Author Topic: Spark Plug Fun!!! (Read 7306 times)

mackys_dad · « **on:** July 19, 2006, 12:05:40 PM »

I changed the plugs on my 96 Bandit 600 for the first time recently.
The number 3 plug was seized up and I destroyed the tool kit plug wrench getting it out. I fell back on good old Craftsman tools and anti-seize compound to install the new plug. A Craftsman 3/8 ratchet is too much tool for the job....I broke the top off the plug, leaving the threaded part in the head...had to remove the windshield, tank and tailpiece to get room to use an easy-out on the broken part.

Five hour job on a 90 degree day... What a fun time!

gearset01 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2006, 05:20:15 PM »

Sweet.
PIN

rider123 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2006, 06:26:20 PM »

If you want less "fun" you could change them every year.

mackys_dad · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2006, 08:03:30 AM »

I see where you're coming from, rider 123. I just got the bike about three months ago, so I'm just now getting familiarized with it.
I'm sure it had new plugs installed before, but you would never know from the condition they were in.

By the way, can anyone find the plugs for less than $9 apiece?

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2006, 08:16:37 AM »

Try getting them thru your favorite auto parts store instead of a m/c dealer. You may need to wait a day or two, but you should save some serious coin.

Bobcat convinced our local NAPA to stock the B12's Autolites a couple years ago and so far they've always had a set in stock every time I've asked for them.

tannerismyhero · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2006, 01:27:34 PM »

walmart has the champion power sport for like 2 bucks a pop.

rider123 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2006, 08:24:01 PM »

Quote from: mackys_dad

I see where you're coming from, rider 123. I just got the bike about three months ago, so I'm just now getting familiarized with it.
I'm sure it had new plugs installed before, but you would never know from the condition they were in.

By the way, can anyone find the plugs for less than $9 apiece?

The person before probably didn't even bother changing the plugs. 9$ a piece? Where do you pay $9 per spark plug? The most I've paid for NGK stockers was about $5 canadian maybe $3.50-$4.00 American and that was at a dealership.

mackys_dad · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2006, 11:07:20 AM »

The plugs were NGK, $9 apiece at a local Suzuki dealership.
The replacement for the one I broke was $8.50 at a NAPA parts store.

By the way, I sort of live out in the sticks, so that probably has something to do with these prices.

Lesson learned: buy some on line the next time.

gyrogearcrunch · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2006, 12:46:36 AM »

Quote from: mackys_dad

The plugs were NGK, $9 apiece at a local Suzuki dealership.
The replacement for the one I broke was $8.50 at a NAPA parts store.

By the way, I sort of live out in the sticks, so that probably has something to do with these prices.

Lesson learned: buy some on line the next time.

Call J.C. Whitney at 1-800-853-4227. Or go online to www.jcwhitney.com. They have "Splitfire" plugs for Hardleys, so chances are good that they can also supply your needs. The performance plugs are $4 each, and the platinum plugs are $6. They send their $4 catalog free with each order. It makes great outhouse literature. Come to think of it, if you can go on line, you can find a set of good plugs cheap no matter where you live.

NAPA and other auto-parts suppliers all have cross-reference manuals for spark plugs. It should not be too hard to come up with a list of alternate plugs that go for a lot less than what the motorcycle stealer wants. For example, I use Autolite 4162's in my B12 and paid $2.50 USD each. Parts houses often have sales on things like plugs. I once got 8 platinum Bosch plugs for my '87 Nissan 200 sport coupe at one such sale for about $1.50 each. That set of plugs lasted until I sold the car after driving over 100,000 miles.

Herb 0

PitterB4 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2006, 10:11:24 PM »

Quote

="gyrogearcrunch Come to think of it, if you can go on line, you can find a set of good plugs cheap no matter where you live.

I'm guessing since he posted his question on this BBS, he can get online!

(Sorry - couldn't help myself!)

andrewsh71 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 09, 2006, 04:04:14 PM »

So is tank removal necessary to replace the plugs? They look accessible if you use 2 inch adapter....Just replaced my air filter and was PITA.

And I guess dont over torque huh Macky's Dad?

Rocketjock · « **Reply #11 on:** September 09, 2006, 06:31:45 PM »

It's like those Benzes that boast of not having to do a plug change for 150000 miles. My local mechanic tells me he's had the opportunity to try to change a couple like that before. They fail to mention that thru the electrolytic process, the threads actually become part of the head. For what it's worth, I think it's a good idea to change the plugs yearly.

Red01 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 11, 2006, 06:51:37 AM »

I've never tried to do it with the tank on, but if you can do it, I'm guessing it would be a PIA... especially when it only takes a couple of minutes to pull the tank and then the plug access is EASY!

mackys_dad · « **Reply #13 on:** September 11, 2006, 09:35:59 AM »

Quote from: andrewsh71

So is tank removal necessary to replace the plugs? They look accessible if you use 2 inch adapter....Just replaced my air filter and was PITA.

And I guess dont over torque huh Macky's Dad?

You can get the plugs out w/o removing the tank.
I got into trouble because I broke the threaded part of the plug off in the head.
The tank had to be removed so that I could get an easy-out tool into the broken part.
This is a scenario that I sure don't want to repeat! I put a generous coat
of Never-Seize on the plug threads before installing.
And yes, you are right. DO NOT over tighten!

DaveG · « **Reply #14 on:** September 11, 2006, 09:59:59 AM »

go online to plugclub i think it's .net quebec i think too

i ordered iridiums for around $7 .

got them three years ago so not sure

i run the stock plugs in the spring till the stabil is used up two tanks or so, then switch to the iridiums.

don't see any real improvement but they should las a lot longer.