Spark plug removal tool

[mili9152]

Hey guys, I'm getting ready to change my spark plugs, but my bike didn't come with a tool kit. What tool do you recommend that I pick up for the job?

Looking for something cheap - I changed my plugs on my Gsxr with the stock tool kit and that worked fine. I haven't been able to find a stock buell tool kit on the cheap.

[snrusnak]

You're going to need more than a tool kit to do the plugs. You'll need the correct size spark plug socket, some extensions, and a swivel.

[SETH_TERRILLION]

go the do DIY part of the forum dave shows you how to change the plugs in one of the videos listed in the post

[mili9152]

I've seen the DIY video, but I don't have the tool(s) to remove my plugs. I'm just looking for recommendations for cheap tools that can get the job done.

My bike is an '08 XB12S.

[oh9bolt]

You're going to need more than a tool kit to do the plugs.Â* You'll need the correct size spark plug socket, some extensions, and a swivel.

[SETH_TERRILLION]

well youre going to need the 5/8 spark plug socket with a swivel, ratchet , extension, the torx to remove the air box and air scoop, you should be able to pick these tools up at walmart or an auto shop, or if you have an harbor freight store where you live.

[mili9152]

Maybe something like this?

null (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPARK-PLUG-T-HANDLE-TOOL-SET-NEW-SHIPPING-FREE-/300672263803?hash=item460176a67b&item=300672263803&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr#ht_1379wt_1037)

[snrusnak]

First of all I'm not trying to be a jerk....

BUT you're asking for what you need, and what cheap tools you can get by with. That T handle tool is $15. You can probably go to walmart, harbor freight, or autozone and get the spark plug socket, an extension, ratchet, and a swivel(everything you need, pretty much) for about $20.

Get a 3/8" size ratchet, extension (4-6 inch or so), and swivel. Then a 5/8" spark plug socket. That's for the rear cylinder. For the front use a 5/8" wrench. Also, you need the torx bits to remove the scoop and airbox cover. I think that's it...

[SETH_TERRILLION]

^^^:D[up]

im literally laughing
your not being a jerk snrusnak lol
we told this guy what he needs we tried to help
its up to him what he wants to do or buy.
if he watched daves DIY video thats the tools he needs
and we told him where to get them at the cheapest places.

[mili9152]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll swing by an O'Reilly's soon to pick up those items.

[snrusnak]

Or better yet, make friends with a neighbor that has tools :)

[Rhino1]

I'm a little worried for your bike. Do you have a buddy that has some experience with these things?

[SETH_TERRILLION]

^^^;)

[snrusnak]

lol.

Good luck man, post up if you have any more questions. (just try to listen better ;) )

[roxxx]

BE careful putting the damn Spark plug back in PO of my one bike royally pooched the threads on the hole [mad]

[user_deleted]

and in addition to all the above, a little tiny dab of Anti-Seize to the threads of each plug is recommended. if a neighbor does not have some every auto parts stores has a little squeeze pouch for like 99cents usually lurking at the check out register area. personally i never install plugs in aluminum heads without it.

[konarider94]

I'm a little worried for your bike.Â* Do you have a buddy that has some experience with these things?


x2

tomorrows thread. "i think i messed up how do i fix the spark plug hole now"

is someone getting the timesert link ready?

in all seriousness the rear sparkplug can be a challenge. if you arent even comfortable with knowing you need a spark plug socket i dont think you should attempt this. cross threading your spark plug holes will be a very costly mistake.

[user_deleted]

tomorrows thread. "i think i messed up how do i fix the spark plug hole now"

kona: you nailed it as usual my friend. ;)

[netty2424]

cross threading your spark plug holes will be a very costly mistake.

That's the key. Getting them out is the easy part. Putting them in and not cross threading is the hard part. Can't see it, just have to feel it.

[jimijeans]

