2009 Ducati Monster 696 Owners Manual - Page 97

E Cleaning and renewing the spark plugs (fig. 101) Spark plugs are an important part of the engine and should be checked at regular intervals. This is a relatively simple operation and provides a good indication of how well the engine is running. Pull the spark plug caps off the spark plugs and remove the plugs from the cylinder heads using the wrench supplied in the toolkit. Check the colour of the ceramic insulation around the central electrode: an even brown colour is a sign that the engine is in good running order. If the insulation is any other colour, or if there are dark deposits, renew the spark plug and describe the condition of the old plug to a Ducati dealer or Authorized Service Centre. Also check the central electrode; if it is worn or glazed, renew the spark plug. Check the electrode gap, which must be 0.7 to 0.8 mm. Insert the spark plug in the cylinder head and screw in fully by hand. Tighten to a torque of 20 Nm. If you do not have a torque wrench, after hand-tightening the spark plug, turn it a further half turn with the wrench provided in the tool kit. Important Do not use spark plugs with an unsuitable heat rating or incorrect reach. The spark plug must be tightened correctly. Important If adjustment is required, bend the side electrode carefully. A gap outside the specified limits will adversely affect engine performance and may lead to difficult starting or erratic idling. Thoroughly clean the electrode and insulation using a wire brush, and check the condition of the washer. Clean around the spark plug seating in the cylinder head, taking care not to drop any foreign material into the combustion chamber. 0,7÷0,8 mm fig. 101 96