Topic: 1980 CB650C Spark plug removal problem!!

[Lightning]

I am trying to get a 1980 cb650 to run so that I can get an idea of what mechanical issues there will be to fix before i tear it all down to restore everything. PO left the bike in a barn for 6 years.

How in the world do I get the #3 spark plug out? I removed the tach gear, that was in the way. I still can't get my 3/4 socket in there. I have not been able to find a 3/4 spark plug socket anywhere. Only 5/8 and 13/16 which are both to far too small and far to big. Is using the deep well 3/4 my problem? is a 3/4 sp slimmer? I have gotten the bike started and ran for less than a minute a few times. Pipes #1 #2 and #4 all heat up. #3 cold. The spark plug is loose, I can wiggle it slightly. Has anyone had this problem?

[cameron]

my 550 uses a 18mm socket. Slightly smaller.
I got mine at sears. but I hear you need a 'thin-walled-kind'. I just grabbed one. Maybe I got lucky.

I have wonky-angled socket extension shaft thing... so I can turn it without getting my driver on it square.

Maybe 3/4 is too big for a 650? I don't know.

[scunny]

18mm thin walled socket, but 3 is still a #$%*

[Frankenkit]

Like scunny said- but especially the ones that are narrower at the top of the socket.  Put the socket in first, then your extender, then clip in the wrench.

Even better, though, is the OE tool from Honda...

[wardenerd]

have 81 with same problem .  got a factory wrench from memeber for shipping. they are avaiable from honda for 30 or so

[cb650]

I just tried to get one from Honda and they told me it was discontinued.   Dont think I'd pay 30 anyway.  Have one was just curious.

[cameron]

Aha.
I found a picture of the thing that totally helps me:



I think it is called a 'universal joint'.. and it only costs a few dollars.

[mgbgt89]

Aha.
I found a picture of the thing that totally helps me:



I think it is called a 'universal joint'.. and it only costs a few dollars.

It will pay for itself over and over. Definitely a must have for every tool box. Get a set of all three drive sizes, you'll be glad you did.

[manjisann]

I believe it's Emgo who makes it, but there is a company that makes a spark plug removal tool similar to the oem one. When I was at the honda dealer once I saw them and picked up a couple, they were like $10 a piece or something.

Brandon

[Hush]

As all the other 650 owners said, #3 is the number of the Devil when removing 650 plugs.
If you take your tank off it will be a whole lot easier and as the bike sat for 6 years I would recommend removing the tank and washing it out to get rid of the rusticles and crud that will be in there.
Clear your fuel lines and fuel tap at the same time and use a very short crosshead screw driver to remove the 16 tiny screws that hold your bowls on, the emulsion tubes will be clogged by old gas and gunk.
Suprisingly these old Hondas seal themselves up quite nicely while in hibernation and are only awaiting a gentle touch to breath life back into them.....good luck.....Hush.

[Lightning]

Holy Moly! I have been reading this forum for months and finally got to my first post last night. I was hoping for a response or two. You are all amazing, this is the greatest site !

It is true that the 3/4 is a bit too big. So I went and got a 18mm dw socket, better fit but I still can't get it in there to turn the plug. If i could find a sp 18mm the narrow top end might work. I will look for the universal joint and thin walled socket. I was trying to find one that was thinner but didn't at Runnings, didn't know they actually made one.

Thanks for the heads up Hush. The tank was full when I picked the bike up, smelled like good gas. I emptied it into my gas can and blended for my lawnmower, all seemed to come out clean. I pulled the carbs to fix the choke cable holder that was broken and hanging there, that sucked. I pulled the bowls off and they were all spotless. Before the bike was put away for storage I guess the carbs were all rebuilt due to #2 dumping gas.

I will begin my search for the thin walled 18mm.

Funny thing is, last year I rebuilt the engine on an 80' KZ440B top to bottom without a hiccup. Went through the manual easy as the directions on a box of Kraft Mac-n-cheese. This CB is a nightmare front to back stupid little problems, broken plastic, loose sp that i cant get a socket on, tach cable(not broken) too short due to the end metal piece has been pulled from the sheath. Many more....

Thank you all...   I will be back for more help... I'm sure the manual isn't as thorough as the Kawi was.

