Benelli 502C, Owner'S Manual, Page: 144 / 559

6 - 9
Periodic maintenance and adjustment
EN
6
Checking the spark plugs
The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Benelli dealer.
Since heat and deposits will cause any
spark plug to slowly erode, they should
be removed and checked in accordance
with the periodic maintenance and lubri-
cation chart. In addition, the condition of
the spark plugs can reveal the condition
of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the center
electrode of each spark plug should be a
medium-to-light tan (the ideal color when
the vehicle is ridden normally), and all
spark plugs installed in the engine should
have the same color.
If any spark plug shows a distinctly diffe-
rent color, the engine could be operating
improperly.
Do not attempt to diagnose such pro-
blems yourself. Instead, have a Benelli de-
aler check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other de-
posits, it should be replaced.
Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a wire
thickness gauge and, if necessary, adju-
sted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug gasket
and its mating surface, and then wipe off
any grime from the spark plug threads.
TIP
If a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn past
finger tight.
However, the spark plug should be tighte-
ned to the specified torque as soon as
possible.
Specified spark plug:
NGK CR8E
1
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.7–0.8 mm
Tightening torque:
15 N·m
1 1