Topic: Found a new problem... spark plug cap

[jworth94]

I need some advise on my '74 550 four.

I ran my bike for about 10 minutes yesterday.  When I returned I heard a clicking sound near #1 cylinder.  I looked down and actually saw a spark arcing from the plug cap to the cylinder head side cover.  It was a very nice little light show my bike was putting on.

I examined the cap and saw what appeared to be a possible crack in that location.  It's too small to determine, but since the cap is arcing with the engine I've got to do something.

I've read some posts about unscrewing the cap from the coil wire... I believe.  I don't think I've got this type of setup.  The cap appears to be permanently affixed with the wire.  I checked the parts online and they even show as two seperate items, but mine looks to be one unit.  Is that correct?

What is the proper method to fix this problem.  I'd like to keep it stock if at all possible.  Can I just replace the cap on #1?  Should I consider new caps on all cylinders if all my caps are original? 

Jon

[grumpy]

You might have a permanently fixed cap.

Did you try twisting it / unscrewing it? Give it a twist & see if it comes off. Your cap is cooked so you can't make it worse.

If it is fixed then you can just cut the wire and replace the current cap w/ a screw on type.

Worst case - you have to replace the whole coil / wire set. Not a big deal.

[bryanj]

It will unscrew Honda never fitted moulded leads/capd to that bike

[jworth94]

Thanks guys, I got it.  I wasn't sure where it unscrewed, but it's obvious now.  The local Honda shop has got some new caps.  I'll definately replace the #1 cap and am trying to decide whether I should go ahead and replace the other 3. 

Jon

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Jon,

Thats an old bike dude. Replace all 4 if possible.

[jworth94]

Got all four replaced today and it didn't hurt that much.

They're NGK and not Honda.  The NGK's are about $5 a piece and the Honda's were more than triple that.

The installation was simple.  My future problem may be the lack of length on my inginition lead to the #3 cylinder.  It's getting a bit tight and I'd imagine at some point I'll have to make a decision on what to do.  For now, I think it's ok.

Jon