So I have been issues getting my bike so start. Once it fires up it runs great. I took a look at the spark plugs that came with the bike that I have been running the whole time, they are Champion RL82YC, when I google search it and cross reference it shows that they would be on an XL1100. The bike also cam with a set of Champion J12YC in the saddle bag, when cross referencing that shows they are correct plugs for a Panhead I believe. When I put the J12YC plugs in I am unable to get the bike to start at all. Any idea what could be going on? What plugs should be in there? Does the brand matter?
thanks
Sportster Xl1100 Spark Plugs on a Panhead?
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RUBONE
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Re: Sportster Xl1100 Spark Plugs on a Panhead?
Pete808,
Does you Panhead have original heads on it? If so the stock plug was an H-D 3-4 which is the equivalent of a Champion J12Y. There are many plugs that work that are again..equivalent. That means they are the same length (important), the same heat range (necessary for clean burning), and the same thread size. People are as fanatical about plugs as they are about what brand of oil to use. Try the basic one first. Be sure the gap is correct, older machines use a smaller gap than modern ones (H-D specs .028 on most older stuff). Also try to get plugs not intended for electronic ignitions as they are resistor types. Not good on an old fashioned points/coil ignition.
Does you Panhead have original heads on it? If so the stock plug was an H-D 3-4 which is the equivalent of a Champion J12Y. There are many plugs that work that are again..equivalent. That means they are the same length (important), the same heat range (necessary for clean burning), and the same thread size. People are as fanatical about plugs as they are about what brand of oil to use. Try the basic one first. Be sure the gap is correct, older machines use a smaller gap than modern ones (H-D specs .028 on most older stuff). Also try to get plugs not intended for electronic ignitions as they are resistor types. Not good on an old fashioned points/coil ignition.
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Pete808
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Re: Sportster Xl1100 Spark Plugs on a Panhead?
As far as I know the heads are stock. I will grab some HD 3-4 plugs and see if that improves anything. I had to leave my bike last night in a parking lot because it died on me and I couldn't get it started again. Hopefully it is there when I get off work.
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blewcrab
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Re: Sportster Xl1100 Spark Plugs on a Panhead?
Pete ! u better get that thing home for a complete tune up ....points , plugs , condenser , plug wires , and possibly a coil . U have to have a machine that you are confident will get you home !
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Pete808
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Re: Sportster Xl1100 Spark Plugs on a Panhead?
So I was on edge all day wondering if the bike got stolen or not so I sent my lot attendants with the truck to pick it up on their way back from another run. Bike is not safe in the shop downstairs. Now I need to figure out what is wrong with it. The other day I was doing some wiring and ended up crossing some up and frying a wire. I wonder if that has anything to do with the intermittent starting. I will inspect tomorrow if I get some time.