We all know the angle to drop the plugs back into the valve cover is too tight to have the socket and the extension on as it just won't clear the pan under the battery box on couple plugs. Here are two things that make it safe and simple so you don't end up dropping plugs and sockets in the hole and hoping for the best that the plug is not damaged!
Silicone tubing! Yes, so simple! With a 12" piece of silicone tubing (found at RC stores as fuel tubing) place the tubing on the plug tip, run the tubing through the socket, add a tiny spot of oil to the first couple of threads and drop the plug & socket into the hole lowering it with the hose. When it hits bottom, twist the hose while holding it towards the rear of the bike until the threads start. Because the tubing is so pliable its near impossible to cross thread.
Pull up on the tubing and the plug and socket stay put. Insert 3" extension and torque to spec.
Also, for REMOVING the socket or plug a flexible magnet on a nylon stick is perfect! This thing is life savor on many occasions. You should have one!
My plug socket was a tad worn and wouldn't hold these tiny plugs well so I just lowered them in and pulled the tube out. I think I had them all in tight in less than 6 minutes.
Also - be sure to snug up up the plug wire into the cap. It should tighten clockwise and you'll feel a bit of resistance as the wire bottoms in the cap. If it spins freely, cut off a small section (1/4") and thread it back on.
FWIW: Here are some plugs after 15,000 miles. . . I threw them back in the hole! I'll replace them at 20,000 . . .
Silicone tubing! Yes, so simple! With a 12" piece of silicone tubing (found at RC stores as fuel tubing) place the tubing on the plug tip, run the tubing through the socket, add a tiny spot of oil to the first couple of threads and drop the plug & socket into the hole lowering it with the hose. When it hits bottom, twist the hose while holding it towards the rear of the bike until the threads start. Because the tubing is so pliable its near impossible to cross thread.
Pull up on the tubing and the plug and socket stay put. Insert 3" extension and torque to spec.
Also, for REMOVING the socket or plug a flexible magnet on a nylon stick is perfect! This thing is life savor on many occasions. You should have one!
My plug socket was a tad worn and wouldn't hold these tiny plugs well so I just lowered them in and pulled the tube out. I think I had them all in tight in less than 6 minutes.
Also - be sure to snug up up the plug wire into the cap. It should tighten clockwise and you'll feel a bit of resistance as the wire bottoms in the cap. If it spins freely, cut off a small section (1/4") and thread it back on.
FWIW: Here are some plugs after 15,000 miles. . . I threw them back in the hole! I'll replace them at 20,000 . . .
Last edited: