Spark plug chang on Gen II

[kurt]

I bought a thin-walled socket from Mac

https://www.mactools.com/product/tabid/120/...1-sc177rtw.aspx

Motion Pro has similar sockets too IIRC

 

[dsmack]

Agree that the brand of socket may well make a difference. Generally speaking, the higher quality professional sockets (Proto, Mac, Snap-On, Herbrand, etc) will have thinner walls than a Craftsman of the same size.

Be prepared to spend considerably more though! :glare:

Don

 

[GPRIDER]

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, your killin me. Let er rip.

GP

 

[GPRIDER]

I bought a thin-walled socket from Mac
https://www.mactools.com/product/tabid/120/...1-sc177rtw.aspx

Motion Pro has similar sockets too IIRC

Thanks for the tip. Might pull the trigger on one. Gonna shop around.

GP

 

[jet mechanic]

Have to ask one question since it wasn't mentioned, are you using a 3/8" or 1/2" drive? My 1/2" drive spark plug socket won't fit on the 07, but the 3/8" fits nicely.

Are you having a driver size problem? (don't mean to get personal)

 

[Jeff Q]

Just did mine even a 3/8th drive regular socket was tight but no problems. Mine had 10K on them and did not look like they needed changing. Perfect color and 32 thou gap...just a little wear..

 

[GPRIDER]

Have to ask one question since it wasn't mentioned, are you using a 3/8" or 1/2" drive? My 1/2" drive spark plug socket won't fit on the 07, but the 3/8" fits nicely.
Are you having a driver size problem? (don't mean to get personal)

No, I used a 3/8 drive. Just wouldn't fit. I checked Sears for Craftsman and the 6 point and 12 point were the same OD. Kurt gave me a link to Mac tools and they show a thin wall that looks like it would work, but it's a little pricey. Surprise, it's a Mac.

GP

 

[GPRIDER]

Just did mine even a 3/8th drive regular socket was tight but no problems. Mine had 10K on them and did not look like they needed changing. Perfect color and 32 thou gap...just a little wear..

Jeff, I don't suppose you could tell me more about this magical socket you used? Brand name? Where you bought it?

GP

 

[Jeff Q]

Old Kmart Benchtop 5/8 inch 3/8 inch drive socket. My craftman wouldnt fit...I may put one on the bench grinder for next time to make it easier...

 

[Jeff Q]

My 5/8 th 3/8 drive socket is .854 inch in outer diameter with my calipers.....

 

[big ears]

I just used the one in my little tool kit and it work fine and was free. Well not free. It came with the bike I paid 12500 for.

 

[GPRIDER]

I just used the one in my little tool kit and it work fine and was free. Well not free. It came with the bike I paid 12500 for.

Yeah, that's the one I ended up using too. Doesn't work too well with all my 3/8 drive ratchets and extentions though. I'm not in a big hurry to find a socket that will work. I put Iridiums in and they should last me a while.

GP

 

[boomerang]

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

Ahh necesity the mother of invention.

 

[v65]

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.

 

[Brodie]

If you don't have a drill motor, you can grind it by hand, it will just take a bit longer. It may get too hot to hold, so keep it about an eighth inch away from the grinding wheel. You can do it all day long and never burn your fingers. :blink:

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

Ahh necesity the mother of invention.

 

[08FJR4ME]

This isn't brain surgery there just spark plugs?????

After trying serveral sockets (nothing fit) i just pulled out the tool kit that came with the bike. Wallah!!! done.

 

[millride]

I just changed my plugs and I was wondering if you guys are getting metal contact or is the socket just squeezing by the rubber gasket that is between the valve cover and the head?

This is what I just experienced, socket went in but it was tight past the rubber gasket that was squished into the bore of the plug hole. I had to use needle nose pliers on the socket to extract it. :blink:

I just happened to have a 20 year old craftsman plug socket laying around and I saw that and said cool! :yahoo:

I had 12,000 on the plugs and altho they looked good you could see that the tip was slightly rounded so they where due.

 

[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

 

[GPRIDER]

This isn't brain surgery there just spark plugs?????

After trying serveral sockets (nothing fit) i just pulled out the tool kit that came with the bike. Wallah!!! done.

And that is what I did! So, what's your point.

GP

 

[v65]

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.