number9 Posted September 3, 2015 Share Posted September 3, 2015 My VFR desperately needs some new spark plugs. I went to change them and I think I've lost the factory tool. Has anyone got an alternative to the factory tool? I'll order a new one but I think it'll take a week or two to get to me. I've read some horror stories about people using regular spark plug sockets... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNRabbit Posted September 3, 2015 Share Posted September 3, 2015 If you have a spark plug socket with the rubber insert & wobbly connector, it'll work fine. The rubber insert is required to pull the plug out of the deep hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highsider989 Posted September 3, 2015 Share Posted September 3, 2015 or just use a magnet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer HighSideNZ Posted September 4, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted September 4, 2015 Yep a standard 16mm thin wall spark plug socket is needed if you've lost the factory tool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer The mailman Posted September 4, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted September 4, 2015 I haven't touched the plugs on my 6th gen but I did the ones on my 4th gen using a 4 inch extension and a short u-joint adapter...and yes, a standard spark plug socket with the rubber insert to grip the plug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Cogswell Posted September 4, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted September 4, 2015 I've never used the factory tool - just a spark plug socket and an extension. Sometimes the extension wants to come out of the socket rather than the socket coming off the plug. I can usually get the plug set in the socket's rubber boot just enough to hold it in place but still let it come off once torqued. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highsider989 Posted September 4, 2015 Share Posted September 4, 2015 I just pulled my plugs tonight. I used the plug socket and two 3 inch extensions. To pull the plugs I used my trusty extendable magnet. No problem took 45 minutes including and oil change. I have densos in the bike, I will replace with NGK's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer JZH Posted September 6, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted September 6, 2015 A short length of silicone hose or rubber tubing pushed onto the ceramic part of the plug can be used to retrieve spark plugs. Also good for gently threading them into the head. Ciao, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted September 6, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted September 6, 2015 A short length of silicone hose or rubber tubing pushed onto the ceramic part of the plug can be used to retrieve spark plugs. Also good for gently threading them into the head. Ciao, +1 JZH... you took the words right out of my mouth... I believe this is the best method... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud786 Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 My VFR desperately needs some new spark plugs. I went to change them and I think I've lost the factory tool. Has anyone got an alternative to the factory tool? I'll order a new one but I think it'll take a week or two to get to me. I've read some horror stories about people using regular spark plug sockets... Never had a factory tool, its probably worthless, use a 3 inch and a 6inch extension in combo, with proper socket and a magnet tool, you don't even to remove fairings for the front, and just pivot the tank for the rear ones. Its actually not bad at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
number9 Posted September 7, 2015 Author Share Posted September 7, 2015 Thanks guys. I had heard some horror stories of regular spark plug sockets getting stuck in the cylinder heads, so I didn't want to take a change as my car is off the road right now! And it's a long walk to the office. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer HighSideNZ Posted September 7, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted September 7, 2015 There are thin walled 16mm spark plug sockets available. I've got one of those as the bore diameter is quite tight. Never had a problem with the thin walled ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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