Spark plug chang on Gen II

[GPRIDER]

WTF? You're not torquing a head bolt on a big block, you're putting in a ******* spark plug. So the stamped steel socket that comes with the bike isn't a great socket, it does the job just fine.

V65, if I didn't know better I'd swear you were being an :asshat2: . When I had my Venture for 24 years that's all I used was the one in the toolkit because I didn't want to spend the money on the correct spark plug socket. Now I make a little more money and can afford to spend a couple of extra bucks on a tool. It's just simpler and easier to be able to reach over to my tool box and pull out a ratchet, extension and the socket than take my seat off to get to the tool kit and dig through it and pull out the tool kit socket. Besides, as forgetfull as I'm getting I'd probably forget to put it back in the tool kit and need it out on the road on a trip later. Don't really understand why this bothers you so much. WTF right back at you.

GP

Because this has nothing to do with the quality of the tool, stamped steel is good enough for this application. I can't understand why you would bother to go buy a tool you have to modify when there is perfectly serviceable one in the bike already. BTW you have to have the seat off to change the plugs.

I wouldn't want to buy a tool I would have to modify. I believe that was Brodies Idea. I wanted a socket I didn't have to modify. You are right, the stamped steel is good enough as are all the tools in the bikes tool kit, but just for me personally I like to use a better tool on occasion. You are also right about the seat being off. If it makes you feel any better, from now on I will just use the spark plug tool in the kit. (unless it breaks) I started this thread with a simple question about a socket. I still don't feel your first response was very positive or helpful. I guess I'm going to have to grow some thicker skin.

GP

 

[Hamie]

After following this thread thought I would have problems changing my plugs today... my 5/8 spark plug socket wouldn't work but the 16mm Craftsman deep socket worked just fine. Installed the CR8EIX so I will not have to change them again for awhile...

 

[GPRIDER]

After following this thread thought I would have problems changing my plugs today... my 5/8 spark plug socket wouldn't work but the 16mm Craftsman deep socket worked just fine. Installed the CR8EIX so I will not have to change them again for awhile...

Haven't talked to you since SFO. Glad you had better luck than I did with the socket. I went the same way with the plugs also. Worth a little extra to not have to change them as often.

GP

 

[Constant Mesh]

My Craftsman tool set includes a:

5/8" 6 PT spark plug socket with rubber insert which can be turned with a 3/8" driver, 3/4" or 19 mm socket and wrench

5/8" 12 PT deep socket

16 mm 12PT deep socket

All three sockets are 3/8" drive.

All have the same outside diameter -- 22 mm.

The rubber insert fits snugly in the 5/8" deep socket but it's somewhat loose in the 16 mm deep socket. I'm not sure if the rubber insert would hold a plug securely in the 16 mm socket.

Spark plug tool in my '04 FJR kit

Large end -- 5/8"+ hex inside, 19 mm hex outside, outside diameter (point to point) = 21+ mm

Swivel joint pin (tool's largest diameter) = 22 mm

Small end -- 10 mm hex inside, 14 mm hex outside

Less than 1 mm diameter difference for Craftsman sockets versus FJR tool kit socket.

 

[Hamie]

My Craftsman tool set includes a:5/8" 6 PT spark plug socket with rubber insert which can be turned with a 3/8" driver, 3/4" or 19 mm socket and wrench

5/8" 12 PT deep socket

16 mm 12PT deep socket

All three sockets are 3/8" drive.

All have the same outside diameter -- 22 mm.

The rubber insert fits snugly in the 5/8" deep socket but it's somewhat loose in the 16 mm deep socket. I'm not sure if the rubber insert would hold a plug securely in the 16 mm socket.

Spark plug tool in my '04 FJR kit

Large end -- 5/8"+ hex inside, 19 mm hex outside, outside diameter (point to point) = 21+ mm

Swivel joint pin (tool's largest diameter) = 22 mm

Small end -- 10 mm hex inside, 14 mm hex outside

Less than 1 mm diameter difference for Craftsman sockets versus FJR tool kit socket.

The rubber insert in my 5/8 spark plug socket worked fine in my 16mm Craftsman deep socket. Got them all out with no problems...

