Spark Plug Condition

[corrcullen]

I just changed the spark plugs on my 1998 VT1100C with 14,000 miles on it.
No service history, so I dont know when they were changed last.
Attached is a picture of the ones I took out.
They were quite oily, and the picture was taken after I wiped them with a rag.
I noticed that whoever fitted them, didnt screw them in very tight, they were barely screwed in, the washers were were not compressed at all, so I was surprised at how loose they were.
Any opinions on the condition?
I also changed the air filter which appeared filthy, completely black.

[Big B]

Those plugs look like their practically new. No wear on the electrodes at all. Hang on to them.

[corrcullen]

Originally Posted by Big B

Those plugs look like their practically new. No wear on the electrodes at all. Hang on to them.

ok fair enough. Notice the crack around the collar of the electrode on the first plug on left, am guessing that happened when I removed it and dropped it on the drive.

[jpr1968]

1+ for Bernie. I bet the last owner replaced them shortly before selling. They look hardly used. That crack appears to be new so it probably happened because you're a clutz.

[FreakShow]

Did you drop the 3rd from the left too? It looks like the gap is 1/2 or less than the rest of the gaps.

[gat803]

Other than the absence of any wear, they also appear to be burning perfectly.

edit. It is not necessary to muscle a spark plug down very tight. It depends on what motor they are going into, but similiar to an oil filter, turn 'em until the washer touches the head and go another half turn or so. For plugs without the washer just a gentle pull after the shoulder hits the head. Remember, heads are aluminum and very soft. Always use anti-seize on the threads of new spark plugs.
.

[walker311]

I read about a new tech that uses laser spark instead of spark plugs.

Those plugs look fine to me.

[93gc40]

Cleanum, Gapum and Runum. They are fine........ Relatively new or from well maintained bike. My plugs have over 15000k on them and look almost the same.

Do you know which hole each plug came from? With these 4 plug V-twins, it helps to know which plug is which, when trying to read the plugs.

[trabb47]

I don't think I would reuse plug on left with that crack in it. Did plug #3 come out with the gap that close? No need to over tighten when reinstalling, you will be sorry if you do. Anti-seize is your friend.

[Inferno]

The rule of thumb is once you drop a spark plug you should drop it in the garbage can.
It's not worth the hassles it can cause if it's been internally damaged.

I'll add that they all appear to have been tap gapped. It's where the spark plugs started out with a much larger gap and were tapped into gap. This is a common backyard mechanic method of gapping plugs and it's HORRIBLY wrong.
You actually want the bottom electrode to be horizontal, or parallel, to the center electrode. This gives a greater area of spark jump. The way they are set they will burn out quickly and won't give a great spark.

Start with a fresh set of plugs and gap them properly.