2021 Can Am Ds 70 Spark Plug – The Ultimate DIY Replacement Guide

Is your kid’s 2021 Can-Am DS 70 running a little rough? Maybe it’s hard to start, sputtering on the trail, or just doesn’t have that peppy response it used to. You’re not alone. We see it all the time here at FatBoysOffroad, and often, the culprit is a tiny, inexpensive part that packs a massive punch: the spark plug.

We promise this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Forget paying shop labor rates for a job you can absolutely conquer in your own garage with basic tools. We’re going to give you the confidence and the know-how to do it right.

In this complete 2021 can am ds 70 spark plug guide, we’ll cover the warning signs of a bad plug, the exact tools you’ll need, a step-by-step replacement process, and some pro tips that will make you look like a seasoned mechanic. Let’s get that little quad running like new again.

Why Your DS 70’s Spark Plug is a Tiny Titan of Performance

Think of a spark plug as the match that starts the fire in your engine. It’s a small but mighty component responsible for creating the electrical spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the cylinder. Without that perfectly timed spark, you’ve got no combustion, no power, and no fun.

Over time, the intense heat and pressure cause the plug’s electrode to wear down. Carbon deposits can also build up, weakening the spark. A weak or inconsistent spark leads directly to the problems you’re likely noticing.

One of the key benefits of a 2021 can am ds 70 spark plug replacement is restored engine health. A fresh plug ensures a clean, strong spark, which leads to:

Easier Starting: A strong spark ignites the fuel mixture instantly, especially on cold mornings.
Smoother Idle: Consistent combustion eliminates that rough, shaky idle.
Improved Throttle Response: The engine responds crisply when you give it gas.
Better Fuel Economy: A complete burn of the fuel means less waste and more miles per tank.

Spotting the Signs: Common Problems with a Failing 2021 Can Am DS 70 Spark Plug

Your DS 70 is pretty good at telling you when something’s wrong; you just have to know what to listen for. These are some of the most common problems with a 2021 can am ds 70 spark plug that’s on its way out. If you’re noticing one or more of these, it’s time for an inspection.

Difficulty Starting

This is the number one symptom. If you’re having to crank the engine over and over before it finally catches, a weak spark is a likely cause. The old plug just can’t generate enough energy to reliably ignite a cold engine’s rich fuel mixture.

Rough Idling or Stalling

Does the quad sound choppy or shaky when it’s just sitting there running? Does it sometimes stall out for no reason? A fouled or worn plug can cause intermittent misfires, leading to an unstable idle.

Poor Acceleration and Power Loss

If the DS 70 feels sluggish or bogs down when you hit the throttle, the spark plug might not be firing consistently under load. This incomplete combustion robs the engine of power, making the ride less responsive and fun.

Engine Misfires

A misfire feels like a stumble or hesitation from the engine, sometimes accompanied by a popping sound from the exhaust. It’s a clear sign that the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder failed to ignite, and a bad spark plug is a primary suspect.

Gearing Up: Tools and Parts You’ll Need for the Job

Before you dive in, let’s get your workstation set up. Having the right tools on hand makes the job smoother, faster, and safer. You don’t need a professional-grade toolbox, just a few key items.

Essential Tools

Ratchet and Extension: A standard 3/8″ drive ratchet with a 3- to 6-inch extension will work perfectly.
Spark Plug Socket: This is not a regular deep socket. A dedicated spark plug socket has a rubber insert to grip the plug, making removal and installation much easier. For the DS 70, you’ll likely need a 16mm (5/8″) spark plug socket.
Torque Wrench: We can’t stress this enough. Over-tightening a spark plug can damage the cylinder head, leading to a very expensive repair. A torque wrench is a must-have for getting it just right.
Spark Plug Gapper Tool: A simple coin-style or feeler gauge gapper is cheap and essential for ensuring the plug’s electrode gap is set to the manufacturer’s specification.
Compressed Air or a Brush: To clean the area around the plug before you remove it.

Choosing the Right Spark Plug

The most important part is getting the correct replacement plug. Using the wrong one can cause poor performance or even engine damage.

For the 2021 Can-Am DS 70, the standard OEM plug is typically an NGK CR7HSA. This is a reliable, cost-effective choice. You can find this part number in your owner’s manual, which is always the ultimate source of truth.

You might see Iridium options like the NGK CR7HIX. These cost more but offer a longer service life and a slightly more robust spark. For a youth ATV, the standard copper plug is usually more than sufficient and provides excellent value.

How to Replace Your 2021 Can Am DS 70 Spark Plug: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, you’ve got your tools and your new plug. Now for the fun part. Follow these steps carefully, and this job will be a breeze. This is the core of our how to 2021 can am ds 70 spark plug process.