[Lightning]

If this becomes a future quiestion for anybody. I went to Menards and picked up a 12 point 18mm socket made be ALLEN. It is not labeled as thin walled it just come that way. It was still difficult to get it in there at #3. I put a little tape around the nut on the sp so it would stay in the socket to get it in there straight. It is a goofy angle to find. Took me 20 minutes or so and several tries but I'm sure I got it. At that goofy angle and tight space it would be easy to cross thread.

[gerry113377]

this is it:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943330000P?vName=Tools&cName=Wrenches,Ratchets&Sockets&sName=All%20Open%20Stock%20Wrenches&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

Don't even have to take the cable off with this one.  If you go to the store they could probably order one in for you so you don't have to pay shipping.

only $3.78

[Lightning]

I am going to pick that up, no wrapping tape on the sp nut to keep it in there and striaght!

[Hush]

20 minutes! You should have had it out in 2!

[Lightning]

Had it out in two but the angle of getting the thread started was goofy. its not an sp socket so i wrapped the nut with a piece of tape so it wouldnt fall out of the socket as i guided it in.

[cameron]

I was looking for some parts.. came across this:

http://www.northcityvintagehonda.com/servlet/the-481/Box-Wrench,-18mm/Detail

For the future searchers.

[jmichaelparty]

I just solved a similar problem. I had quite a time finding a spark plug socket that was thin enough to get down there. Home Depot actually has an 18mm Spark Plug socket that will fit. If you use that in combination with a socket angle adapter, you should be good to go!

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Drive-18-mm-Spark-Plug-Socket-H3DSPSKT18MM/205534366?keyword=Husky+18mm+spark+plug+socket

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Powerbuilt-1-4-in-x-3-8-in-x-1-2-in-Drive-U-Joint-Set-3-Piece-640858/204505187?keyword=3%2F8+in+drive+u-joint

[jeffg]

I just used an 8mm 3/8" drive long socket, with a flex joint and a long extension, simple.
To
 put in new start out, I used a 1/2" 8mm long fitted with a standard rubber foam inserted in the 8mm.

[lrutt]

I've found on my SOHCs is that the stock plug sockets can be a god send in some cases. fit it on and index it then a screw driver through the hole and it's done. I keep a few of these in my tool box as it's just easier.

I also bought a set of deep well 6 point HF sockets and turned them down even more to be very thin wall for plugs. Can buy a whole set of those sockets for 1 purchased 18.

And a little trick for starting plugs back in and taking them out once loosened, use a length of rubber reinforced hose that fits tight over the porceline. It will flex in odd shapes and allows you to turn the plugs in or out by fingers quickly. if they don't feed by finger twisting then something is not right and you need to correct it. Works beautifully on those deeply recessed plugs. An essential addition to my tool box as well.

[Slimbatey]

In case anyone comes across this later on, here's an amazon link to the thin honda toolkit spark plug remover

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0L1EU7?psc=1&smid=A1TSGGGEDKOX8P&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

[fizzlebottom]

I think I stopped having trouble getting #3 out when I started using a thin-walled 18mm spark plug socket + a 3in or 6in extension.

[Alan F.]

That isn't the Honda tool.

Honda 89216-323-000 WRENCH, SPARK PLUG

There are a few used on eBay.

[Slimbatey]

Amazon link isn't the exact tool from Honda but fits well. Made it a heck of a lot easier for me

[Deltarider]

Best tool for the sparkplugs is the Honda one. If not in the toolbag under the seat, it is still available for a reasonable price at https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550k3-four-germany_model14674/wrench-plug_89216323000/
This is what has worked best for me. Before I mount a sparkplug, I screw the little ferrule on top, some non OEM plugcaps require, but... just a few turns. Now press the plug in the Honda tool, so the rubber, high inside that tool, will have a firm grip. The sparkplugs hexagon is now exactly where it should be and the whole combination is stiff and easy to work with, meaning the plug will not fall out. Screw the sparkplug down and tighten. Withdraw the plugtool and then simply remove that ferrule again. On removing the sparkplugs, do the opposite: withdraw the plugcap, carefully avoiding a too wild movement of your hand that may result in a compromised connection cap - wire or even wire - coil. Then screw the little ferrule on top of the plug - a few turns is enough - and firmly press the Honda tool on it. No risk of damaging the porcelain and guaranteed no more prematurely falling sideways of the #2 and #3 plug, which would result in a hassle to get them out.

[bryanj]

Dont know why you say discontinued, Dave Silver says he has 9 in stock! 89216323000