Is your kid’s Can-Am DS 70 running rough, struggling to start, or just feeling a bit sluggish on the trail? Before you start worrying about a big repair bill, the culprit is often a tiny, inexpensive part that you can replace yourself in under 15 minutes.
We’re talking about the can am ds 70 spark plug. It’s the heart of your youth ATV’s ignition system, and keeping it in top shape is one of the easiest ways to ensure reliable performance and a happy rider.
At FatBoysOffroad, we believe in empowering you to handle your own maintenance. We promise this guide will give you the confidence and expert know-how to tackle this job yourself. We’ll cover everything from spotting a bad plug and choosing the right replacement to a full step-by-step installation guide and some pro-level tuning tips.
Why Your Can-Am DS 70 Spark Plug is a Tiny Titan of Performance
It’s easy to overlook something as small as a spark plug, but its job is massive. This little component creates the high-voltage spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinder, creating the combustion that powers the ATV. Think of it as the match that starts the fire.
When it’s working perfectly, your DS 70 purrs. But when it gets old, fouled, or damaged, the whole system suffers. Understanding the benefits of a can am ds 70 spark plug in good condition is key to appreciating this simple maintenance task.
Benefits of a Fresh Spark Plug
- Easier Starting: A strong, consistent spark means the engine fires up quickly, whether it’s cold or hot. No more frustrating kick-starting or button-mashing.
- Improved Throttle Response: A clean-firing plug leads to crisp, immediate power delivery when your young rider hits the throttle.
- Better Fuel Economy: A complete and efficient burn of the fuel mixture means less wasted gas. You’ll get more ride time out of every tank.
- Smoother Idle: A steady, even idle is a classic sign of a healthy ignition system. No more sputtering or stalling at a stop.
- Reduced Emissions: This is where the eco-friendly can am ds 70 spark plug aspect comes in. A properly firing plug ensures a more complete combustion, reducing harmful emissions and making your ride a bit greener. A well-maintained engine is a more sustainable can am ds 70 spark plug system.
Signs of a Failing Spark Plug: When to Inspect and Replace
Your DS 70 will usually give you some warning signs that its spark plug is on the way out. If you notice any of these symptoms, a quick inspection is in order. Catching it early can prevent bigger headaches down the road.
Here are the most common signs to watch for:
- Hard Starting: This is the number one symptom. The engine turns over but struggles to fire up and run on its own.
- Rough Idling or Stalling: If the ATV sputters, shakes, or stalls out when it should be idling smoothly, the plug could be misfiring.
- Poor Performance: Does the ATV feel sluggish or hesitant when accelerating? A weak spark can’t keep up with the engine’s demands.
- Engine Misfiring: You might hear a popping or sputtering sound from the exhaust, especially under load. This is a classic sign of an incomplete burn cycle.
- Increased Fuel Consumption: If you feel like you’re filling up the tank more often than usual, an inefficient spark could be wasting fuel.
Pro Tip: Don’t just wait for problems. A great part of any can am ds 70 spark plug care guide is proactive replacement. We recommend changing the plug at least once a season or every 20-30 hours of ride time, even if you don’t see any issues.
Choosing the Right Can Am DS 70 Spark Plug: NGK is King
When it comes to selecting a replacement, this is one area where you don’t want to experiment. The manufacturer specifies a particular spark plug for a reason—it’s designed with the correct heat range, thread pitch, and reach for your engine.
The Go-To Spark Plug for the DS 70
For virtually all model years of the Can-Am DS 70, the factory-specified and recommended plug is the NGK CR7HSA. This is your workhorse plug. It’s reliable, widely available, and performs exactly as the engine designers intended.
You might see cross-reference options from other brands like Champion or Denso, but our decades of experience in the shop tell us to stick with what works. The NGK plug consistently delivers the best performance and longevity for these little air-cooled engines.
What About Iridium Plugs?
You might see more expensive Iridium versions, like the NGK CR7HIX. While Iridium plugs offer a longer service life and a slightly more robust spark, the performance gain on a stock DS 70 engine is often negligible. For the cost difference, sticking with the standard NGK CR7HSA and changing it regularly is the most effective strategy.
Your Complete How-To Can Am DS 70 Spark Plug Replacement Guide
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! This is a simple job that requires only a few basic tools. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be done in no time. This is the core of our can am ds 70 spark plug guide.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Parts
Having everything ready makes the job go smoothly. You won’t need much.
- New Spark Plug: An NGK CR7HSA.
- Spark Plug Socket: A 5/8″ (or 16mm) deep socket is required. A dedicated spark plug socket with a rubber insert to grip the plug is highly recommended.
- Socket Wrench with Extension: A 3-inch or 6-inch extension will make reaching the plug much easier.
- Feeler Gauge or Gapping Tool: To check and set the spark plug gap.
- Torque Wrench (Recommended): To ensure you tighten the plug correctly without damaging the engine’s cylinder head.
- A Clean Rag: To wipe away any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Prepare the ATV for Work
Safety first, always. Before you touch anything, make sure you’re working in a safe environment.
First, ensure the ATV is on a flat, level surface and the engine is completely cool. Working on a hot engine is a recipe for burned hands and seized threads.
