Spark plug chang on Gen II

[GPRIDER]

All right, Dammit. I'm changing my plugs on my 08. I'm using the same socket I used to change the plugs on my 04 FJR several times. The socket won't fit down the hole all the way to get to the plug. When you look down the hole you can see where it necks down slightly. Why would they change that. Has anyone else noticed that? I don't remember seeing a thread about it. What am I going to do now? Is there a specific socket I am going to have to buy?

GP :angry:

 

[johnny80s]

I just use a craftsman deep socket of the correct size and it worked fine.

 

[GPRIDER]

I just use a craftsman deep socket of the correct size and it worked fine.

Hmmmmmm........... I'm pretty sure this socket isn't Craftsman. May have to make a quick run to Sears.

GP

 

[Bungie]

... first time I've ever heard of a guy complaining about a tight hole.

 

[ionbeam]

Note that johnny80s used a deep wall socket, not a spark plug socket.

If'n ya was to look in the Yamaha tool kit you would find a spark plug wrench that fits. Crude but functional.

 

[Bustanut joker]

Note that johnny80s used a deep wall socket, not a spark plug socket.
If'n ya was to look in the Yamaha tool kit you would find a spark plug wrench that fits. Crude but functional.

Ahhh! I thought you were talking about some of the forum members...

Carry on.

:jester:

 

[GPRIDER]

... first time I've ever heard of a guy complaining about a tight hole.

Come to think about it I think this is the first time.

GP

 

[kaitsdad]

Following my first spark plug change wherein I was challenged by trying to remove my socket from the head, I picked up something similar to this - 16MM Plug Wrench which makes life so much simpler.

 

[GPRIDER]

Well, I went to sears and found a six point and a 12 point deep socket. Both had the same O.D. Two replies here from Gen II owners. Johnny80s said his worked fine. Kaitsdad showed a nice Sears unit that looked like it had the standard deep socket on it. The only difference I see, is that mine is an 08 and theirs are 06,and 07. I'm still mystified by this. I finally used the plug wrench in the FJR tool kit. Worked fine. Just not a good socket. If there is anybody with an 08 or even an 09 that has changed plugs on it, give me a little input on what tools you used and if you had the problem I did.

GP

 

[Brodie]

Spark plug sockets are cheap.

Try this...

• Put the socket on an extension.
• Put the extension in a drill motor.
• Turn the drill motor on.
• Walk up to a pedistal grinder and have at it.

You will have a proper size socket to fit the tight hole in no time.

Hope it helps.

Brodie

 

[johnny80s]

Use the 6 point.

 

[GPRIDER]

Spark plug sockets are cheap.
Try this...

• Put the socket on an extension.
• Put the extension in a drill motor.
• Turn the drill motor on.
• Walk up to a pedistal grinder and have at it.

You will have a proper size socket to fit the tight hole in no time.

Hope it helps.

Brodie

I took my dremel tool to it for while, but it didn't fit in the spark plug hole any better. Still wondering why the hole is smaller on this bike. Somebody out there has to have changed plugs on an 08 by now. Curiousity is killing me.

GP

 

[GPRIDER]

Use the 6 point.

Johnny, I looked at the Craftsman 6 point when I went up to Sears. It was the same outside diameter as mine. Didn't buy it because I figured it wouldnt' fit either.

GP

 

[SouthernCruizer]

Well, I went to sears and found a six point and a 12 point deep socket. Both had the same O.D. Two replies here from Gen II owners. Johnny80s said his worked fine. Kaitsdad showed a nice Sears unit that looked like it had the standard deep socket on it. The only difference I see, is that mine is an 08 and theirs are 06,and 07. I'm still mystified by this. I finally used the plug wrench in the FJR tool kit. Worked fine. Just not a good socket. If there is anybody with an 08 or even an 09 that has changed plugs on it, give me a little input on what tools you used and if you had the problem I did.
GP

**************************************************

I had the same problem...went from an '04 to an '08...my fairly new, slightly used magnetic socket wouldnt fit the '08....luckily, I had 5 or 6 additional plug sockets, and ONE of them fit! Dont know the brand, as it is old and crusty.

Old thread here >> Spark Plug socket problem on 2008 model

 

[GPRIDER]

Thanks Cruiser. I took my old socket that didn't fit the hole to Sears with me and compared outside diameters. The six point and the twelve point were both the same as my old one. Maybe I can look around some more and find one. Till then I'll be using my FJR tool kit plug socket. I really like this 08, but as the days go by I'm beginning to wish I had my old 04 back. I've got quite a few small issues with this new one that weren't an issue on the 04.

GP

 

[RadioHowie]

I really like this 08, but as the days go by I'm beginning to wish I had my old 04 back. I've got quite a few small issues with this new one that weren't an issue on the 04.

Dude, you sure said a mouthful. Especially for anyone that spends any time here in the tech forum, it appears the Gen IIs are more high maintenance than a crack addicted super model.

It's a topic that probably deserves its own thread. I might start one just to piss off some Gen II owners. :assassin:

 

[johnny80s]

I really like this 08, but as the days go by I'm beginning to wish I had my old 04 back. I've got quite a few small issues with this new one that weren't an issue on the 04.

Dude, you sure said a mouthful. Especially for anyone that spends any time here in the tech forum, it appears the Gen IIs are more high maintenance than a crack addicted super model.

It's a topic that probably deserves its own thread. I might start one just to piss off some Gen II owners. :assassin:

Howie you don't need to start a new thread to piss people off. Most of us are already pissed at you for something.

 

[Capt. Bob]

I really like this 08, but as the days go by I'm beginning to wish I had my old 04 back. I've got quite a few small issues with this new one that weren't an issue on the 04.

Dude, you sure said a mouthful. Especially for anyone that spends any time here in the tech forum, it appears the Gen IIs are more high maintenance than a crack addicted super model.

It's a topic that probably deserves its own thread. I might start one just to piss off some Gen II owners. :assassin:

Howie you don't need to start a new thread to piss people off. Most of us are already pissed at you for something.

That's pretty hard not to agree with right there. :dirol:

 

[griffithds]

... first time I've ever heard of a guy complaining about a tight hole.

:thumbsup: