Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C10, aka Kawasaki Concours - The Original => The Bike - C10 => Topic started by: Ike on May 12, 2012, 01:07:29 PM

Title: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: Ike on May 12, 2012, 01:07:29 PM
I'm back at this valve adjustment (first time by me).  Is there a trick to removing the sparkplugs?  I have the cylinder head cover off.  The socket doesn't want to seat on the base of the sparkplug.  Wondering if the socket is too thick and there isn't enough clearance (I think the sparkplug well narrows as it goes down).  Tried removing the rubber boot inside the socket but didn't help.  Using 5/8 but tried others to no avail.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.  Ike.
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: Boomer343 on May 12, 2012, 01:51:04 PM
use the one in the tool kit....
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: Ike on May 12, 2012, 02:04:30 PM
OK, so that's my problem (or one of them).  My bike's toolkit doesn't have a sparkplug wrench.  Has anyone use a different type?  I need some items from Murph's so I'll check there too.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: George R. Young on May 12, 2012, 05:57:43 PM
Craftsman 18mm long reach 1/2" drive works.
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: 2fast on May 12, 2012, 07:00:00 PM
If you buy the cheap multi colored deep metric socket set at Harbor Frieght, the 18mm will work for the spark plugs.
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: throb on May 15, 2012, 04:19:36 AM
  Getting them out of the deep well can be a pain at best;  I take a piece of vacuum tubing (I used one from the PAIR valve that was removed when I installed SNARF's most excellent block off plates) which will easily slip over the spark plug tip.  Easy peasy to get it out once completely loosened and easier still to start threading the plug when you are installing! 8)
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: snarf on May 15, 2012, 02:47:21 PM
  Getting them out of the deep well can be a pain at best;  I take a piece of vacuum tubing (I used one from the PAIR valve that was removed when I installed SNARF's most excellent block off plates) which will easily slip over the spark plug tip.  Easy peasy to get it out once completely loosened and easier still to start threading the plug when you are installing! 8)
Oh now your just making me blush :P :P
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: Outback_Jon on May 15, 2012, 03:57:20 PM
  Getting them out of the deep well can be a pain at best;  I take a piece of vacuum tubing (I used one from the PAIR valve that was removed when I installed SNARF's most excellent block off plates) which will easily slip over the spark plug tip.  Easy peasy to get it out once completely loosened and easier still to start threading the plug when you are installing! 8)
Oh now your just making me blush :P :P
Someday, I hope to be able to use the tubing from the removed PAIR valves for this...   :rotflmao:

Just kidding, snarf.   :thumbs:  I'm sure my block-off plates will show up eventually.


NOTE: For anyone reading this, it's the fault of the USPS (and, apparently, a suicidal deer) that my plates haven't arrived. 
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: Pfloydgad on May 15, 2012, 05:41:43 PM
As mentioned, the 18mm deep socket will work. The true spark plug deep well has the rubber boot on it to help with gripping the top oif the plug. If that is not available, using the regular deep well can be interesting for the grippping part.
Good luck, and ride safe all.
Greg
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: Ike on May 17, 2012, 08:45:06 PM
Yep, the 18 mm deep socket worked perfectly.  For fellow riders in Canada, I used the Mastercraft Maximum from Canadian Tire.  Thanks for the tip.
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: Lodogg2221 on May 20, 2012, 10:03:39 AM
Once loose, I use a magnetic pick-up tool to get the plugs out.  Much easier than anything else Ive tried.
My 18mm Craftsman sockets fit fine, but the spark plug sockets I have dont...
Title: Re: Sparkplug removal trick?
Post by: kzz1king on May 20, 2012, 01:12:33 PM
I use an old spark plug boot from a car to start the plugs. Gives you good feel and lessens the risk of cross thread. Use same to spin out after loosening.
Wayne