Author Topic: Anyone else have trouble getting a socket on the #2 spark plug? (Read 16892 times)

sangyo soichiro · « **on:** May 22, 2009, 10:46:51 AM »

I have three 750 engines. I bought a 18mm long socket a while back. It works fine for cyls 1, 3, & 4, but only fits on #2 for one engine. So I went out and found a smaller outer-diameter 18mm socket, and it works on two of my three engines. The #$%* of it is, the one damn spark plug that I absolutely need to get at is the one I can't get at (dead cold #2 on my cafe)!
$:-\$

None of my bikes came with the original tool kit, and I assume the spark plug wrench in the kit (the kit that I don't have!) would have worked just fine.

Anyone else have trouble getting at the #2 spark plug? Like I said, I only have this problem on one of my three engines. $:-\$

Johnie · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2009, 10:49:29 AM »

Strange deal there. I use the Honda socket that came with the bike for #2&3. Once I get it loose I turn it out with that socket. No problem with the KO or K1 doing it that way.

TwoTired · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2009, 10:51:36 AM »

No problems here. I just use the tool kit plug socket made to do just the job you are talking about.
I don't get the "cheapie" remark. It's a special purpose tool, and you seem to be complaining about a general purpose tool not doing the job.

Perspective.

sangyo soichiro · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2009, 10:52:33 AM »

Yeah... I don't have a Honda socket. None of my bikes had the original tool kit.

sangyo soichiro · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2009, 10:55:03 AM »

Quote from: TwoTired on May 22, 2009, 10:51:36 AM

I don't get the "cheapie" remark. It's a special purpose tool, and you seem to be complaining about a general purpose tool not doing the job.

Perspective.

I'm complaining that I don't have that tool! Believe me, I wish I did....

Edited the original post to avoid confusion.

MCRider · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2009, 10:59:27 AM »

Quote from: soichiro on May 22, 2009, 10:46:51 AM

I have three 750 engines. I bought a 18mm long socket a while back. It works fine for cyls 1, 3, & 4, but only fits on #2 for one engine. So I went out and found a smaller outer-diameter 18mm socket, and it works on two of my three engines. The #$%* of it is, the one damn spark plug that I absolutely need to get at is the one I can't get at (dead cold #2 on my cafe)!
$:-\$

None of my bikes came with the original tool kit, and I assume that cheapie spark plug wrench would have worked just fine.

Anyone else have trouble getting at the #2 spark plug? Like I said, I only have this problem on one of my three engines. $:-\$

YEs this discussion arises from time to time. There were some differences in the casting of the head and/or cam cover, don't know the details as to which and why, but you've got one. The stock wrench was long and skinny so that's the key.

I have a deepwell 18mm that has been extensively ground down on the bench grinder to clear the #2 bump. Once that is done...

use a 3/8" universal joint wrapped a few times with electricians tape to limit its wobbliness. With an extension and a speed wrench you should be able to zip all 4 out with a one step process each.

PS: the plug wrench that came with the CB750 is actuall a pretty good tool. But it was designed to be turned with s screwdriver shaft thru a hole in the top, less than a half turn at a time. Mechanics would take the stock plug wrench and weld something into it to use the 3/8" set up described above.

sangyo soichiro · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2009, 11:09:49 AM »

So are my only options to either get my hands on one of the original tool kit spark plug wrenches, or grind down a general purpose socket?

Does anyone know of a socket I could get off the shelf that would work? Or can I get one of the original Honda sockets somewhere (do newer bikes use the same 18mm socket wrench)?

Thanks for the input.

MCRider · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2009, 11:33:26 AM »

Quote from: soichiro on May 22, 2009, 11:09:49 AM

So are my only options to either get my hands on one of the original tool kit spark plug wrenches, or grind down a general purpose socket?

Does anyone know of a socket I could get off the shelf that would work? Or can I get one of the original Honda sockets somewhere (do newer bikes use the same 18mm socket wrench)?

Thanks for the input.

I think those are your options. Here's a look:

The stock wrench is nearly 5 inches long and very slim. You can see the knurled portion at the top for grip. My wrench is rusty where it was ground, taped Uni joint attached. Clears no problem, but I don't know if there is a cyl head worse than mine was for clearance.

Johnie · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2009, 11:36:49 AM »

I see those sockets on eBay a lot. You may be able to get them from Honda yet. A ton of bikes had them. You want the one with the grooves at the top end as that gives you some nice grip with the fingers during removal and install. See pic below...click to enlarge it.

MRieck · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2009, 11:45:11 AM »

I use the 3/8 deep socket with a 1/4"adaptor, swivel and extension. The 1/4" tools are thin and allow for easier movement in the there. The swivel is key too (the electrical tape is a good idea too....I have a spring I put over it)

WHALEMAN · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2009, 11:48:14 AM »

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380108707124&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&viewitem=

Why fight it. I just bought one on ebay for $1.50 for a friend. Dan

MCRider · « **Reply #11 on:** May 22, 2009, 11:55:53 AM »

Quote from: MRieck on May 22, 2009, 11:45:11 AM

I use the 3/8 deep socket with a 1/4"adaptor, swivel and extension. The 1/4" tools are thin and allow for easier movement in the there. The swivel is key too (the electrical tape is a good idea too....I have a spring I put over it)

Hmmm..1/4" would be better.

TwoTired · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2009, 12:00:27 PM »

I got this one with one of my CB550s. But, I use it on the CB750s, too. And, it works just as well there.

Cheers,

sangyo soichiro · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2009, 12:07:38 PM »

Thanks everyone for the input. Looks like these tools are pretty easy to get and not that expensive. Kind of stinks that the weather is finally nice and I can't ride my bike though.

mlinder · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2009, 12:12:19 PM »

The local moto shops have 'em here in portland. Not the 'honda' ones, but same thing, more or less.. Think they are about 4 or 5 bucks.

myhondas · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2009, 12:19:48 PM »

Bought a #18 deepwell at advance auto parts that works as well as the original. I like to use a socket wrench rather than the screwdriver or bar that the original requires.

mark · « **Reply #16 on:** May 22, 2009, 12:30:01 PM »

I think I actually laughed at the MAC dude when he showed me their exciting new 18mm plug socket.......

cute little thing. wtf is that for?... some new Bimmer that takes small plugs.

yeah, ok. buy it and it sits in the toolbox for 20 years until I get another old Honda.

They don't get much thinner and it fits just fine.

also found the toolkit wrench at a second-hand store for maybe a buck.

grumpy · « **Reply #17 on:** May 22, 2009, 12:49:10 PM »

Wonder if these would work??

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/9/205/4810/ITEM/Motion-Pro-18mm-Spark-Plug-Socket-Wrench.aspx

sangyo soichiro · « **Reply #18 on:** May 22, 2009, 01:05:26 PM »

Quote from: grumpy on May 22, 2009, 12:49:10 PM

Wonder if these would work??

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/9/205/4810/ITEM/Motion-Pro-18mm-Spark-Plug-Socket-Wrench.aspx

Yikes! At about $23, that is one expensive socket! Thanks though.

TwoTired · « **Reply #19 on:** May 22, 2009, 01:22:08 PM »

I don't think it would work, either. Best to have a bell mouth design instead of straight walled.

nobrake · « **Reply #20 on:** May 22, 2009, 02:32:06 PM »

I put a strip of heavy paper around inside of the socket. This creates friction and easily
grabs the plug during installing and extraction.

Inigo Montoya · « **Reply #21 on:** May 22, 2009, 06:10:48 PM »

Got a sears 18mm deep. Clears with no issues.

WFO · « **Reply #22 on:** May 22, 2009, 06:14:40 PM »

Quote from: Johnie on May 22, 2009, 11:36:49 AM

I see those sockets on eBay a lot. You may be able to get them from Honda yet. A ton of bikes had them. You want the one with the grooves at the top end as that gives you some nice grip with the fingers during removal and install. See pic below...click to enlarge it.

Exactly..

patrickd · « **Reply #23 on:** May 23, 2009, 11:04:32 PM »

Are you sure you have ALL NGK's in there? NGK are 18mm and Champions are 5/8" If your 18mm socket don't slip over the plug try a 5/8 just to see if maybe those plugs are Champs

sangyo soichiro · « **Reply #24 on:** May 26, 2009, 10:22:14 AM »

UPDATE:

I got my hands on one of those specialty spark plug tools that come in the tool kit (actually, the one I got was for a Honda Shadow).

Anyway, it worked perfectly. And yes, the spark plug was the problem (but I cleaned my carbs anyway...).

Thanks to all for the input. And patrickd, thanks for the info on the Champions being 5/8". That may save a future headache.

IntricateMotorworks · « **Reply #25 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:39:45 PM »

I wanted to thank a few of you for this post...it worked great using the stock honda spark plug removal tool that is in the oem tool kit...I went ahead and reposted this just in case anyone else was having problems...must be a bad casting on the engine block

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #26 on:** April 13, 2011, 11:54:23 PM »

some more strange details for ya...I have two k2 750 engines in my bikes...in one the 3/8 drive 18mm craftsman deepwell works fine, but not the other...weird...

72 yellow · « **Reply #27 on:** April 14, 2011, 06:57:08 AM »

Just to add to the mix, the spark plug tool from my 1966 CB 77 Superhawk kit also works in my 72 CB750.

Duanob · « **Reply #28 on:** April 14, 2011, 02:58:26 PM »

I saved myself $15 and got a spark plug wrench for a rebel 250 that fits the CB550K just fine. It's a bit short but I had my neighbor weld on a 3/8" 12mm socket on the end so i can use my ratchet wrench.

You can still find NOS plug wrenches for the older CBs on ebay but they are usually $20 or more.

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Author Topic: Anyone else have trouble getting a socket on the #2 spark plug? (Read 16892 times)

WHALEMAN

patrickd