spark plugs

[P&J]

hi

sorry if this has been asked many times before. I want to service my AT myself for the first time, didnt realise that the spark plugs were so hard to get to and gave up, what do people use to get the little so & so's out??

Frustratedly

[robelst]

Ideally, you'd use the tubular box spanner that is part of the OE toolset that (once) came with the bike... and indeed, mine is missing as well :P

I use a standard 18 mm box spanner from Halfords (different length than the Honda one) which works well except for the front one on the front cilinder. This is what I do:
Obviously, you need to remove the tank first. Then I usually remove the ignition coil on the left-hand side to create some room. Then I remove the 2 bolts that hold down the rocker cover; I don't take the cover off completely, but it gives a bit of space to move it around. Then I drop the spanner in the hole, fiddle it around until it's over the plug. Now comes the dirty bit: I use locking pliers on the top of the spanner that sticks out: There is just enough space to turn it about 1/8 turn, unlock the pliers, put it back on, another 1/8 turn etc. Eventually the plug is loose. After that, the plug usually releases itself from the spanner as soon as it's lifted from the rocker cover and drops back in. I then start picking at the top of the plug, clamping it desperately between the nail of my index-finger and the top of the finger right next to it. I usually succeed within 30 to 40 attempts lifting out the plug without dropping it back in. After caring for the scraped skin on the fingers and a couple of strong coffees, get the new plugs out and do it all in reverse order.

While you're at it, you might as well check valve clearances ("Never waste a day that is spoiled already" is my motto ). You will most likely find that all valves are perfectly fine except for the odd one that is hardly reachable with any tool known to man.

I put in a set of irridium plugs this time and promised myself never to come near them again (according to the hype these babies should last "for ever"). I'm afraid the valves will have to adjust themselves as well from now on

Good luck!

[londonbubble]

I think i read on a previous post, that you can buy the spark plug spanner that is original standard equipment supplied with the AT when new, from David Silver spares.

They were not that expensive, itmy be worth buying two

London Bubble

[loftyjohn]

Hi
Genuine Honda At Plug Tool
Part No. 89216MY1000 £15.35 inc VAT
David Silver Spares

On line oder delivered within 2 days

Happy Plug Changing

[P&J]

Hi all

thanks so much for the help and advice, robelst, your story is priceless, makes me wonder why I want to do this myself, probably because its there or something like that...

Have already been on david silver spares website

Thanks again

[Pussyhorse]

I got a genuine one for a tenner off wemoto.