...etc.

Okay, I just got home and noticed the #1 cylinder plug cap had a spark arcing off it and onto the head at idle.  I had seen this before when I first bought the Honda.  At that time I removed each plug cap, looked to see the wiring was reaching the interior of the cap and reinstalled each cap.  That had seemed to cure the problem.  Now it's happening again.

Is it time to replace the wires, the caps or both?  I think the coils are stock.  The bike has a Dyna ignition system.

Thanks, Mike
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Offline Steve F

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Re: Spark arcing from plug cap to the head - CB550
« Reply #1 on: April 29, 2008, 07:35:47 PM »
Wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the coils/wires, especially if you ocassionally get caught in the rain.
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Offline HawaiiMike

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Re: Spark arcing from plug cap to the head - CB550
« Reply #2 on: April 29, 2008, 07:41:06 PM »
Where is a good source for new wires and plug caps? 

Thanks, Mike
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Offline cafe750

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Re: Spark arcing from plug cap to the head - CB550
« Reply #3 on: April 29, 2008, 08:50:02 PM »
I'd start with putting new plug caps on, they're about $5 each, and available at the Honda shop....
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Spark arcing from plug cap to the head - CB550
« Reply #4 on: April 29, 2008, 10:21:48 PM »
Do your caps have the rubber seals for both the wire ends and the spark plug end?
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Offline frappy

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Re: Spark arcing from plug cap to the head - CB550
« Reply #5 on: April 29, 2008, 10:56:13 PM »
I just noticed my CB350F is doing the exact same thing, except it's plug #3 - arking to the head, from the middle (about halfway of the side) of the cap.
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Offline HawaiiMike

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Re: Spark arcing from plug cap to the head - CB550
« Reply #6 on: May 29, 2008, 07:08:27 PM »
I changed the plug caps with NGK's all around.  The arcing has stopped and the bike idles better than it did before.

Thanks for your help guys.
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