Next, locate the spark plug. On the DS 70, it’s on the left side of the engine cylinder head, easily visible. You’ll see a thick black rubber boot (the spark plug cap) connected to it.
Step 3: Remove the Old Spark Plug
With the engine cool, firmly grasp the spark plug cap. Do not pull on the wire. Wiggle the boot back and forth while pulling straight out. It should pop off with a little effort.
Before you put a wrench on the plug, use your rag or some compressed air to clean the area around its base. This prevents any dirt or grit from falling into the engine cylinder when you remove it—a crucial step many people skip!
Place your 5/8″ spark plug socket and extension over the plug. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise to loosen it. It should break free with a little force and then unscrew easily by hand.
Step 4: Gap the New Spark Plug
This is one of the most important can am ds 70 spark plug tips. Never assume a new plug is gapped correctly out of the box. The “gap” is the tiny space between the center and ground electrodes at the tip of the plug.
For the Can-Am DS 70, the correct spark plug gap is between 0.6mm and 0.7mm (0.024″ to 0.028″).
Use your feeler gauge to check the gap. If it’s too narrow, gently pry it open with the tool. If it’s too wide, gently tap the ground electrode on a hard, clean surface to close it slightly. Be very careful not to damage the delicate center electrode.
Step 5: Install the New Spark Plug
With the new plug correctly gapped, it’s time for installation. Start by threading the new plug into the cylinder head by hand. This ensures it’s not cross-threaded. It should screw in smoothly for several turns.
Once it’s finger-tight, use your socket wrench to snug it down. If you have a torque wrench, the correct specification is 12 Nm or 8.7 lb-ft. This is not very tight!
If you don’t have a torque wrench, a good rule of thumb is to tighten it finger-tight, then give it an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn with the wrench. Over-tightening can strip the threads in the aluminum cylinder head, which is a very expensive repair.
Finally, press the spark plug cap firmly back onto the new plug until you feel or hear it “click” into place. Give it a gentle tug to ensure it’s secure.
Reading Your Old Spark Plug: What It Tells You About Your Engine
Don’t just toss that old plug in the trash! It’s a diagnostic report card for your engine’s health. The condition of the firing tip can tell you a lot about your air-fuel mixture, oil consumption, and overall engine condition.
- Light Tan or Grayish-Brown: This is the dream. It means your engine is running perfectly, with the right air-fuel mixture and operating temperature.
- Sooty and Black (Dry): This indicates a rich fuel condition (too much gas, not enough air) or a weak spark. Check your air filter and carburetor settings.
- Oily and Black (Wet): This is a sign that oil is getting into the combustion chamber. It could be due to worn piston rings or valve seals—a more serious issue that needs investigation.
- White and Blistered: This is dangerous. It means the engine is running too lean (too much air, not enough fuel) or overheating. This can cause severe engine damage. Address it immediately.
Common Problems and Best Practices for Spark Plug Care
Even with a simple job, things can go wrong. Here are some common problems with can am ds 70 spark plug maintenance and how to avoid them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cross-Threading: Always start the plug by hand to avoid damaging the threads. If you feel resistance, back it out and try again.
- Over-Tightening: This is the most common and costly mistake. It can strip the threads in the cylinder head. Use a torque wrench or the “1/4 turn past finger-tight” rule.
- Dropping the Plug: A dropped spark plug can crack the ceramic insulator or close the gap. If you drop it, inspect it very carefully or just replace it to be safe.
- Using the Wrong Plug: Using a plug with the wrong heat range can lead to poor performance or even engine damage. Stick to the NGK CR7HSA.
Can Am DS 70 Spark Plug Best Practices
To get the most out of your ignition system, follow these simple rules. Think of this as your long-term can am ds 70 spark plug care guide.
Keep it Clean: Ensure the spark plug cap and the wire are clean and free of cracks.
Check the Connection: Periodically ensure the spark plug cap is securely clicked onto the plug.
Replace on Schedule: Don’t wait for a problem. A new plug is cheap insurance for a fun day of riding.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can Am DS 70 Spark Plug
What is the best spark plug for a Can-Am DS 70?
The best and factory-recommended spark plug is the NGK CR7HSA. It provides the correct heat range and reliable performance for the DS 70’s engine.
What is the correct spark plug gap for a Can-Am DS 70?
The correct gap is between 0.6mm and 0.7mm, which translates to 0.024 inches to 0.028 inches. Always check and adjust the gap on a new plug before installation.
How often should I change the spark plug on my DS 70?
A good rule of thumb is to replace it at the beginning of each riding season or every 20-30 hours of use. Given their low cost, frequent replacement is a great preventative maintenance practice.
Can a bad spark plug cause my DS 70 not to start?
Absolutely. A fouled, worn-out, or damaged spark plug is one of the most common reasons for a no-start condition. It’s often the first thing you should check if the engine cranks but won’t fire up.
There you have it—your complete guide to mastering the can am ds 70 spark plug. This simple piece of maintenance is one of the most satisfying DIY jobs you can do. It saves you money, teaches you about your machine, and directly translates to a better, more reliable ride for your little off-roader.
So grab your tools, get that new plug, and get to work. Happy wrenching, and we’ll see you on the trails!
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