Author Topic: Why doesn't my spark plug socket work? (Read 5857 times)

Tews19 · « **on:** July 25, 2011, 06:01:19 PM »

Why doesn't my spark plug socket work for my 75 cb550? it's 5/8 and won't work... Any help would be greatly appreciated.

WarwickE36 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 25, 2011, 06:04:14 PM »

You need an 18 MM deep socket... I cute about 1/4 of an inch off the bottom of mine with a cutting wheel. I use the socket to break the plug free, then use an old sprak plug boot from a car to turn it the rest of the way out. I use the boot to install plugs too, keeps them from being cross threaded. Works awesome.

Tews19 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 25, 2011, 06:09:36 PM »

Figures.........no deep well 18 mm. Will head out tonight to get one. With the coil system what spark plugs do you recommend?

WarwickE36 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 25, 2011, 06:15:56 PM »

NGK D8EA

Tews19 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 25, 2011, 06:34:44 PM »

Thanks. I thought that but wanted to be sure. I got my bike to turn and now the electric start is working. Put some fresh gas in and won't start. Getting the plugs and draining the gas tank. I just want it to start. Then I will get the carbs cleaned.

TwoTired · « **Reply #5 on:** July 25, 2011, 06:37:51 PM »

For the Cb550 Use D7EA (standard for that model). Use D8 if you run high power in super hot weather.
The stock tool kit plug socket works better than any deep well I've found. The bell mouth make all the difference.

Cheers,

Tews19 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 25, 2011, 06:53:11 PM »

Quote from: TwoTired on July 25, 2011, 06:37:51 PM

For the Cb550 Use D7EA (standard for that model). Use D8 if you run high power in super hot weather.
The stock tool kit plug socket works better than any deep well I've found. The bell mouth make all the difference.

Cheers,

Not to be dumb, what does high power mean? The spark wires? Quick question, the wires are in order 1.2.3.4 from left to right... I thought it was in a different order...

Stev-o · « **Reply #7 on:** July 25, 2011, 07:04:06 PM »

Quote from: WarwickE36 on July 25, 2011, 06:15:56 PM

NGK D8EA

+1.

Make sure you have a fully charged battery. Then put a spark plug in the plug wire and lay the plug on the head and crank it for 5 sec. You should have a nice blue spark.

Also, make sure carbs are getting fuel.

Good Luck.

Tews19 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 25, 2011, 07:11:45 PM »

SO +1 to the 8 or the 7 NGK?

Stev-o · « **Reply #9 on:** July 25, 2011, 07:18:18 PM »

Quote from: Tews19 on July 25, 2011, 07:11:45 PM

SO +1 to the 8 or the 7 NGK?

7. Sorry for the confusion. [I use the 8 in my 750]

And sitting on the bike, the cylinder order is 1234, left to right.

Tews19 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 25, 2011, 07:25:40 PM »

Thanks stev-o. Sohc digger from here offered to show me how rebuild the carbs. I will be contacting him soon to set it up. Hopefully I get to pick up my other 550 tomorrow.

Stev-o · « **Reply #11 on:** July 25, 2011, 07:47:38 PM »

Quote from: Tews19 on July 25, 2011, 07:25:40 PM

Thanks stev-o. Sohc digger from here offered to show me how rebuild the carbs. I will be contacting him soon to set it up. Hopefully I get to pick up my other 550 tomorrow.

Digger is very competent, you are very lucky to be his "intern"!

I have a set of carbs off my K7 that need rebuilding, but not in my 120 degree garage this summer will they get done!

Tews19 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 25, 2011, 08:04:53 PM »

Alright if anyone out there has a spark plug tool for this bike, would you be interested in selling? Also, 2 and 3 spark plugs, do I need to remove the gas tank? I ran to Autozone bought the 7 spark plugs and being an idiot I should have checked to see what spark plugs were in there to begin with... D8ea!!!!! Is it incorrect and I should keep the 7 i bought or wait until the AM and return to get the 8's?

? What should I set the gap if the 7's are the correct one to use?

Does this mean it is running rich?

Nortstudio · « **Reply #13 on:** July 25, 2011, 08:15:06 PM »

I don't want to be obvious here, but you do have the manual downloaded, right?

The proper plugs and gaps are all laid out for your bike - whereas this thread has seemed to gotten confused between the 8s for the 750 and the 7s for the 550.

Tews19 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 25, 2011, 08:20:21 PM »

Quote from: Nortstudio on July 25, 2011, 08:15:06 PM

I don't want to be obvious here, but you do have the manual downloaded, right?

The proper plugs and gaps are all laid out for your bike - whereas this thread has seemed to gotten confused between the 8s for the 750 and the 7s for the 550.

No you are right.. I get ahead of myself sometimes.. Downloading the manual as I type this...Just to make sure, the 550F 74 manual contains the same specs as the 75?

Tews19 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 25, 2011, 08:27:47 PM »

74 manual states NGK D7ES.. Are these equivelant to the D7EA's today?

Nortstudio · « **Reply #16 on:** July 25, 2011, 08:33:26 PM »

D7EA are the plugs for you.

Also, check out a site called Motogrid.com that has a great way to cross ref parts. Plug info in the left side, copy the part number, hit back button, plug part number into bottom query panel of right side, and when the answer pops up, hit the "select model" option. Shows all the bike that use that same part.