First Welcome to the forum. A decient investment for working on any machine is a great investment. A 27 Torx wrench[angle]type or a socket with it already installed(made into the socket ]most times that Tool will be in a 1/4 inch drive makes it faster and easier.
FASTER in not always better!
Hand wrenches are best when you first start so you can get the feel of it. The 3/8 drive Ratchet a 5/inch OR 6/inch extension also a 3/8 universal (swivel)for only the Rear Cylinder Spark Plug will be needed.Sometimes you can find the 5/8 Spark plug socket with the Swivel already made into the 5/8 Socket and that works fine as well.
BE Easy on the Plugs Wires! The 3/8 Swivel will help you NOT to break the insulator on the Plug upon removal. AN Easy way to install the NEW/ REAR Spark Plug IS to use a [3/8 piece of Fuel Hose] about 5/inches long .
This way when you push the insulator into the hose you can put the Plug threads in the Rear Head and NOT Strip out the Threads from Cross threading while turning the plug into the threads.It would slip letting you know it is NOT going in properly.NO Thread Sealant of any kind needs to be used on a Normal Engine! It may take a little [practice] to get it right but [Patience is key] and make it fun to work and learn your bike.
THE front Spark plug can be done TWO Ways From the Top (HARD WAY)for some, OR you can remove the Left Scoop 27 torx screws there are usually [three] and just lay it over with wires still attached.You can remove it if you like.
NOW a 5/8 Combination open and Box end wrench [FLAT Wrench] not an Extreem offset, will slip up in there and remove the Spark Plug. Watch your hands! You can install your new plug carefully with your fingers from this area.
Slip off the front plug wire gently turning back and forth[the Boot] till it breaks the grip from being on the hot plugs for so many miles. sometimes a Needle nose pliers will help with that just be Gentle so as not to Break the Plugs insulator and yes theres a tool for that also.
Make sure the new or Old Spark Plug Socket has the Rubber Insulator Protector inside the Spark Plug Socket. THE Head Threads on these bikes CAN Strip out so keep in mind about that when Reinstalling the New Spark plugs.(NGKs Dcpr9eix) are a good plug for these Engines. If you want you can use the Stock Factory plug but the NGKs are better. Make sure if you install those NGK plugs to watch the Electrodes tip so as not to chip it. if need /want to check the GAP on the plug use a wire gapper.
If it is not gapped properly then adjust it,[35]ths./ without touching the inner tip using maybe a flat tip screwdriver, JUST don't touch the Electrodes tip.Hope this will get you in the right direction.
Remember to be patient with the Tools and yourself. Also the OIL Drain plugs on the Transmission AND the Oil Tank can ALSO Strip out easily so Gentle snug in that area works good also.Ride Safe.*Jimi;)

[levi]

jimijeans swinging the learning stick over here.
Nice work man.

[up]

[anrkizm95]

AN Easy way to install the NEW/ REAR Spark Plug IS to use a [3/8 piece of Fuel Hose] about 5/inches long . [up]

[mili9152]

Thanks for the support guys. I should be getting my new iridium plugs in the mail this week. Will probably install them next weekend.

Honestly, I think it's good that you guys are scaring me with your doubt in my capability to do a plug change. I thought Buells were easy to work on? That's one of the main reasons I bought one...:)

Like I said, I changed my plugs in my '06 gsx-r600 before and it was a quick and easy job with the stock Suzuki tool kit. And there are only 2 plugs in my lightning! We'll see, I always welcome a challenge.

[snrusnak]

They are easy. But also easy to strip them out. Just go slow, be careful, and it's a piece of cake. It's a tight area to work in, but not hard at all.

[mili9152]

Wasn't racking up miles as fast as expected, so held off swapping my plugs until today. I have about 9,300 miles on my bike:

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/11943_20120721123548_L.jpg

The rear plug looks a lot better than the front.

I broke my rear spark plug wire...any suggestions? I don't want to pay extra for performance or wait a week for the stock HD part! Might check around with some auto stores?

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/11943_20120721124203_L.jpg

[djohnk]

Ha, you didn't listen to jimijeans:

BE Easy on the Plugs Wires!

Don't feel bad though, I did the same thing. I went all over town looking for a replacement, even the local Harley-Davidson. I even tried to find someone who could fix it.

Ended up purchasing this:
iron machine (https://www.ironmachine.com/p/97/03-10-buell-xb-series-ironmachine-racing-8mm-orange-spark-plug-wire-set-xbrspwor-)

You can get different colors. The only problem was I had to wait a week to get them, so my bike was down for awhile.

Be real careful putting the plugs back in, jimijeans fuel hose tip is a good idea, you could cross-thread the rear one real easily, also don't over tighten.

[ROOK]

Ha! That's what my plug and wires looked like! It made a world of difference... And I'd have to agree, getting the plugs back in is the part that raises the blood pressure.

[FLHP]

Use the anti seize on the airbox to frame screws as well. I had one of those break too. Got really lucky getting it out, but won't take that chance again.

[Iamarchangel]

Use purple loctite for threaded.

I've never used anti-seize on plugs but seems to be recommended.

Take care.

[mili9152]

I ordered the stock spark plug wire on Saturday from my local HD Dealer and received it on Wednesday. Paid about $13. Installed it yesterday and bike feels much more responsive and powerful :) Thanks guys!

[mili9152]

Oh yeah, I ended up getting this to remove my plugs:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014ZVSVK/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01

along with my ratchet set, great tools for the job :)