Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
removing the spark plug!!! HELP! removing the spark plug!!! HELP!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Johannesburg, RSA
Posts: 26
removing the spark plug!!! HELP!
On my 96 XT400

PLEASE!!!!! I really need to remove the spark plug, but i have NO IDEA, I first tried with my hand, NEIN!

Then i bought a 14mm deep Socket, but obviously it wasn't deep enough, it just falls into the hole, and i can't connect the wrench onto it, and secondly i don't know if it's actually sitting om the spark plug,

I saw a sparkplug toolkit in the hardware store, but this was a 16mm socket...

should i get a 14mm or a 16mm!!!

How do i do this, that sparkplug is in the daftest spot ever, bloody hell!!!! Right under the frame!!!

WHAT CAN I DO TO REMOVE THIS FRIGGIN SPARK PLUG, without actually taking a jigsaw to the frame!!!!

thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Mar 2007
cozcan's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkey
Posts: 101
Dear narkotik666;

In the other thread you have not mentioned that your XT is not an 600, but 400. 14mm wrench is for 3AJ motors (check the number plate on yours).

I have no experience with XTs other than 600 but I know that the smaller sizes like 350, 400, and 500 are harder to remove the spark plug.

Keep your patience and accept that even small issues like removing a SP may turn out to be a real pain if you do not have proper tools.

Some wrenches like in the picture may be of help. There must also be some extensions to make you reach the spark plug.


can ozcan
Attached Images
 
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 651
Your saviour
I do not recall the size. I suggest you take following steps:
1. Buy a new sparkplug, see another post for specification, the new one should have the correct size
2. Buy a tool called 'pijpsleutel' in Dutch (since you are from SA, you'll understand Dutch / Afrikaans), basically a pipe with the correct size nut - outline pressed onto it on both sizes.
3. Drop the tool into the whole. use screwdriver to turn it the first the turns, then by hand.
4. While doing the above, repeat for yoruself: 'I like motorcycling, I like motorcycling'.

Good luck!
Your saviour
__________________
Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Mar 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Johannesburg, RSA
Posts: 26
ahhahaahhaah....
....ahhahaahah "I like motorcycling , i like motorcycling!!!!" GENIUS!!! And very true, with some "i like motorcycling, and some other profanities, i got the sp put with a 18mm deep socket, a swivel, extension, and a wrench and above mentioned profanities!!!! the thing was bent shut, opened it, got her started, gave her all the gas, and black smoke came bellowing out of the exhaust.....AND NOW SHE IS BETTER THAN BEFORE!!!!!

THANKS A MIL!!!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 651
Talking I like mtrcclng
It's all between the ears!

Congratulations
Auke
__________________
Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
The best thing to do is to keep (or order a new) original tool kit. As useless as most of the contents are - the spark plug socket is definitely worth having.
On some bikes (Transalp and Africa Twin come to my mind) it is near impossible to get plugs out with industry standard plug sockets as you find them in many mechanics tool kits or ratchet wrench & socket sets. Even top quality tube wrenches are often too thick walled to fit.
Cheap thin walled tube wrenches are also a good alternative to the original spark plug tools as the plugs never sit too tight.

For the record:
A 10mm thread plug (like NGK CR10E in DR650SE) has a 16mm hex
A 12mm thread plug (like NGK DPR8EA9 in KLR 650) has a 18mm hex
A 14mm thread plug (like NGK B something in XT 500) has a 21mm hex
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Thumbs up For the record
I've been down this route of "where to get the right spark plug spanner/wrench" as well: in my searches I found out more about NGK spark plugs than I ever really wanted to know, but it did ensure that I got the right size of spanner the second time around (I ended up with a 12mm "deep reach" socket for my socket set).

I now own spanners for both 10mm and 12mm plugs (+ about another 5 from earlier that, from memory, fit cars):-

This confirms lecaps information (+ the lot more that you don't really want? ):-


NGK spark plugs symbol code
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
When you put that plug back.... Grease the threads with graphite grease. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN, just take up the slack and when the washer starts to compress just turn it one more flat. ( a flat is 1/6 of a turn, on a hexagonal nut is from one 'flat' surface to the next) Doing this will ensure it will not seize in the threads. The grase will disappear quickly leaving a lubricating non corroding residue of graphite.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Apr 2007
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
If using the tubular box type spark plug spanner, think about either welding a nut to the end or sliding an old 3/8" drive socket down the end & then welding it in place through the two opposing holes where you'd normally put the leverage bar through. Either option will allow you to use a Torque Wrench & avoid stipped threads. The welded socket is my preferred option & retains the standard length of the spanner, meaning it still fits in the original tool tray or tool roll.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Pickford View Post
If using the tubular box type spark plug spanner, think about either welding a nut to the end or sliding an old 3/8" drive socket down the end & then welding it in place through the two opposing holes where you'd normally put the leverage bar through. Either option will allow you to use a Torque Wrench & avoid stipped threads. The welded socket is my preferred option & retains the standard length of the spanner, meaning it still fits in the original tool tray or tool roll.
Note that any torque setting will be for clean dry threads, not a wise combination when you have steel plugs and aluminium cylinder heads. With the grease, reduce the torqu by at least a third. but better to do it as per my previous post.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
spark plug wrench size vainoman Yamaha Tech 3 9 Nov 2006 16:27
Spark Plug Help nomiskx Yamaha Tech 7 23 Aug 2005 19:24
Dirt Falling in When Removing Spark Plug... JamesCo Kawasaki Tech 18 29 Jul 2004 14:08
gunk around spark plug dougM Yamaha Tech 4 16 Oct 2001 01:10
Spark plug fouling on DR 250 Roger Hogg Suzuki Tech 8 29 May 2001 06:59

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top