Log in

View Full Version : Suzuki VL250 spark plug replacement and a loose connection for cylinder 1!



NomadSwap
30th July 2012, 19:47
Hi Guys,

Have been reading a lot on the forum, off and on.
But can't find related info so thought posting here would help get some help....

Background:
Bought 2007 Suzuki VL250 second hand in Feb2012, had done 3500kms
Was in immaculate condition from the new owner (am kinda ashamed I have not kept it as pristine since)
Commute: 15kms/daily - Rain or Shine (not bad for a newbie people say...)
Has done 5050 kms now.

I have not even checked tyre pressure yet (please don't torch me - it was checked before buying and everything else worked fine so no need to bother, or so I thought?)

Issue:
Since last few weeks, the bike starts but dies. Reading the forum extensively, this seems to be a warming up problem - I don't warm it up enough it seems.

But this is the main issue now - Suddenly when riding, the front cylinder spark plug seems to disconnect / loose connector wire? / bad spark plug?
So that cylinder cuts off, bike makes much flatter sound, exhaust seems to misfire and generally bike has to be at more than 1/4 - 1/2 throttle just to keep it from dying.

Recently diagnosed this (disconnecting) issue thanks to work mate who is into bikes who suggested doing some self-service as well.

Questions to help me do some self service, as mechanics out there seem too greedy:
Like one today, quoted me $400 for service without parts, and another refused to look at spark plug, even when I was ready to buy new ones off them...said it can be anything, and have to open the bike up to check...
I am new to bikes here in NZ, but not stupid. Spark plug is accessible without opening anything - didn't even look...?

Anyways -

1. Does this seem like an issue you have noticed or seen on a VL250 often - one cylinder/spark plug cutting off?

2. How can I diagnose myself further whether it is the battery/spark plug /or spark plug cord? Already bought 2 x NGK sparks..they were cheap.

3. Will I damage something major if I keep riding doing the following - Now since few days, I just pull over, remove and re-connect front spark plug
Normal deep sound comes back when I do this, by the way.

Nothing else seems funny...

If any one is free to have a look one saturday for a couple of hours, I am in Blockhouse Bay.
Will provide chips, coffee or beer as per choice...:tugger:

Cheers,
Swap

spanner spinner
30th July 2012, 22:10
Can't look at it for you as I no longer live in auckland, but the first thing I would suggest would be to fit new spark plug caps. The front cap on this style of bike gets all the road grime and water thrown at it and this can cause it to fail or intermittently cut in and out. These just screw on, a quick 5 minute job. Go see the part guys at your local dealer they will be able to help you with new caps. Plug caps fit all brands of bikes so any dealer should be able to help you.

jellywrestler
30th July 2012, 22:31
how do you know it's the front one? are you sure?

next mission if you're sure it's the front is simple parts swapping till the fault moves to the rear cylinder, then that's the faulty bit...