Sparkplug cable needs replacing...

[Daza]

Bike: Suzuki Rgv250

Problem:
I need to replace one of my sparkplug cables as it's stuffed, flipping sparkplug (forgive me for my ignorance) cap/hood/what the hell you call it broke off when i went to check the spark plug, cos the old girl is only running on one cylinder I was abit worried that i might have some major internal problems like last time. Was hoping it was something as simple as a fouled plug. Ah well at least it isn't a major. The wiring in cable must of been very loose and no wonder on the way to work last week i lost most of my power. Stalled it twice at the lights, don't u hate that.

Always getting to the point, where can i buy a set of plug cables if thats what you call em? does it have to be ones for bikes? or a perrticular type?

I rang the bike shop this morning, and they said it could be hardwired on the other end, and would have to look at it...i'd rather fix it myself if i can. But haven't done this before, and a newbie at repairs.

Its it a pain the arse job to replace a cable?

Thankyee in advance for whoever can often me some advice

[Ixion]

You are unlikely to be able to replace the cable since it will be moulded into the coil .

But if it is only the plug cap (the black thing that actually fits onto the spark plug) that has come off, all you need do is trim back the end of the cable half an inch or so (pair of sidecatters). Then go into Repco or similar, with the 'come-off' cap, and explain, they will sort you out with a new one and show you how to attach it to the cable (they usually just screw into the end of the cable).

[Daza]

Thanks for your advice Ixion. The wire inside the end of cable came apart as if it was brittle, indicating that perhaps the wiring in the rest of the cable is stuffed, this bike is 19 years old after all. But it maybe worth a try.

So if this doesn't work, then it looks like the bike shop will have to repair it. Ah the joys of owning an old bike. Of course when its running sweet i don't complain haha.

[Ixion]

It will probably just be the wire at the end. Water gets into the end bit. That is why you must cut off the end of the cable, to get back to good wire. I have done this many times, the only problem is if the cable is so short (because of previous trimmings!), then when trimmed it won't reach! You can get cable joiners to add another bit of cable.

[Daza]

Just made a short trip to Repco the only replacemnt cap they had was alittle long and big. Looking at my current one it looks okay. I asked them how do i rewire it, and they didn't know, the senior guy has the weekend off apparently he would know.

The terminal point (me guessin what you call it) inside the plug-cap looks like a screw thread. But is half way inside, making it difficult to get at. So how do you re-wire it?

I want to be able to do it right, and not have it go loose on me down the road at some point, because its not done correctlly, fingers crossed isn't very compatible with murphy's law! I almost cried when my bike was helpless on one cyclinder when i wanted to overake a slow cager, i could barely do 100. I had to nurse it along instead.

[Subike]

Take the end of your ignition lead (cable) and ensure that it has a clean edge, as close to the break as possibile.
You say that your spark plug cap, has a screw up the inside of it,
Simpley screw you cap back onto your ignition lead.
If you find that your lead is now too short,
Go to an auto electritian retailer, Not Ripco of Super Rip off Parts
Tell him your problem.
He should be able to supply you with a High Tension inline connector for you high tention lead, and another 100mm of lead that you can use to extend you broken leed.
Look at each part, think about how and why it is connected, the obvious is sometimes too simple to see.
But if you cannot do the repair
DONT ride till you do

[xwhatsit]

You are unlikely to be able to replace the cable since it will be moulded into the coil .

Really? Is that a 2T thing? On my bike, you just undo a little plastic screw thing (like on a garden hose) around the lead, and you can then pull the lead out. Take a look at where the cable goes into the coil, first, Daza, you may be able to easily replace the whole lead. The CB400N I played around with today had the same thing.

[Ixion]

More of a Suzuki thing I would think.