OK, here's an initial report on the E3 spark plug. Unfortunately, it'll be about 2 weeks before I can take the bike out for a test run / ride.
I received the spark plug yesterday. First thing I did was check the gap, made a small adjustment & grabbed my tools. The NGK plug takes an 18mm socket & I used a 5/8 plug socket on the E3.
I had a hell of a time getting the socket back out of the head after I tightened it down. That could be I have a cheap socket or it just fits tight.
NOTE: The E3 comes with the screw on cap on the top, used on some vehicles. Remove that before you install the plug & find out you have to now remove the plug so your spark plug wire will attach to the plug. (See what happens when a guy gets a new toys & wants to play with right now !)
I got the plug reinstalled & finally got my socket out of the head, attached the plug wire, gathered up my tools & prepared to start the bike.
Yesterday, it was about 54 degrees where the bike was parked under a canopy & here's what I tried.
Starting the bike with no choke - it did start after it turned over 2 maybe 3 times. It ran for about 25 seconds & the idle started to come down, so I gave it some gas & it killed. I attempted to start the bike again with no choke, but it wasn't happening.
Starting the bike with the choke set to almost all the way as I usually do - the bike fired right up & the RPM's where to high, so I slid the choke down to about 1/3. Bike idled real smooth. After about 10 seconds, again the idle became to high & I turned the choke off. Real nice smooth idle. The RPM's where almost to high for my liking, but I blipped the throttle to see what it would do. Seemed crisp. After a couple of those, the idle came down a little & I told myself, "OK, I guess".
Today, it's about 42 degrees & snowing on & off. There is a cold wind & the bike is in the same location, in the shade, under a canopy, yet in the wind.
I set the choke at about the 1/2 position & hit the start button. It fired right up, no turning over once or twice. The idle was high so I slid the choke to about the 1/4 position. A nice smooth idle, I gave it some gas, there was no hesitation, or bog like affect. OK, that was nice.
After about 10 seconds, I was able to turn the choke completely off. The bike was idling very smooth & nice. Seemed to be a bit high again, so I blipped the throttle. Again, no hesitation or bog. Just revved right up.
So far, here's my impression - seems to make a difference. I have never been able to turn the choke off that soon or have it set at less than the 3/4 position, especially when it's cold or cool like today.
Would a new NGK do the same thing ? Not sure. I don't have one handy. I do know, my bike has never started this easy in the cold with an NGK.
Is the plug worth the $10 ? - I need to take the bike for a long ride to answer that one. However, so far, I'm pleased.
After I get to ride for a day in about 2 weeks, I'll update my report on what my impressions are on this E3 Spark Plug.
Later ....
Gunny :headbang:
