First Spark Plug Change!

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sewerman

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Joined
Jan 21, 2011
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195
Ok, here we go. My 09 Bolt is getting near 10,000 miles so I dug out my factory manual and watched some of the Do It Yourself video's and got started. I thought I would start with the plugs. Bought the NGK Iridiums like everyone suggests. By all indications the front plug is easy the rear is the bitch. Well not at my house! The rear was easy but the front was a pain. The video shows coming at the front with the 6" extension and a swivel. My swivel would not work on the front(too much angle?). So I came at the front plug, with an open end wrench, from the side of the bike. It works, just takes alittle time. Too make a long story short, I can't believe the difference these plugs made! The responsiveness of the motor and the easier starting is outstanding. I don't mean to sound like a commercial but I am amazed. The stock factory plugs looked fine(since this is my first EFI engine I have lots of years of tuning my carbs, you do know what a carb is, don't you?). Maybe I just got to being used to the Harley plug performance but it's worth the work. For those of you who have someone else work on their bikes, go buy some wrenches and do some of the work yourselves. I really had a great sunday performing these simple tasks and enjoying the results of my simple work. Forty years of garage tinkering and I still amaze myself(at least sometimes). Maybe a thanks to NGK should be done also. Oh, some beers after this work tasted great!
 
Congrats! It's always nice to accomplish something that's not particularly easy. I whomped out on mine recently and paid to have them changed but I've definitely done my share of cursing and skinning my knuckles for my bike.
 
Yeh I forgot to mention the blood. When you get older you bleed easier. That's what the beer was for, medicinal purposes only!
 
Renegade,
I used NGK #DCPR9EIX. Got mine at Discount Auto for $6.50 each. They did have to order them.
 
BTW, I had to clean the front one, got fouled. I found the trusty old ring spanner was the best..
 
I think the biggest concern when replacing plugs is the plug wires. Get plug wire pulling pliers, they work. Also, it is a concern of weather the plug boot has snapped back properly on the plug. Trial and error, but mine went back on first try. Just take your time. You can do it!
 
a 5/8th inch box wrench works perfectly to remove front plug. as mentioned above be gentle with the plug wires on removal and be sure you "feel" a click or light snap when reinstalling. that is the sign they are on securely. and always put a small dab of anti-seize on new plug threads, be sure the factory has installed the crush washer on each new plug, and HAND START the threads. that way it is impossible to cross the threads.
 
Oh, oh! I put a little anti-seize on my NGK's. Dual Sport Dad thanks, I just learned something, again, from this forum! Just when I think I know everything, boom, I learn "sumtin" new! Since everything is working ok I think I will leave it on till my next plug change.
 
interesting heads up post. have been using tiny dab of anti-seize on every single cycle and car spark plug going being installed in an aluminum head for decades now so that's probably 1000 plugs but might have to rethink it when it comes to NGK.
 
^That is interesting. I've always used anti-seize on aluminum heads. Never had an issue.

Sounds like as long as you don't over tighten them you'll be okay. A torque wrench is a good friend.

I always use a little piece of vacuum tube or fuel line to install them in tight spaces. Stick the plug in the tubing and slowly lower er' in. Then spin the tubing to start it in the threads.
 
I've seen a couple guys at work break plugs off in heads putting them in. When I came across that notice I pretty much figured that is why they broke off. I'm sure man handling them plus the anti seize is a bad combo.

Also from what I understand it doesn't just apply to NGK plugs.
 
I have used the piece of fuel line trick for more years than I would like to count. Being in the utility contractor business for 35 years(which can put you hours away from your shop) you learn all kinds of tricks to keep your equipment going. When we laugh at bailing wire and duc tape its, sometimes, no joke at all!
 
A plug doesn't need to be that tight although I have seen "teknishuns " installing them with a 1/2" air gun in a Ford main dealers. Ford say use never seize on alloy heads and I always do on Harley's and will on my Buell if I ever get around to changing the plugs. It's four yeas old now I probably should.
 
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