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Faulty spark plug suppressor caused engine misfire on my Interceptor

16th May 2025, 18:00 by R Patil

Did the last DIY oil change at around 43,000 kms and as usual I got the engine oil from Amazon

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6 years and 45,000kms Update:

08 Feb 2025 marked the beginning of 7th year ownership with the ODO reading at 45,000kms. Did the last DIY oil change at around 43,000 kms and as usual I got the engine oil from Amazon during a sale last year and the oil filter, air filter, headlight bulb from the service center. Both the rear shock absorbers have started leaking and needs replacement.

Breakdown:

Sometime around the first week of February while on my way to office riding at around 70kmph in 5th gear, the engine suddenly started making abnormal noise accompanied with significant vibration as if something has broken loose inside the engine. I gradually slowed down and parked on the side and after restarting the engine behaved normal and I continued my commute to office without any drama. In the evening, the bike started without any issue but after about 500mts the same abnormal noise & vibration was back and this time it didn’t go away even after few restarting attempts so decided to ride back to office as the bike struggled to gain any momentum. At this point of time I was thinking if this has anything to do with me getting the bike flooded back in September last year. Called the service center and requested for Service On Wheels. The technician arrived the next day and the bike started without any issue and ran fine during his short test ride. I then showed him the video I recorded of the abnormal engine sound. The technician then checked the spark plug suppressor cap and found the left side cap broken on the inside. The next day the technician came back with new pair of suppressor cap assemblies and replaced both the caps. After this the bike refused to start even though it cranked. By now my only option was to send the bike to the service center via tow truck. The next morning I called the RSA and requested for tow truck, they did a quick check on my bike’s registration data and told me that I have to pay for the tow service since my bike was out of warranty. Agreed and paid Rs2360 for dropping the bike at the OMR Company Owned Service center located 9.5Kms. The tow van arrived at 2:30pm and the bike was dropped at the service center at around 3:30pm. The following day the service center informed that the bike had a drained battery and is now running fine with the spare battery. Unconvinced with their reply I explained the past flooding incident to the service manager and requested him to keep the bike for one more day to test ride and check for any related issues. Apart from this I also approved for replacing the throttle cable, clutch cable, front brake master cylinder and side stand switch. The service center didn't find any other issue and dropped the bike back in my office and the bike is running fine since then. In the end I’m relieved that the issue was with the Rs450 spark plug suppressor cap and nothing major.

LHS Cylinder misfire due to faulty sparkplug suppressor cap. Video

Service On Wheels.