XB 12 XT spark plug change

[Pjf53]

I tried to change the plugs on my Uly XT yesterday but after two hours I could not figure out how to reach the front plug. It visually looks like I can access the rear plug. I removed the seat, air filter, left side scoop but that's as far as I got. I think it requires removing the air filter base but could not figure out how to remove it. I removed the four T 27 bolts and got it loose but hit a dead end there. Looks like it might be a $100 for my mechanic to do this and I want to be able to do this myself. Can anyone give me some suggestions?

 

[Chicknstripn]

You're almost there!
Pry up on the airbox base while you use a flat screw driver, or an other thin yet blunt object, to push the volocity stack(rubber trumpet like looking tube sticking through the middle of your airbox) through the opposite direction. That will get the base off.
BTW do yourself a favor and download a service manual(buellmods.com) and do some more research before wrenching on your bike. An easy job can quickly become an aggravating and possibly expensive mistake if you're just winging it.

The front plug can be remover with a little finess and a box wrench. The rear requires an extension a universal joint(you know the bendy socket adapter thingy) and some patience.
When reinstalling plugs use a little anti-sieze on the threads and a piece of fuel line on the end opposite the electrode to thread in the rear spark plugs. If it doesn't thread in easily STOP! And start over. Aluminum heads are very unforgiving of hamfisted shenanigans.
Study the manual, look up some YouTube videos, have manual at the ready for reference and this will be much simpler than it seems.
Good luck

 

[user_deleted]

but after two hours I could not figure out how to reach the front plug

the front plug is the simplest by far. do this:
1- if 2008-2010 ulysses (you did NOT mention your year) go to left front of bike and locate factory left side air intake scoop. look at rear of same and you'll see one black torx screw holding rear of scoop to frame attachment point. remove it. now go to front of scoop and look inside same. you'll see 2 identical torx screws inside the mouth of the scoop. remove them.
2-as you GENTLY REMOVE the scoop from the bike you'll see 2 charging system plugs attached to inside of scoop. depress the tabs on the attachment points and remove scoop.
3-if 2005-2007 ulysses skip step #2.
IMPORTANT: the airbox base plate is held into place by 4 torx screws. the factory used an aggressive thread-lock agent holding them in place. BE DAMN CAREFUL you don't round out the torx head when removing them or you'll have hours of tantrums and cursing ahead of you. BE CERTAIN to disconnect the IAT sensor at the underside 4 o'clock position prior to removal.

 

[Chicknstripn]

Good point lunatic. I assumed he had removed the scoop.
And that IAT sensor! Man, no wonder I always use a manual and my greasy ass notes I've been referencing for years. I suffer from CRS

GET A MANUAL.
MAKES LIFE MUCH EASIER!

 

[buell248]

the front plug is easy to get to, the rear can be a little tricky, look at the DIY section in the forum, daves how to vids show how to do it, also the rear plug wire was a pain in the butt to put back on, one the these pair of pliers or a long bent tip needle nose helps.

http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tnp...gle-PLA+-+Test&CS_003=7867724&CS_010=35533116

 

[Pjf53]

Guys,

I really appreciate the support. My Uly is an 09. I do have a shop manual but it did not say a word about how to get off air box base. I got the rubber air seal tubes under the base and tried pulling it up but the intake "horn" was in the way so I stopped before I damaged anything. It was really tough getting the rubber seal below the horn looking intake back on. Guess the simplicity of my '96 Sportster S has spoiled me. I also have a '99 Virago 1100 and an 01 Superglide Sport but my Uly is just so damn much fun. Not sure I want to try again myself.

 

[user_deleted]

It was really tough getting the rubber seal below the horn looking intake back on.

it's very simple. fog the rubber intake horn with something like silicone spray. i do NOT like wd-40 on rubber. get yourself a long-blade small tipped straight slot screwdriver. attach IAT sensor plug and lay the base plate on top of the rubber horn. now take your screw driver and going down thru the hole atop the base plate work the upper lip of the rubber around the opening groove. just work it around in a circle and it pops right in. then replace the 4 torx.