MAINTENANCE
90-857046R1 NOVEMBER 2001 Page 1B-7
Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement
Inspect spark plugs at the recommended intervals.
WARNING
Avoid serious injury or death from fire or explosion caused by damaged spark plug
boots. Damaged spark plug boots can emit sparks. Sparks can ignite fuel vapors
under the engine cowl. To avoid damaging spark plug boots, do not use any sharp
object or metal tool such as pliers, screwdriver, etc. to remove spark plug boots.
1. Remove the spark plug leads by twisting the rubber boots slightly and pulling off.
2. Remove the spark plugs to inspect and clean. Replace spark plug if electrode is worn
or the insulator is rough, cracked, broken, blistered or fouled.
IMPORTANT: Use resistive spark plugs only.
3. Set the spark plug gap. See Specification Chart.
4. Before reinstalling spark plugs, clean away dirt on the spark plug seats. Install plugs fin-
ger tight, and tighten 1/4 turn or torque to 12.5 lb-ft (17 Nm).
Battery Inspection
The battery should be inspected at periodic intervals to ensure proper engine starting capa-
bility.
IMPORTANT: Read the safety and maintenance instructions which accompany your
battery.
1. Turn off the engine before servicing the battery.
2. Add water as necessary to keep the battery full.
3. Make sure the battery is secure against movement.
4. Battery cable terminals should be clean, tight, and correctly installed. Positive to positive
and negative to negative.
5. Make sure the battery is equipped with a nonconductive shield to prevent accidental
shorting of battery terminals.