Spark plug assessment?

[AaronPDX]

How important is the maintenance schedule as far as spark plug replacing?
I think I'm due (at the 3100 mile mark). Going to take a look as soon as I can get in there, but if it looks fine (no deposits, cracks, wear) then is it fine to leave it or do you all replace everything religiously according to schedule?

(Also I've no idea how to measure the spark plug gap but I haven't researched it much yet.)

[Bill G]

Plugs are pretty inexpensive, so as long as you have it out, you might as well replace it.  You need a gap tool to adjust or to check the gap.  Since you probably don't have one, go to an auto parts store to buy your plug, and ask them to check the gap for you.  Most plugs come pre-gapped, but you want to check even a new one to make sure.

[AaronPDX]

Cool, that makes sense. Thanks very much, Bill!

[beermak]

Or get an iridium pkug and it will last longer than the scooter hehe

Enviado desde mi SM-G920I mediante Tapatalk

[ScooterLar]

I replaced the spark plugs on my People 250 and Grand Vista 250 this morning. I got NGK's for a little over $2 each at Advance Auto Parts. The spark plug in my People 250 was easy to get to, but it was a bit of a pain to get to the Grand Vista's plug. I had to remove both the center panel and the seat/trunk to get to it. The old plugs still looked pretty good, but for $2 each, it paid to replace them.

[AaronPDX]

Yeah, I tried to get into it last night. Got that behind-the-feet panel off, but I could not make out where the actual spark plug was! What I see doesn't match the manual. (I know, that never happens.)

Here's a pic. Left side of scooter (when facing forward). I'm pointing at what I thought held the spark plug. I loosened the rubber lower sleeve thing but it didn't reveal anything. Obviously I'm not the most mechanically inclined scooter guy on the board. Any advice?

[AaronPDX]

Oh, and another question: what's this bit of transparent tubing hanging off the opposite side? Fuel filter related? Kinda weird it just dangles there.

[ScooterLar]

You are pointing to the rubber boot that protects the spark plug wire where it is attached to the plastic spark plug cap. You need to pull off the plastic cap to expose the spark plug.


 

[AaronPDX]

Aha! Thanks ScooterLar. More fun will be had. I'm just afraid to break stuff and add to a heap of regrets, hence the baby steps. 

[ScooterLar]

Just take your time and you'll be fine. Good luck!

[Bill G]

Oh, and another question: what's this bit of transparent tubing hanging off the opposite side? Fuel filter related? Kinda weird it just dangles there.

It's just a vent tube.

[mrbios]

I don't recommend changing the spark plug until at least 10K miles.  I changed mine at 10.5K with the stock NGK DPR7EA9 (18mm Deep socket).  I don't recommend using anything but a stock plug as there is nothing to be gained. 

The reason I don't recommend going in under 10K is many scooters will never reach that mileage and many people knock off hoses and damage things and introduce problems when there was nothing wrong in the first place.  The frequent maintenance schedule is setup so you visit the dealer more often.  Nothing wrong with that but the plug and other stuff doesn't need to be changed ever 3K. 

Only recommend changing the oil ever 1200 mi.  Although, I forgot and went 4K mi between changes once!

Many may disagree with me but I out ride most scooter / motorcycle owners by a factor of 4X.  Right now my scoot has over 18K on it and still runs like it did when I got it with 2,600 mi.  Start, idle, full throttle on the highway, cooling, etc 0 problems except...

Repeatedly, cracked / welded the exhaust. 
Cleaned contact switch for rear brake light / start up - still acts occasionally.
Cleaned carb / clogged pilot jet many times - original owner let it sit with old gas.  No repeat problems in the last 5K miles.
Broke / fixed mirrors many times - kids getting the scoot, a drunk knocked it over, I laid my scoot down in sand on my own street. 
Misc small issues, replaced belt early at 10K, upgraded roller weights to dr pulley. Panel light goes on/off and is off most of the time.   Gas cap had problems opening and had to adjust the tension screw under the fairing. oiled all cables, perfect ever since.

Anything, cable, lock, ign etc that needs attention, clean, lube, adjust, gets it, oil chg ever 1200 mi.  Costco gas - premium, new interstate battery last year.