Reading Spark Plugs; Ignition Timing (Liquid-Cooled Engines) - Arctic Cat Cougar Service Manual

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1. Insert a wire feeler gauge between the center
and side electrode (Figure 53). The correct gap
is listed in Table 8. If the gap is correct, you will
feel a slight drag as you pull the wire through. If
there is no drag, or the gauge will not pass
through, bend the side (ground) electrode with a
gapping tool (Figure 54) to set the proper gap.
2. Apply antiseize to the plug threads before
installing the spark plug.
NOTE
Antiseize can be purchased at most auto-
motive parts stores.
3. Screw the spark plug in by hand until it seats.
Very little effort should be required. If force is
necessary, the threads are dirty or the plug is
cross-threaded. Unscrew the plug, clean the
threads and try again.
CHAPTER THREE
Ignition Timing (Liquid-Cooled Engines)
All models are equipped with a capacitor dis-
charge ignition (CD I), but all the systems are not
alike. Some use normal open stop switches and
others use normal closed ignition switches. All
of the systems used are much less susceptible to
®
MEASURING PLUG GAP
4. Use a spark plug wrench and tighten the spark
plugs to the torque specification listed in Table
7. If a torque wrench is not available, tighten the
plug an additional1/4 to 112 tum after the gasket
has made contact with the head. If you are in-
stalling an old, regapped plug and reusing the old
gasket, only tighten an addition 1/4 tum.
@
CAUTION
Do not overtighten. This will only squash
the gasket and destroy its sealing ability.
This could cause compression leakage
around the base of the plug.
5. Attach the spark plug wires. Make sure they
snap onto the top of the plugs tightly.
CAUTION
Be certain the spark plug wire is located
away from the exhaust pipe.
Reading Spark Plugs
Much information about engine and spark
plug performance can be determined by careful
examination of the spark plugs. Refer to Chapter
Four.