True grit.

[pete]

Before winter sets in i need to change the spark plug on my XBR. 2 problems are stopping me.1..the plug hole around the nut seems to still have the odd bit of grit around it,cant seem to scrape it out.Must admit it the whole area was caked in tared stones muck etc..scrapped,paint brushed,hoovered x10.the plug hex is a bit rusty/orange. 2..what tool do you need to remove the plug.Thats one tight hole... Local bike fixer quoted £10 to change it...but ive never had to pay for someone to do something as basic as a plug change before.Probably with a high pressure air line and the right tools to start with this may be a better option.Any thoughts out there?

                                                                Make my day...Pete.

[pigafetta]

I use a home made thing cobbled together from 2 old thin-wall spark plug sockets. There's just enough room for me to get a grip on the plug and get a bar through the other end to turn it. The business end is 18mm I think.

As for all the muck, I just do what you've done and hope none of it falls in.

Sorry, not much help really 

Dave B

[themoudie]

Aye Pete,

SRX's are not the best either, know of some where the plug hasn't been changed as it will shear off in the head and there was one advertised recently on FleaBay, which had lain idle after achieving that state!

Apply plenty of engine cleaner allow to soak, massage well and then apply plenty of hose pressure to remove said SH1TE! Start engine , warm through and apply generous quantities of PlusGasA, Releasol, 3in1 Releasing fluid or diesel/paraffin mix. Allow to cool and apply further releasing fluid. Have a cuppa/fag/coffee/wee nippy/absinthe, whatever is your wont! Using the approved plug spanner or one you bodged in the interim period apply steady pressure with a hawkish eye. If there is flexing or cracking, STOP, reappraise the situation after a blasphemous outburst and apply more release agent. Usually all is well.

Make sure when installing the new plug to apply copper grease to the threads, thread in by hand, using a bit of rubber hose if necessary to grip the plug, and use the spanner only for the final tighten 12-15ft/lb should be plenty, if there is room to swing a torque wrench!

Hope this helps and no stones drop in and prevent 360degree rotation, then you will have a very large blasphemous outburst!  I have the T-shirt!

My regards, Bill.

[pigafetta]

Hi Pete

This sort of thing ought to do the trick...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MOTORCYCLE-TOOLS-DEEP-REACH-SPARK-PLUG-WRENCH-SPANNER-/270448226065?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3ef7f86f11

Dave B

[pete]

Thanks all, got most of it out but i know there is a tiny bit left between the hex and the casting.Going to try a 18mm long reach socket a friend is lending me.The gap between the plug and upper frame is a bit tight for some ideas I've had.May not work though as it does seem to be a thin gap over the nut that may not take a socket.If i can get the plug turning i may have enough gap to flick that last stone out.Will also try soaking the nut in WD40 type stuff before as mentioned.

                                                                                                       Pete.

[guest7]

I've always used one of those spark plug box spanners with a screwdriver through it to start it off.



I don't think I've ever managed to get a proper driven plug socket down there with the engine in the frame.

GC

[chippit]

My other half, (an engineer) called me a bodging chippy for using the very same spark plug box spanner for removing the spark plug in my SRX. He couldn't provide a better solution!
Regards Christine

[pigafetta]

Yup, mine's basically 2 of those welded together to make it long enough. I've tried getting a deep 18mm socket down there but the holes too narrow around the plug. One option would be to grind the end 1/2" or so of the socket and thin it down a bit since it doesn't have to take much torque.

Dave B

[pete]

Sounds about right to me,nothing is ever straight forward is it. Will source a box spanner from halfords or local car shop and hacksaw it down to fit the height.Was there ever an original tool in the tool kit that came with the bike? We all love a challenge don't we?

                                                                     Hoping the frost stays away.Pete.

[guest564]

I alays use the tool that came in the original tool kit, haven't found anything else that is the right height, fits down the hole and has a decent end to take a spanner.

[pete]

Count yourself damn lucky for having one.Cant find a shop around here that sells box sockets.May have to go fleabay and wait on delivery.Rhinoman, out of interest can you upload a pic of the plug tool so i can see what i am up against?

                                                           intrigued,... Pete.

[pete]

Hi all. After a lot of wasted time any money on useless tools i got the local bike shop bloke to change the plug.With a hot engine he got a 18mm snap on spark plug socket put it straight on and using his air line blasted the sh!te out of the way.Spayed some lube of some sort and refitted the new plug in about 5 minutes!!!! Turned the bike on flicked the throttle a few times and said," tenner do ya? ".....sometimes it pays to stop and say enoughs enough.Jezz did own an xbr at some time but admitted he does this so many times a day its one of his easier jobs to say the least.Now for the annoying rattly clicking i get on start up from the top end that goes away when the engine warms up?Any ideas out there?

                                                                                              Cheers all,Pete.

[guest7]

...Now for the annoying rattly clicking i get on start up from the top end that goes away when the engine warms up?Any ideas out there?

Blimey, that's exactly the opposite of the usual XBR (worn cam follower) head rattle.

GC

[pete]

I'm no expert and i hate to hear those annoying clicks develop from a reliable engine which has done me proud for 2 years.The noise seems to have good and bad days like the weather,i thought it could be tappits/ valve clearances need adjustment as i don't know when this was last done.Do you think different fuel could affect the engine as i use a plethora of stations depending on what i need...petrol and air/petrol and beer/ petrol and fags/petrol and food..etc

[richardeblack]

Hi all. After a lot of wasted time any money on useless tools i got the local bike shop bloke to change the plug.With a hot engine he got a 18mm snap on spark plug socket put it straight on and using his air line blasted the sh!te out of the way.Spayed some lube of some sort and refitted the new plug in about 5 minutes!!!! Turned the bike on flicked the throttle a few times and said," tenner do ya? ".....sometimes it pays to stop and say enoughs enough.Jezz did own an xbr at some time but admitted he does this so many times a day its one of his easier jobs to say the least.Now for the annoying rattly clicking i get on start up from the top end that goes away when the engine warms up?Any ideas out there?

                                                                                              Cheers all,Pete.

HEllo there,On my 4th XBR and the second one with the rattle when cold.  I think it is the timing chain adjuster, but it does sound a bit like tappets.  Haven't got time to check at the moment, but it does go away completely when hot.
On the spark plug issue, has anyone else had the spark plug break off in the cylinder head?  Had three do it, so be wary.  Very annoying, but found someone who has managed to remove the threaded bit if anyone else has had it.  It seems to be caused by water collecting in the spark plug recess and rotting the plug.  Daren't take out the plug on my new one now just in case (it is my only form of transport).
Cheers,
Richard.