Stev-o · « **Reply #17 on:** July 25, 2011, 08:38:30 PM »

Quote from: Nortstudio on July 25, 2011, 08:33:26 PM

D7EA are the plugs for you.

Also, check out a site called Motogrid.com that has a great way to cross ref parts. Plug info in the left side, copy the part number, hit back button, plug part number into bottom query panel of right side, and when the answer pops up, hit the "select model" option. Shows all the bike that use that same part.

Nort - you are no longer a "rookie"! I knew it would just be a matter of time before you would be helping the newbies!

Nortstudio · « **Reply #18 on:** July 25, 2011, 08:42:26 PM »

Spark plugs I can handle, its the carbs on and off the bike 5 times in 3 days trying to chase hanging idle that still gets me down

Still a newbie, just close enough to the new stuff to remember wanting all this info NOW! sometimes being closer to the same level helps, I hope so anyway.

Tews19 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 25, 2011, 09:17:36 PM »

Quote from: Nortstudio on July 25, 2011, 08:33:26 PM

D7EA are the plugs for you.

Also, check out a site called Motogrid.com that has a great way to cross ref parts. Plug info in the left side, copy the part number, hit back button, plug part number into bottom query panel of right side, and when the answer pops up, hit the "select model" option. Shows all the bike that use that same part.

Thanks Nort... I was able to change out the 1 and 4 spark plug and will have to pick up a thin socket tomorrow for the other two.... BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET HER RUNNING FOR TWO SECONDS!!!!!!!!! I even had the wife outside recording it on my IPhone!!!!!!! There is a hole in the exhaust and all this black smoke and rust came spewing out of the hole....I am not going to mess with her until I replace the 2 and 3 spark plug.. Try one more time after then if she doesn't start I will let her be until I rebuild the carbs and clean out the tank.... Thanks once again Nort....

TwoTired · « **Reply #20 on:** July 25, 2011, 09:42:39 PM »

I even had the Honda dealer selling me D8 plugs for my 550. When I convinced him to look in the book, he found D7 is the correct plug.
It may be the only SOHC4 the uses them instead of the D8.

D7ES was the original plug spec'd for the bike. NGK stop making them and specified D7EA as the nearest subsitute.

You CAN run D8EA in the CB550. But, it will become a cold blooded beast (runs like crap until full warm up, much like many CB750s do).

As you sit on the bike the cylinders are numbered 1234 from left to right.

Cheers,

Stev-o · « **Reply #21 on:** July 25, 2011, 09:44:23 PM »

Great news!

FYI - a spark plug wrench came in the standard tool kit under the seat. Did your bike come with one?

Tews19 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 25, 2011, 09:56:22 PM »

No tool kit. I took off the cover to the air filter and to my dismay there is no air filter.... The metal screen on the bottom is all that was in the box.. SO sad.. I am looking to order a new filter but looking at the diagram, it looks like a lot more is needed besides the air filter... Also I did a search and a Uni filter seems to be the way to go.. Here is a link to one I found.. Is this a good price and will this be able to replace everything that is missing within the air box?

Tews19 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 25, 2011, 10:09:14 PM »

I had to look under the seat after reading your post and I found a compartment with two screws. I removed the door and nothing.... Did I look in the right place?

T.Stanley · « **Reply #24 on:** July 25, 2011, 10:14:32 PM »

I have two thin walled deep regular 18mm sockets and they were to thick. Drove to the nearest Sears and purchased a Craftsman 18mm Spark Plug Socket and it works like a charm

TwoTired · « **Reply #25 on:** July 25, 2011, 11:25:25 PM »

Straight walled spark plug sockets can work if you are careful on the 550. But, 2&3 spark wells have an obstruction that sometimes helps cross thread the spark plug upon installation, which can ruin your day. That's why the stock tool kit socket is shaped the way it is. You can still cross thread the spark plug with the right tool, but you have to try harder to do that.

Cheers,

dave500 · « **Reply #26 on:** July 26, 2011, 12:13:34 AM »

you might find a cheap tube socket at a lawn mower shop so long as it has the reach?

Nortstudio · « **Reply #27 on:** July 26, 2011, 03:36:46 AM »

You better take a photo and post it of the area where the air box should be. Just to see how much is missing. I have an extra one I would get rid of if you need it.

Congrats on getting it fired. Great feeling, right? I'm sure some of the soot and crap that came out is just from sitting. Get those other 2 plugs out and let us know how it goes.

WarwickE36 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 26, 2011, 05:12:34 AM »

Also, make sure it has oil.... new oil, and a filter

...just saying.

Tews19 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 26, 2011, 05:35:25 AM »

Quote from: WarwickE36 on July 26, 2011, 05:12:34 AM

Also, make sure it has oil.... new oil, and a filter ...just saying.

Changed the oil twice... Gives me a piece of mind knowing I ran oil through two times..... Filter was changed as well... I will take a pic of the air box in a few...

Tews19 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 26, 2011, 05:46:35 AM »

Empty Airbox

bollingball · « **Reply #31 on:** July 27, 2011, 07:42:56 PM »

Tews I think the door you took off is where the owners manual and a $100 bill goes

Tews19 · « **Reply #32 on:** July 27, 2011, 08:37:04 PM »

HA, nothing there... Oh well, I went to Sears bought the 18 mm and replaced the other two spark plugs

News:

Author Topic: Why doesn't my spark plug socket work? (Read 5857 times)

bollingball