Okay...my Forest Gump moment this weekend...Why the heck can't I get a deep well socket over the sparkplugs on an '86 ?
I took the new sparks to the hardware store...fits perfectly in a 13mm (if I remember right, regardless the socket fits the new sparks) deep well...get home, prepped to change out the plugs and the socket won't go all the way down? Sidewalls too thick? Is there a special sparkplug socket?
Good thing is I found that the #3 sparkplug wire won't sit completely...may have to splurge on some Nology's smile.gif
Yep, the socket is too thick. You need the little cheapy looking one that comes with all Hondas. My '86 didn't have a tool kit but fortunately I had the one from my CB350. I doubt Sears sells a "thin walled" socket so you may end up at the dealer. . . or better yet buy another Honda with a tool kit!
Does the top of the spark plug stick into the square hole at the top where your ratchet or extension would go?? Maybe it fits in a loose socket, but when you stick the ratchet in the socket hole, it doesn't allow the socket to go far enough down on the spark plug. Just a guess...........
Naw I verified that with the new sparks, the plug fits fine inside the deepwell with the ratchet in place. I guess I gotta go buy that RC-51 so I can get the toolkit smile.gif
KurtAZ, Feb 13 2006, 12:04 PMNaw I verified that with the new sparks, the plug fits fine inside the deepwell with the ratchet in place. I guess I gotta go buy that RC-51 so I can get the toolkit smile.gif
You will get a better deal if you buy two or more!
good sparkplug sockets have a heavy foam or rubber lining inside to hold the plug while inserting or removing. quite a free fall for plugs on the vfr. i see dozens of sparkplug wrenches at the local swapmeet. maybe yours does too. regards.... tongue.gif
You're absolutely right but they're just too big to fit down in the head on his. Gotta have something thin yet the right size. I was thrilled to find out my standard plug socket would reach the plugs on my CBR because then you get the "ratchet feature" which beats sticking a screw driver through the hole at the top of the wrench, spinning it 1/4 turn and then doing it again. Maybe it's different on the later ones? I sure hope so!
IIRC, I had to get a 17MM, thin-walled, deep socket to get at my 1985 VF500. I wouldn't supprised if it wasn't the same requirement.
Changing spark plugs on these bikes blows! God especially my 87!
I have to move the radiator out of the way to get to the dam things!
Makes you wonder what they were thinking when they designed the dam thing!
Spark plug size is 18mm.
Not much works better than the OEM plug wrench with the hex head on top, its still the one I use.
But it is nice to remove the bottom bolts on the radiator and let it hang out a little for clearance.
Cheers!
Try Sears, Harbor Freight Tools. beer.gif