Cleaning And Renewing The Spark Plugs - Ducati MONSTER 696 Owner's Manual

Cleaning and renewing the spark plugs

E
(fig. 101)
Spark plugs are an important part of the engine and should
be checked at regular intervals.
This is a relatively simple operation and provides a good
indication of how well the engine is running.
Pull the spark plug caps off the spark plugs and remove
the plugs from the cylinder heads using the wrench
supplied in the toolkit.
Check the colour of the ceramic insulation around the
central electrode: an even brown colour is a sign that the
engine is in good running order.
If the insulation is any other colour, or if there are dark
deposits, renew the spark plug and describe the condition of
the old plug to a Ducati dealer or Authorized Service Centre.
Also check the central electrode; if it is worn or glazed,
renew the spark plug.
Check the electrode gap, which must be 0.7 to 0.8 mm.
Important
If adjustment is required, bend the side electrode
carefully. A gap outside the specified limits will adversely
affect engine performance and may lead to difficult
starting or erratic idling.
Thoroughly clean the electrode and insulation using a wire
brush, and check the condition of the washer.
Clean around the spark plug seating in the cylinder head,
taking care not to drop any foreign material into the
combustion chamber.
96
Insert the spark plug in the cylinder head and screw in fully
by hand. Tighten to a torque of 20 Nm.
If you do not have a torque wrench, after hand-tightening the
spark plug, turn it a further half turn with the wrench
provided in the tool kit.
Important
Do not use spark plugs with an unsuitable heat rating
or incorrect reach.
The spark plug must be tightened correctly.
0,7÷0,8 mm
fig. 101