Topic: Standard Spark Plug Wrench Won't Fit!

[breezy]

Being a new SOHC4 owner, I was a bit surprised to find that a standard spark plug socket wrench won't fit past the valve cover.  What sort of plug socket works?  Should I try to find the pressed metal sockets wrenches that generally come with the stock tool kit?  Are these available singly?

[tory b]

I had the same issue,I just turned down a standard plug socket and added it to my "Special motorcycle tools"drawer.

[Gordon]

Being a new SOHC4 owner, I was a bit surprised to find that a standard spark plug socket wrench won't fit past the valve cover.  What sort of plug socket works?  Should I try to find the pressed metal sockets wrenches that generally come with the stock tool kit?  Are these available singly?

Yes.  What you need is either a spark plug socket made for motorcycles (still available at your local shop), or a thin-walled deep 18mm socket. 

[pamcopete]

I use a 18mm "Gear Wrench" socket from Advance Auto, but the other issue is that the NGK spark plugs are 18mm but some other brands, like Autolite, are 11/16".

[DJ_AX]

I got a nice thin walled socket with the rubber inside to hold the plug.
And yes... those kits are still available. Just bought one (like a pressed tube + a separate 4" post that you insert in the holes on the other end to turn). I keep that one on the bike.


Edit: What SOHC4 do you have?

[BeSeeingYou]

I have an 18mm Craftsman plug socket from Sears and it fits fine.

[zackblack]

I have a 18mm from Canadian Tire that works.

[WarwickE36]

18mm socket with about 1/4 cut off with a cutting wheel..

I use it to break it free then use an old plug wire boot from a town car to turn take it out the rest of the way, I also use the old boot to install them and only use the 18mm to torque it down.

[Logan80]

18mm socket with about 1/4 cut off with a cutting wheel..

I use it to break it free then use an old plug wire boot from a town car to turn take it out the rest of the way, I also use the old boot to install them and only use the 18mm to torque it down.

This is a very good idea. Can help avoid damage to the head or plugs.

[BobbyR]

The wrench that came with the original toolkit is the best tool. You can still buy them.

[octagon]

this is already on the forum somewhere, but a piece of rubber tubing with an id a little less than the od of the plug ceramic works very well to thread a plug on and off. 

[DJ_AX]

this is already on the forum somewhere, but a piece of rubber tubing with an id a little less than the od of the plug ceramic works very well to thread a plug on and off. 

like ... and extra chunk of left over fuel line.

[Bahumut]

I use a 18mm "Gear Wrench" socket from Advance Auto, but the other issue is that the NGK spark plugs are 18mm but some other brands, like Autolite, are 11/16".

I bought the same one this morning.  Works fine.  About $3