Safety First: Make sure the engine is completely cool to the touch. Working on a hot engine is a recipe for burns and seized parts. For extra safety, disconnect the negative terminal on the battery.
Locate the Spark Plug: On the DS 70, the spark plug is typically on the left side of the engine cylinder head. You’ll see a thick black rubber wire (the spark plug wire) connected to a boot that covers the top of the plug.
Clean the Area: This is a critical pro tip! Before you remove anything, use compressed air or a stiff brush to clean all the dirt and debris from around the base of the spark plug boot. This prevents gunk from falling into your engine’s cylinder when you pull the plug out.
Remove the Spark Plug Boot: Grab the boot firmly—not the wire itself—and give it a slight twist as you pull straight up. It should pop off the top of the spark plug with a little effort.
Loosen and Remove the Old Plug: Place your spark plug socket and extension onto the ratchet. Fit the socket over the spark plug and turn it counter-clockwise (lefty-loosey). Once it breaks free, it should unscrew easily.
Inspect the Old Plug: Take a look at the tip of the plug you just removed. It can tell you a lot about your engine’s health. A light tan or grayish color is perfect. Black and sooty could mean a rich fuel mixture, while oily deposits could signal a bigger issue.
Check and Adjust the Gap on the New Plug: Don’t assume the new plug is gapped correctly out of the box. Your owner’s manual will specify the correct gap, which for the NGK CR7HSA is usually 0.6mm – 0.7mm (0.024″ – 0.028″). Use your gapper tool to check and gently adjust it if needed.
Install the New Plug by Hand: This prevents cross-threading. Carefully thread the new plug into the cylinder head by hand. It should screw in smoothly for several turns. If you feel any resistance, stop, back it out, and try again.
Torque to Spec: Once the plug is finger-tight, attach your torque wrench. The proper torque spec is crucial. For this type of plug in an aluminum head, it’s typically around 10-12 Nm or 7.5-9 lb-ft. This is not very tight! Follow the spec in your manual.
Reconnect and Test: Push the spark plug boot back onto the new plug until you feel it click securely into place. Reconnect the battery if you disconnected it. Start the engine and let it idle for a minute. It should sound smoother and start more easily.

Pro Tips and Best Practices for Spark Plug Care

Following a few 2021 can am ds 70 spark plug best practices will extend the life of your components and keep the engine happy. This is more than just a replacement; it’s a full 2021 can am ds 70 spark plug care guide.

The “Anti-Seize or Not?” Debate

Old-school mechanics swear by putting a dab of anti-seize on the plug threads. However, modern plugs from manufacturers like NGK have a special metal plating that acts as its own anti-seize. Adding more can cause you to over-torque the plug, potentially damaging the threads. For NGK plugs, we recommend installing them dry, just as the manufacturer suggests.

Don’t Ignore the Boot

While the boot is off, inspect it for any cracks, brittleness, or corrosion on the inside terminal. A damaged boot can cause a weak spark just as easily as a bad plug. They are inexpensive to replace if you find any issues.

Stick to a Schedule

Don’t wait for problems to arise. For an off-road machine like the DS 70 that sees a lot of dirt and high-revving action, changing the spark plug once a season or every 50 hours of ride time is cheap insurance against being stranded on the trail.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Spark Plug Choices

Thinking about a sustainable 2021 can am ds 70 spark plug approach is easier than you might think. A healthy engine is an efficient engine. By keeping your DS 70 in top tune with a fresh spark plug, you’re ensuring it burns fuel as completely as possible.

This directly reduces harmful emissions and improves fuel economy, making every ride a bit more eco-friendly. Furthermore, when you dispose of your old spark plug, don’t just toss it in the trash. The metal body and ceramic insulator can be recycled. Check with your local auto parts store or recycling center for proper disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Can Am DS 70 Spark Plug

What is the correct spark plug for a 2021 Can-Am DS 70?

The standard recommended spark plug is an NGK CR7HSA. However, we always advise you to double-check the owner’s manual for your specific machine to be 100% certain.

How often should I change the spark plug on my DS 70?

For a youth ATV used under normal off-road conditions, a good rule of thumb is to replace the spark plug once per riding season or every 50-100 hours of operation. It’s a low-cost maintenance item that prevents bigger headaches.

What is the correct spark plug gap?

The typical gap for the NGK CR7HSA plug in this application is between 0.6mm and 0.7mm (0.024″ and 0.028″). Always use a gapping tool to verify before installation, as they can get knocked around during shipping.

Can I clean and reuse an old spark plug?

While it’s technically possible to clean a lightly fouled plug with a wire brush, we strongly advise against it. The cost of a new plug is minimal, and you can’t restore the sharp edge of a worn electrode. For the price, a new plug is always the best and most reliable option.

Tackling this job yourself is not only rewarding but also a great way to get familiar with your machine. You’ve saved money, improved performance, and gained valuable hands-on experience. That’s a win-win-win in our book.

Now that you’ve mastered one of the most fundamental tune-up tasks, your 2021 Can-Am DS 70 is ready to hit the dirt. Get out there, get your hands dirty, and keep on riding. Stay safe!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.