Topic: Reaching the 2 & 3 Spark Plugs??

[jt1000]

I just changed out my 1 & 4 spark plugs no problem, but I cannot even get the socket into the opening for the 2&3 plugs.What's the deal??? 

[markjenn]

If you're talking about the CB750, it can be done fairly easily with the spark plug socket in the toolkit.  Pull the plug cap, fish the socket down into the cavity, and then turn with one of the screwdriver bits through the holes at the end of the socket.

Most plug socket/rachets will also work, but you generally have to insert socket, then attach rachet.

- Mark

[Duke McDukiedook]

Yep, if you donn't have one of those thin-walled sockets that comes with the parts kit, it takes some finesse and practice with a regular socket and wrench. Be careful putting it back on, you don't want to cross-thread the plugs.

[markjenn]

Old mechanics trick is to use a short piece of small ID fuel hose (the fits tightly over the threaded plug terminal) as a spark plug thread starter.  It's flexible enough to get into tight places and by twisting the hose between thumb and forefinger, you get an excellent feel for when the plug is properly threaded.  A bolt plug in the end you twist firms up the hose and makes it easier to turn.

Just popping the spark plug and socket into the hole and then turning with a ratchet is a great way to cross-thread the plug.  At the very least, turn the socket with you hand, not a ratchet, to start the plug and always hand turn it as far as you can before using the ratchet.  If the threads are reasonably clean, you should be able to get hand-turn the plug nearly all the way in.

The plug socket in the toolkit is about the best tool for this job, although it doesn't readily adapt to a torque wrench.  But I'm pretty much old-school anyway and torque plugs by hand.  After a while you develop a good feel for when the crush washer fully crushes - torque builds rapidly.

- Mark

[Hush]

Let me guess, you own a CB650 ?
We all have this problem, I remove my gas tank just so I get it right, I expect to only have to remove my plugs maybe twice a year so it's no biggie and gives me a chance to check the electrics at the same time.
On the 650 it is nearly oblgitory to remove the tacho drive and cable to get at number 3 plug.
I use a $2 tee handled plug remover I got from Supercheap which works great but still catches on the inside mouldings of the head so I have to re-adjust it's position once or twice per plug.
It's just one of those annoying things like air filter boots and getting the carbs back on the head we have to grin and swallow for the bikes we love.

[jt1000]

Yeah, sorry I didn't mention bike type.  It's a '71 cb500Four.  I can reach the plugs fine without removal of the tank.  It's just the valve cover diameter prevents my socket from going in.  Albeit I was using a regular socket that is thick walled that worked on plugs 1 & 4.

[mlinder]

Need thin wall sockets.
I've seen people grind down thick walled ones to fit, though.

[jt1000]

I should be able to purchase one at a parts dealer, right, or maybe Auto Zone??

[Alan F.]

I should be able to purchase one at a parts dealer

Yup, your honda dealer should be able to get one for you, just ask for the one that was in your bike's toolkit. I think mine was about $7 in 2001.  Search the forums for 'spark plug wrench' to find the part number. (I know I've posted it a few times)

[Bill Vaughan]

Honda part number:  89216-323-000

[mark]

My missing plug wrench was found at a local second-hand store, at the bottom of one of those "cheap oddball wrenches - 50¢ each" bins.

 

[heffay]

get a tool kit one... that way it stays with the bike!  because, obviously, someone stole yours! 

[mark]

.... this thing.... right?


not only $6.50 + freight  cheaper than the dealer.....

it has that correct vintage patina that can't be bought at any price.

 

 

 

[Bob Wessner]

Might be worth investing in a correct size plug socket (with rubber insert to hold the plug) and a U-joint between the socket and the wrench. Just changed my plugs today and it's pretty easy with this combination. Start them by hand with the U-joint attached and when they are snug, attach the wrench to tighten enough to crush the washer.

[heffay]

Might be worth investing in a correct size plug socket (with rubber insert to hold the plug) and a U-joint between the socket and the wrench. Just changed my plugs today and it's pretty easy with this combination. Start them by hand with the U-joint attached and when they are snug, attach the wrench to tighten enough to crush the washer.

i start them w/ a piece of tube squished over the top that i keep in my toolkit... it allows for some twist of the tube, instead of cross threading...  then move onto the toolkit plug wrench.

plus... the tube can come in really handy... drink enough fuel from a straw and it kinda starts to taste good.   

[BeSeeingYou]

Bought an 18mm plug socket at Sears for $5.00.  I was able to get 1,2,&4 out using the Honda tool but with it's limited torque I could not get 3 loose.  This bike sat for 25 years so I am guessing it should be easier in the future.

[jt1000]

My local parts store had an Emgo NGK D type for my bike for $6.  Got it and worked like a charm