Topic: I'm confused about the dumbest thing...

[famoussas1]

ok, i measured my spark plug on my 74 550 and an 18mm socket fits on the plug.  the socket wont fit to reach the 2-3 plugs so i know i need a spark plug wrench...didnt wanna pay $20 at Honda for a wrench, so I bought a kimpex spark wrench for $5 off babbits or one of those sites.  and its too big.  says fits 18 and 14mm plugs.  wont even clear the rockers to get to the head.  whats my problem here?

prob. shoulda just went with the $20 honda one to begin with.  duhhh.

[TwoTired]

Here's the stock tool kit one.  See how it "bells" out?  This allows it to clear obstructions near the spark plugs.

Use straight walled plug sockets at your peril.  (Or the spark plug thread's.)   As, the steel spark plug threads are a LOT tougher than the aluminum ones in the head.

[cb650]

On the 650's that is the best plug wrench.

[Gordon]

A thin-walled, deep socket 18mm works great, but it has to be thin-walled.  

[famoussas1]

yeah, my standard 18 wont fit, and rightfully so. i guess i gotta fork up the dough for the honda one. thanks guys.

[dusterdude]

i dont know about a 550,but on my 750 i use a socket that has a hex on the end and i slip it over the plug and use a wrench on the hex to break it loose.

[DKB]

partsnmore sells a spark plug wrench for 2 dollars that works like a champ on the 550's. I tried 2 or 3 different "thin walled" 18mm sockets beforehand, none of which fit Cyl 2&3. Best 2 bucks I've spent on a tool...

http://www.partsnmore.net/item_index.php?part_unique=4627

[Sporkfly]

I bought a cheap socket and took it to the bench grinder. Works a treat, and since it's not receiving any higher stress than my spark plugs I'm not worried about my compromising the structure.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

The hex is 18mm.  Maybe you ordered a wrench designed for a plug with 18mm thread?  I know I once stopped by a shop and asked for an 18mm plug wrench and got a odd look from the counter man.  He then explained the difference in the two measurements.  But he wanted to check for sure just in case my hobby was restoring bulldozers! 

[famoussas1]

yeah, think thats where i went wrong with the 18mm. oh well, ran to ace hardware and got a lawnmower 3/4 inch..enough to break the seal and fish it out with the wrench and a socket atop it to turn it. 

[Don R]

Spin em in and out with a piece of 3/8" rubber fuel hose. You will never cross thread cause the hose slips if you're not started right.

[dave500]

i keep a piece of hose in my under seat tool kit DONR,makes it easy to centre them and be sure your squared up.

[Hush]

Great tip, I'll add a piece of hose to my tool kit.

[Deltarider]

I've tried them all: plug wrenches, sockets, rubber hose... but genuine Honda tool beats all.

[cb350twin]

Get Honda one OR The cheaper route go to a hardware and or lawn mower store and get a lawn mower one. On the 750's  on #2 & 3 you feel some Resistance.. That's the side of the wrench scraping where the valve cover and head meet... Take out  wrench see where its scraping and file it with a dermal or something to make look like the Honda one in two tired's picture. The good thing about the Honda ones is there longer.

Hey Don, Do you just put the fuel line over the porcelain part of the plug or something?