HT leads on CB500 98/W

I just got back from a lumpy trip on my CB500W 98. I heard a 'ticking' from the front but could not work out what it was at first until I discovered a lovely blue spark on the right hand cylinder head.

It turns out the HT lead has snapped & I have lost the cap that fits to the spark plug.

It's cold here so I'm looking in the Haynes & the on the net to see what needs replacing. I can't tell if the leads are fixed to the coils & if the plug cap is attached to the lead.


Any ideas on what parts I need to get? I assume the coil normally has the lead attached & the spark plug cap is permanently fixed the lead - it is not clear if it snapped or just disconnected.

Are there any leads I can use instead? I saw the thread about using Fireblade stick coils but I'm not sure what state mine are in, I'll test with a multimeter when I can access them & the wind is not trying to blow me off the planet.

p.s. getting beyond 30 MPH is hard work on one cylinder - who knew?

The spark plug cap screws onto the lead. You just trim the lead then screw the cap into it.

Can't remember about the connection at the coil end, but I'll check my spare coils when I get back from the pub.

I have lost this part, I was having trouble finding it but now I know what it's called & the fact it is separate to the HT lead
http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/honda/cb_500_v/97-98/picture/spark_plug_cap_-_genuine_part/
There seems to be other, cheaper pattern versions of it without the rubber cylinder cover…
https://www.motorcycleproducts.co.uk/spark-plug-cap-honda-cb500-twin-1997-99-p-302984.html

It's just not clear to me how that is fitted to the HT lead. I can solder if it required but if I'm understanding correctly you reckon it just screws onto the cable?

I'm tempted to get a new cap & fit that to avoid having to take the tank off & refit a new lead, it's too cold to be working outside at the moment (I'm in the UK).


I think I know what to look for now & can get on with it, cheers.

You've probably fixed this now, but:

The plug has a screw centre-part that is like a self-tapping screw that screw into the centre of the wire-bundle of the HT cable - make sure you put the rubber boot onto the cable before screwing it together!

eternally_troubled wrote:You've probably fixed this now, but:
…

Sadly I have't fixed it yet, thanks for the note about the rubber

I ordered the ones from…
https://www.motorcycleproducts.co.uk/spark-plug-cap-honda-cb500-twin-1997-99-p-302984.html

Fitting was not possible - the bend in the cap hits the cylinder head before the connector reaches the spark plug. I don't understand how so many sites can list those as being suitable for the CB500 98. The original cap is over an inch longer the plug is too deep for them.

I'm looking for alternatives now as Wemoto's site seems to be down, I wonder about fitting a straight version instead if I cannot find angled ones.
Maybe like this one…
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB-500-SW-Twin-499cc-1998-NGK-Spark-Plug-Cap-Kit-/361753844827?hash=item543a359c5b:g:3yQAAOSwLnBX8QYG

I'm pretty sure those straight NGK ones will be fine (assuming your leads (or the leads you buy to replace them) are long enough).

Straight NGK ones look fine but may let water sit inside the seal for the HT lead causing a short

Best alternative suggested to me was the fireblade 959/929 coil upgrade (very easy elec upgrade, I hate touching electrics!).
Just trying to source similar stick coils as replacements incase the current ones give up.

Saves on weight and wiring complexity and thumbs up from me, just have to remember it's not standard but I'm never selling this bike so........

I woudn't worry about the reliability of the stick coils, I have never had one fail yet  
But if you really do feel the need to have a spare set, I have 2 sets available as I'm breaking another 929 Fireblade.

In the end I got the straight SD05F caps. They have rubber seals over the leads & on the end for the plugs. They are very snug fitting into the cylinder, they may be tough to get out I'm not sure much moisture gets under there to ingress?


I did wonder about the stick coils but these ones seem OK I have been putting off changing over the leads. These ones are probably fine but I just figured it was time to swap them. I'll probably get the tank off & swap them out anyway.

Cheers all,
D

Seems like I need to post something to mark as solved…