Ducati Super Sport SS800, Owner'S Manual, Page: 61 / 89

61
E
Cleaning and replacing the spark plugs
(fig. 65)
Spark plugs are essential to smooth engine running and
should be checked at regular intervals.
This is done quite easily and quickly and provides a good
measure of engine condition.
Remove the l.h. fairing, remove the spark plug caps and
spark plugs from the cylinder head using the wrench
supplied with the bike.
Check the colour of the insulating ceramic material of the
central electrode: a light brown, even colour is a sign of good
engine condition.
If colour has altered or you find any dark deposits, change the
spark plug and report this to your Dealer or authorised
workshop.
Check wear on the central electrode. If it looks worn out or
has a vitreous appearance, change the spark plug.
Check electrode gap: it should be
0.6-0.7 mm .
Important
If the gap needs adjusting, be very careful when
bending the side electrode. If gap is too wide or too close,
engine performance will be affected. This could also cause
difficult starting or irregular idling.
Clean the electrode and the insulating material accurately
using a small metal brush and check seal condition.
Clean the seat in the cylinder head. Be careful not to let any
foreign matters fall into the combustion chamber.
Refit spark plug into cylinder head. Tighten until thread is fully
into the head. Tighten the spark plug to 20 Nm.
If you do not have a torque wrench, you can use the wrench
supplied with the tool kit to tighten the spark plug an
additional 1/2 turn.
Important
Never use spark plugs with a heat rating other than
recommended or a thread length other than standard.
Spark plugs should be tightened properly.
0,6÷0,7 mm
fig. 65
DUCum_SS800#####07###e.book Page 61 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:00 PM