Gingerchili Posted July 28, 2022 Share Posted July 28, 2022 Anyone know what i am missing? Spark plug socket wont go down over ones in bike. There appears to be something sitting over the plugs. Crude pic attached. Is there anything unique about these bikes? Asked question on American site and they said there are helicoils fitted (to all 4??) and i need a new cylinder head. Seems a bit extreme! Even if helicoils were fitted, you still need to screw the plugs into place. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Snakebite68 Posted July 28, 2022 Moderator Share Posted July 28, 2022 From your 'Crude pic', even if there are helicoils on there, they don't appear to extend beyond the nut. So, I'd be more inclined to wonder if either: 1/ You're using the wrong sized socket (aftermarket / foreign plugs). or 2/ Your socket isn't long enough (aftermarket / foreign plugs). Try a different/deeper socket... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingerchili Posted July 29, 2022 Author Share Posted July 29, 2022 Thats a good shout, thanks. Dont think its a case of the socket/extension being long enough. But that i need a plug spanner, ie thin walled. If its some sort of after market or foreign plug, any idea what the size is AF? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Snakebite68 Posted July 29, 2022 Moderator Share Posted July 29, 2022 Not a clue I'm afraid, I just use what fits! lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Cynic Posted July 29, 2022 Moderator Share Posted July 29, 2022 On my vmax i have a socket i have ground down to fit better. There are only a few plug sizes, check on the bench that the plug fits the inside of the socket you have then grind it down till it fits. Not scientific but works. There must be a socket that fits, not wanting to cast doubt on the nay sayers that called for a new head. The blindingly obvious fact is, someone put the plugs IN. They would not have done that without a socket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slice Posted July 29, 2022 Share Posted July 29, 2022 Go to Halfords and buy their box spanner plug remover usual sizes are 5/8 inch and 13/16. That way you don't have to grind down a socket. Just remember that box spanners are thin walled and will slip if you go gorilla on them! The cost is about £12 for a box spanner set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingerchili Posted July 29, 2022 Author Share Posted July 29, 2022 Thanks guys, for everyone that replied. Taking plugs out shouldn't be this complicated! If you have the right tools however.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Cynic Posted July 30, 2022 Moderator Share Posted July 30, 2022 22 hours ago, slice said: Go to Halfords and buy their box spanner plug remover usual sizes are 5/8 inch and 13/16. That way you don't have to grind down a socket. Just remember that box spanners are thin walled and will slip if you go gorilla on them! The cost is about £12 for a box spanner set. Agreed, but many people do go gorilla on plugs for some unknown reason, or worse put them in dry, we all know thats a bad idea from our own personal spark plug. The first time on my v max i could not get enough force on the box spanner in the toolkit so had to get a bit serious. They came out but cracking them off was scary. Who does plugs up that tight? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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