Changing Spark plugs

[Rincewind]

since the success of sorting the front brakes, i've decided to change the plugs

so once again i bow to the fount of your collective knowledge

How do i get at them? which ones are they best replaced with???

i think i can manage the removal and refitting, just dunno how to get at the little buggers

thanks

[bluesman]

I think best ones are NGK Iridium. I am cheapskate - I went for NGK Platinum.
NGK Platinum for Storm
DPR9EVX-9

NGK Iridium for Storm
DPR9EIX-9

[Stormin Ben]

Front one:
Get down on your knees by the front wheel
Remove the plug lead
Remove plug using decent plug spanner (or if you are desperate, the one in the toolkit!)
Set plug gap as per the manual -worth taking your time and getting spot on
Remove little nipply thing from the end of the new spark plug end (I think -check the old one as you take it off)
Fit new plug into spark plug socket (decent ones have a rubber insert to grip the end, cheap nasty Honda toolkit ones don't)
See Bens top tip below

Rear one
Remove seat
Remove rear tank bolt (horizontal 10mm bolt)
Use n-shaped allen key bracket from toolkit (if its missing a brick or block of wood will work fine) to prop up the rear of the tank
Remove plug lead
Remove plug etc


Bens top tip
The spark plug should screw virtually all the way in using just your fingers on the tool.
If you need to put any force on it, DON'T.
Instead remove plug and try again. It is VERY easy to cross-thread the plug and if you then force it home you will shag the head

[Max]

I just put ngk iridium ones in mine and I'm sure its using a lot less fuel.

[ips]

If you don’t have a descent spark plug socket will the rubber insert.
Then use a short length of hose pipe that the spark plug end fits in and use that to initially screw the spark plug in. Can also be used for taking them out. I found an old washing machine hose was perfect.

[Stormin Ben]

Until the Mrs noticed the puddle of water on the kitchen floor the next time she used the washing machine!!

[ips]

Got married, didn't need the washing machine any more

[Rincewind]

right, had a crack at this last night


assembled all the various spark plug sockets, of which none seem to fit


any idea what size i need to purchase???

[alan]

I think its an 18mil i did valve clearances last week and sure it was this i had the same problem couldnt find one to fit then found a t bar socket.Hacked it up with hacksaw put a socket joint on so i could use a straight bar and ratchet.Even the one in the bikes shite tool kit doesnt fit!!

[Rincewind]

bike tool kit doesn't exist!!! so that ain't a problem

will have another crack this weekend,

Cheers

[sirch345]

I think its an 18mil i did valve clearances last week and sure it was this i had the same problem couldnt find one to fit then found a t bar socket.Hacked it up with hacksaw put a socket joint on so i could use a straight bar and ratchet.Even the one in the bikes shite tool kit doesnt fit!!

I think you are right when you say a 18mm Alan, but that's as in spanner size I think
In actual size of spark plug spanner that will be a 12mm

Sounds confusing doesn't it that's what I thought

Don't ask me why but I think that is correct

Chris.

[alan]

Er yes youve confused me Chris

[Rincewind]

you're confused........

[sirch345]

Your best bet is to take one of the spark plugs with you, to the shop so you can make sure you come away with the right one

[Rincewind]

but its the getting them out thats the problem!!!