Sunday, June 26, 2011

GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

This post documents replacing the spark plugs on a 2007 Suzuki GS500F. This is very easy to do on the GS500 since the plugs are exposed. Suzuki recommends checking the electrode gap clearance every 4,000 miles or 12 months. Suzuki also recommends replacing the spark plugs every 7,500 miles or every two years. The correct electrode gap is between 0.8mm and 0.9mm. The recommended plug is: NGK DPR8EA-9. The GS500 needs two, one for each cylinder.

GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

The tools I used:
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

1) Put the motorcycle on the center stand to make it more stable
GS500 Gas Tank Removal

2) Carefully pull the spark plug boot off of the top of the plug.
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement
Boot removed and spark plug exposed:
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

3) Then use compressed air or a rag to clean around the base of the spark plug.

4) Using an 18mm deep socket or spark plug wrench, remove the spark plug
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

The old (left) vs. the new (right). The gap on the old is over 0.9mm and out of spec. The electrode also appears a bit worn.
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

5) Check the electrode gap on the new NGK DPR8EA-9. It should be between 0.8-0.9mm.
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

6) I added a very small amount of anti-seize lubricant on the threads of the spark plug to make it easier to remove in the future.
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

7) Hand tighten the plug and then use the wrench another 1/4-1/2 turn. The engine is made of aluminum and it could easily damage by over tightening.
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

8) I used a small amount of dielectric grease on the end of the spark plug to prevent corrosion.
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

9) Attach the spark plug boot and ensure it fits snuggly.
GS500 Spark Plug Replacement

10) Repeat on the other side.

11) Go for a ride!

Other GS500 Guides/Howtos:

10 comments:

  1. Good pictorial guide Chris, wish the V-Strom's plugs were this easy to get at....

    dom


    Redleg's Rides

    Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dom: If I recall, you used to have a sidecar rig with easily accessible plugs.. :)

    My SV's plugs are a pain just like your v-strom -- move the radiator and gas tank, bleh.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank u for this posting,it really helped me for the winter storage.THANK YOU

    ReplyDelete
  4. Why do some of your pictures show a spark plug without an electrode gap while others do? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Never mind I realized I was looking at some of the pictures upside down. Thanks for your guide!

    ReplyDelete
  6. For the 'F' model (2008) I had to remove the lower fairings to expose the plugs. Easy to do with an allen wrench, but worth mentioning. Thanks for the great tutorials!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very good information and pictires. Thanks it helped me a lot.

    ReplyDelete