Topic: spark plug socket size?????

[aidan k6]

hi - new to the forum, and proud owner of a k6 sohc 750. This may seem like a silly question, but can someone tell me what size spark plug tool i need? better still a link on where to get a good one that gets to all 4 plugs!

[LesterPiglet]

Welcome.
Honda original
http://www.davidsilverspares.com/CB550F1-SUPER-SPORT-1976/part_5073/

[Jay Ace]

Definitely get the original Honda socket.
On my '72, cylinder #2 is impossible to reach with anything but the Honda socket.

[mark]

Got my 18mm plug socket from the MAC tool guy.

[lucky]

18mm socket,short extension 3/8 drive rachet.
Make sure to support the rachet so that it stays straight on the plug.

[aidan k6]

great, thank you!

[MoMo]

Definitely get the original Honda socket.
On my '72, cylinder #2 is impossible to reach with anything but the Honda socket.

Not quite impossible but darn close,  buy the original socket as mentioned-I use it rather than my Snap On 18mm...Larry

[ekpent]

Don't be surprised if you run into a Champion or an Autolite plug also. I have got bikes with the Champion etc plugs before and they are smaller than an NGK, like 17mm instead of 18mm. So don't freak out if you can't 'grab' it with the larger socket or tool you select.

[heymak]

I just got a set of box spanners on eBay ,cheap and good for lots of stuff, 17mm short enough for 2 and 3 and fits under the seat

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130896077914?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[Don R]

Just when I thought spanners were open or box end wrenches, now they're sockets? I'll never learn to speak English.

[dave500]

we say open end, ring, or sockets

[gregripko]

I got an 18mm spark plug socket craftsman at Sears that works great

[ekpent]

I got an 18mm spark plug socket craftsman at Sears that works great

My Sears fits also. When you do find a socket that works for you also source the rubber fitting that goes inside the socket the grips and holds the plug so it does not fall out when held vertical.

[Don R]

Just a tip, I use a piece of 3/8 rubber hose with a plastic barbed tee in one end to start the threads. Just push the hose over the porcelan, it spins easy and if you cross thread, it will just slip on the plug. The tee makes a nice handle.

[70CB750]

Just a tip, I use a piece of 3/8 rubber hose with a plastic barbed tee in one end to start the threads. Just push the hose over the porcelan, it spins easy and if you cross thread, it will just slip on the plug. The tee makes a nice handle.

You beat me to it 

[ekpent]

Just a tip, I use a piece of 3/8 rubber hose with a plastic barbed tee in one end to start the threads. Just push the hose over the porcelan, it spins easy and if you cross thread, it will just slip on the plug. The tee makes a nice handle.

That is a very good tip, especially for folks just getting acquainted with these machines. A cross threaded and tightened spark plug would make for a very bad day.

[evanphi]

Just a tip, I use a piece of 3/8 rubber hose with a plastic barbed tee in one end to start the threads. Just push the hose over the porcelan, it spins easy and if you cross thread, it will just slip on the plug. The tee makes a nice handle.

Awesome idea! I just use a Mastercraft 18mm spark plug socket to start the plugs to finger tight, and then an extension and universal joint to get it snugged up.

[Vinhead1957]

When starting plug in the threads I like to use a piece of fuel line snug around the porcelain. It provides enough torque to turn the plug but not cross thread it.

[seanbarney41]

I had a k2 for a while, that my regular old 3/8 drive 18mm craftsman socket would not work on cylinders 2 and 3.  Every other 750 I have had (k1, k4, k5, 76k, 78k, 78f)iworked fine.

[fendersrule]

I tested this last night with a deep 18mm socket. I was able to remove all spark plugs with it, including #2 cylinder.

For #2, put the socket on the plug first, and then mount your small extension + drive on.

[Duanob]

I went down to my local cycle wrecking yard and bought a whole tool kit from a Rebel for $8. I then had my neighbor weld a 12mm 3/8" drive socket on the end. It is the perfect length. It is my shop tool for pulling spark plugs on the bikes. I do have an original plug wrench but it's a PITA to use so I just keep it on the bike for roadside emergencies. At least on the 550 I have yet to find a regular socket that fits the 2 and 3 plug holes.

[750K]

Before I got an oem tool kit of eBay I went to my indie Honda shop, the parts guys said the plug wrench for the cr's are the same. They had one in the back they sold me cheap, it's the same as the one in my oem 750 pouch. So now I have one in the garage and one under the seat, it's the only one to have imho.

[vrm]

When I got my bike I found that the corners of one of the plugs were rounded off. I think the PO used a 19mm. My 18mm 12 point socket wouldn't work so I went to Sears and got an 18mm 6 point deep socket and it did the trick. Works fine on all cylinders. I don't know why 12 point sockets exist.

[lucky]

Just when I thought spanners were open or box end wrenches, now they're sockets? I'll never learn to speak English.

NO spanners ARE wrenches and wrenches can be box end OR open end or a combination. Then they are called a combination wrench.

Sockets are sockets.

[dave500]

i use a length of hose aswell for hand threading/starting and keep a piece under the seat and in my main tool set,also handy for when the plugs are way too hot to hold,the length under the seat has the jis/flat inside it and then thats stored inside the factory hex tube,i drilled another through hole 180 in the stock tubes other end to make it easier to get an angle on it.