Sand on spark plug

[trilliumliz]

Removed the spark plugs to check the valve clearances - found sand on this one. I don't ride it in sand but I did ride it in the winter when there was sand/salt/grit on the road.

How do I prevent this??

 

[Firefight911]

Don't ride.

At the end of the day, this does no harm whatsoever. When performing maintenance, etc. just get an air gun and blow out the hole prior to removing the plug. Clean and dry for reinstall, ensure the boot is seated completely, and just ride it. The only way to keep it clean would be to put it in a museum and that would be criminal. It's an adventure bike. It's supposed to get dirty.

 

[trilliumliz]

That's out of the question.

It's OK to have sand down the boot?

 

[avc8130]

That's out of the question.

It's OK to have sand down the boot?

Clearly can't be that bad...we assume you rode it running into the garage...

ac

 

[jajpko]

That's out of the question.

It's OK to have sand down the boot?

Dirt will get past the coil assembly . Just make sure you blow out the dirt before you pull the plug.
I used a lot of dielectric grease on the o-rings when putting the coils back in and that will help trap dirt.

 

[trilliumliz]

Yes - it ran fine when parking it in the garage.

Thanks everyone for the reassurance and helpful tips.

 

[motoguy]

Just riding in the rain will get sand in everything. Nothing to worry about. I know it was said before, But be sure to blow out the sand BEFORE you pull the plugs. You don't want that stuff getting down by the pistons.