Spark plug change to fix cold start problem?

So lately I've had a problem with my bike being hard to crank when it's cold out. I don't blame it for not wanting to work when it's cold, I don't wanna either lol, but it's nice to be able to get it to start so I can get to work on time. Well anyway, it took about 20 seconds to start it the other morning and it wasn't exceptionally cold out, so I figured I might actually have a problem. So today I dropped by the local advanced auto and ordered a set of NGK Iridium plugs to replace my current plugs (bike has 10k miles on it now).

So now I'm wondering how hard it's gonna be to actually get the plugs out and change them. Do they have to be gapped? I'm sure Iridiums don't get gapped but idk. What else should I know before I change these things out?

 

Probably it's your battery on its way South. But new plugs should help a little. Plug replacement is covered in the FSM. Some models may require lower fairing removal, but in some cases the 2 bolts securing lower radiator mounts need to be removed so it can be tilted up for access to front plugs.** Be very careful not to bend any fragile radiator fins !! Gap MUST be checked/set to .030"-.032" even out of the box.

Something else u need to know: never install plugs into an alloy head without using some lube on the threads, Never-seize, bearing grease, or engine oil. And be certain you don't over-tighten or disaster will ensue !


**Gens 1 to 4

 

It's got a brand new lithium battery I just put in it less than a month ago. Battery is fine. Bike cranks fine once it's up to temp. Just cold starts are troublesome. It's an 06 VFR800.

 

Battery could be brand new but getting weak due to charging system problems. If new plugs don't help, begin studying cold-start troubleshooting guide in FSM.

 

Great. Not what I wanted to hear...

 

Does the bike have any mods done to? If there is a power commander on it you could have a wrong map in it. With it being low miles, how fresh is the fuel?
But like was said a factory service manual would really help you out. I have one on a disc but i still went and bought the paper book. Just seems a lot easier for me. Guess its another sign of getting old.

 

Lithium batteries don't work well when cold from everything I've read about them. Some guys have had to take them inside over night to keep them warm. I've heard that if it's cold then turn on the head light for a minute or two to draw current. This will warm the battery some and your bike should start better supposedly.

Just google lithium MC batteries and cold temps and see what you come up with.

 

No mods that I know of. No power commander. It's all stock from what I can tell. It's been thru several tanks of fuel so the gas is new. It's not old gas.

 

Funny thing is, it's got more cold cranking amps than the stock battery had. The engine cranks fine. Actually has no problem cranking. It's the firing that seems to be the problem. That's why I'm thinking it may be a fouled plug.

 

It could be the plugs. But chances are not all four would be fouled. And even if three were bad it would still start. It would run like crap but it would still start. I would still put some new plugs in it if for no other reason than peace of mind. I just bought an 08 with 775 miles on it and he has upgraded to iridium plugs. But i plan to put some stock ones back in it for my peace of mind as well.
After the plugs i would check all your breather hoses and emission hoses. The previous owner could have taken the airbox lid off and forgot to re-attach the flapper hose or removed it and didnt plug it up well enough. I would be giving everything a look. Like was said also check your voltage and charging.

 

I'll break into the air box eventually. Gotta figure out where it is first lol.

 

Unwise to proceed until you've studied the FSM.

 

Alright Dad lol. I learn best by breaking stuff then having to fix it. I should be getting a service manual in the mail sometime soon, but I don't have it yet.

 

The service manual is available on-line. Check the downloads section on vfrdiscussion.

 

Lithium batteries loose up to 50% capacity in sub 55F temps. There is not a lot of weight savings and they need a special charge card to charge them since lithium batteries do not charge the same as a lead acid. If your concerned about liquids then consider an agm type sla battery. Also think what that lithium battery is doing to your r/r! Your r/r is working harder because the expected load is not there. Means more heat in the r/r.

That said, starter valves and syncing. Then plugs. You can change plugs by lifting the gas tank. You dont have to pull the fairings off but it makes it way easier, as does airbox removal. You do not gap iridium plugs. Check that the gap is close to .035 and then put them in. They self gap. Use a finger gauge not a wire type gauge. Wire type damages the tip.

 

Believe it or not the cheesy toolkit spark plug tool helps ALOT...