 

[Patriot]

seems it's the '08 & '09 that has hole/cavity shrinkage

 

[v65]

I guess I'm going to have to grow some thicker skin.

Ever heard of dogpile Fridays? There was a time around here when this place was a lot less congenial, and Fridays were the days you had to really watch what you said. Nowadays it's like going to church around here. Every once in a while you're going to see some of the older board members let loose for no good reason, I guess you can just ignore us.

 

[RadioHowie]

I guess I'm going to have to grow some thicker skin.

Ever heard of dogpile Fridays? There was a time around here when this place was a lot less congenial, and Fridays were the days you had to really watch what you said. Nowadays it's like going to church around here. Every once in a while you're going to see some of the older board members let loose for no good reason, I guess you can just ignore us.

V, what is this "dogpile" you speak of?

And who is the "us" you speak of?

 

[v65]

seems it's the '08 & '09 that has hole/cavity shrinkage

I think the Gen II's are all the same, the part numbers for the head and valve cover certainly are. Craftsman sockets will fit down the hole in my '06, but will pull off the extension when I pull them back out.

And who is the "us" you speak of?

A bunch of crotchety old *******s, you wouldn't know anything about them.

 

[GPRIDER]

I guess I'm going to have to grow some thicker skin.

Ever heard of dogpile Fridays? There was a time around here when this place was a lot less congenial, and Fridays were the days you had to really watch what you said. Nowadays it's like going to church around here. Every once in a while you're going to see some of the older board members let loose for no good reason, I guess you can just ignore us.

Well, I remember Dogpile Fridays, but your first post was on Sunday. Would this mean we are starting a new tradition of Dogpile Sundays? As far as older board members letting loose, I'm guessing I might be older than you and I have been member of the forum longer than you. I suppose that would qualify me as an older board member too. I can also be a crochety old fart, but as of late have been trying to mellow out some. I guess I need to blow it off and take up some of TWNs slack.

GP

 

[v65]

Well, I remember Dogpile Fridays, but your first post was on Sunday. Would this mean we are starting a new tradition of Dogpile Sundays?

It's Friday somewhere in the universe. Sorry I didn't notice how long you had been on board, I like to pay respect to my elders.

 

[08FJR4ME]

Well, I remember Dogpile Fridays, but your first post was on Sunday. Would this mean we are starting a new tradition of Dogpile Sundays?

It's Friday somewhere in the universe. Sorry I didn't notice how long you had been on board, I like to pay respect to my elders.

This is just one of those cumbiya moments. Can't we just all get along. [SIZE=14pt]"not"[/SIZE]

I would be board as hell iffen someone wasn't stirring the pot ocasionally.

 

[Fred W]

As has been hinted at by a few other posts, I do not believe there is any change in the bore diameter in the block. I would guess that the difference is in the bulging of the valve cover gasket. When I had my valve cover off for the last valve check it really made it easy to use my Craftsman 16mm plug socket to remove the plugs, needed to be able to turn the engine over by hand.. Then after I had replaced the valve cover and was installing a new set of plugs I had to grease the outside of my plug socket with silicone grease to make it easier to get it out.

Another sneaky workaround would be to drill a hole through the hex base of your 16mm socket and another corresponding hole through a 3/8" socket extension and pin the two together with a roll pin so it won't pop off on the way out.

 

[Patriot]

As has been hinted at by a few other posts, I do not believe there is any change in the bore diameter in the block. I would guess that the difference is in the bulging of the valve cover gasket. When I had my valve cover off for the last valve check it really made it easy to use my Craftsman 16mm plug socket to remove the plugs, needed to be able to turn the engine over by hand.. Then after I had replaced the valve cover and was installing a new set of plugs I had to grease the outside of my plug socket with silicone grease to make it easier to get it out.
Another sneaky workaround would be to drill a hole through the hex base of your 16mm socket and another corresponding hole through a 3/8" socket extension and pin the two together with a roll pin so it won't pop off on the way out.

Sears Craftsman 3/8" drive Locking Extension Bar Set

 

[Fred W]

yeah, or that.