I will be replacing the air filter pretty soon on the cane and I have service manual as to the how to. However, is there anything I should be aware of. Do I have to go through the trouble of draining the gas tank in order to do so? I only ask since I'll be installing plugs as well. (I have searched but nothing seemed to go into detail)

Best regards,

 

A lighter gas tank will be easier to move around and less likely to drop.... but you don't have to. Don't drop anything into the carbs while replacing air filter. Do the plugs one at a time... keep them in order and compare them side by side to check engine health.

 

Like Billistic said, you don't need to drain the tank to remove it. Just make sure you turn the petcock (fuel selector) from on or res to OFF. A little fuel might come out when you pull the fuel hose off but it shouldn't be a lot. When you remove the fuel line there is also a tank vent hose that you have to disconnect, you don't have to but it's kind of long and vents down by the rear shock.

 

thanks for the pointers... I've heard certain sockets are known to be an issues fitting, when taking out the spark plugs? Also, should I be concerned about gapping, as I've heard NGK plugs are fine just tq them down.

 

I've had no issues using Craftsman sockets on plugs and yes, the gap should be fine out of the box but why wouldn;t you take 30 seconds to check it and make sure?

 

Thanks,

Glad I have good tools then and you are right. Measure twice, cut once.

 

In aus and new zealand we have a autoshop called super cheap auto, they do some motorcycle parts, oil/filters for offroad modals ex they had a great little motor cycle spark plug tool that was perfect for the job on the cane

As a matter of interest , whice plug is colder/hotter the 8 or 9? mine
had 9s, but only 2 of them? the shop only had 8s , its our winter here around 10 degres and less some days and the bike is running great with the 8s.

 

The lower the number the hotter the plug

 

Thanks for that, would it be advisable then to run the 9 in summer ? its our winter now and its runing great with the 8s.

 

it doesnt matter what season it is. It depends on how hot of a spark you need, it has nothing to do with the actual temperature of the engine. If you run too hot of a spark plug there wont be enough fuel for it to ignite, and vice versa.