Bright spark

[oldfart]

Now as I previously pointed out, in my opening address, I'm not technically minded...so bear that in mind as I ask this question which was prompted by someone much smarter than me ( no..not a labotomised Millwall supporter) ;D

My mate sez

you need to change your spark plug every month?

I've been merrily driving along on the same one for months(and months) with never a thought or a care..so is he right?

[Robjack]

Seems a little excessive to say the least. I've just changed mine which had done 4000 miles or so. If your engine is running OK then I don't see any reason to change it any more than at routine services. It would be interesting to know why he suggests such regular changes.

[oldfart]

thanks for the reply robjack, he said that spark plugs oil up, particularly if the bike has been left on a hill ( straight up) and that can cause problems starting?

[Spence]

I'm with robjack on this one. If it's running ok, why change it? You can always keep a spare in your glovebox just in case.

[skrappey]

I think he's winding you up, give him a slap.

[dto79px]

remove clean and gap plug every month when in regular use , replace plug at 3000 miles or 12 months

[bryno]

Oil up? ;DI think he is refering to a 1960's Triumph..

As above, I'd say just leave your plug alone until you start to have problems like becoming hard to start etc..

Think my plug has been in for at least 6 months, I only clean it if (god forbid) my scoot does not start on the second kick

Replace at annual service.

[nat]

On a possibly related topic my '68 Sprint has recently become rather hard to start, the spark plug has been changed recently but when I've left it for a week or so with the fuel tap off it takes about 10 minutes or so before I can get it started. Once it has started it runs fine and will kick over first time if I stop for a bit.
Is this just a vagary of vintage scooters or something worth looking at?
All advice gratefully received.
Cheers!!

[dto79px]

could be the points need setting / replacing

[nat]

Thanks for that, I'll look into it, i'm assuming that is a job best left to the 'professionals'.

[bryno]

Not at all mate, Vespas are basic enough for most jobs to be DIY, you'll need to borrow a flywheel extractor if you ever decide to replace the points though, if it has points that is (or is it electronic ignition?)..

Plug change is a 10 min job

[dto79px]

scooterhelp is a good site and shows step by step instructions with pictures , from easy jobs like points to full engine rebuild

www.scooterhelp.com/tips/timing/points.timing.html