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This is a dumb question but need help

Old 08-01-2014, 08:07 AM
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This is a dumb question but need help

Once I have access to my spark plugs what's the easiest method of taking them out to clean them off? I've tried like 6 different sockets and none of them fit.
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Old 08-01-2014, 08:17 AM
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Craftsman 18mm deep socket. I had to make a trip to Sears to find one that fit. Most 18mm deep sockets are too large to fit in the recess.
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Old 08-01-2014, 08:19 AM
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The standard socket in the tool kit works the best. It has the rubber insert to hold the plug nice and snug. 8mm wrench on top and you are good to go.
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Old 08-01-2014, 08:27 AM
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Aw ****, why didn't I think of that!?
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Old 08-01-2014, 08:43 AM
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i dont think i have that in my tool set?
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Old 08-01-2014, 08:45 AM
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besides the fact tell me if i sound correct or not. my bike is having serious problems starting shell crank like a **** 4 or 5 times. ill turn the key on and off after that turn it back on like 10 seconds later and sometimes it starts other times its another 4 or 5 tries.. figuring my spark plugs are dirty somehow they just got replaced like 600 miles ago. idk what to do i love my superhawk but im a **** hair away from cutting my losses and parting ways. i had a small coolant leak i fixed it. now its like its leaking again. but this time i really dont see possible where is could be. man oh man what to do.
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Old 08-01-2014, 08:49 AM
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The complete stock tool set has one in it.
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Old 08-01-2014, 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by shadow623_
besides the fact tell me if i sound correct or not. my bike is having serious problems starting shell crank like a **** 4 or 5 times. ill turn the key on and off after that turn it back on like 10 seconds later and sometimes it starts other times its another 4 or 5 tries.. figuring my spark plugs are dirty somehow they just got replaced like 600 miles ago. idk what to do i love my superhawk but im a **** hair away from cutting my losses and parting ways. i had a small coolant leak i fixed it. now its like its leaking again. but this time i really dont see possible where is could be. man oh man what to do.
Are you sure it's no spark? In addition to other things you'll want to check, look at the grounding/mounting screws for the coils.
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Old 08-01-2014, 09:06 AM
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Originally Posted by shadow623_
i dont think i have that in my tool set?
Many people don't. These are old bikes and most people have bought used by now. I didn't just go out and buy an 18mm socket because I didn't like the color of the one included.
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Old 08-01-2014, 09:44 AM
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7, you already explained that you went out and bought one because you didn't think of the one in the tool kit.
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Old 08-01-2014, 09:52 AM
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I didn't think about using the poorly colored one in the tool kit?
I replaced all the tools in the tool kit with shiny ones and then later remembered they might work on the bike?

There's gotta be some smooth way to dig myself out of this hole...
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Old 08-01-2014, 10:08 AM
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I found it and both plugs are filthy I have no idea how.. Only thing I can think of is when I had the leak coolant might have wept into the combustion chamber where spark plugs are. I'll have to take a look at all the coils to which are the plugs next to the battery right?
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Old 08-01-2014, 10:25 AM
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Oh I know, I'll use this foot I found in my mouth to dig out!
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Old 08-01-2014, 01:03 PM
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I know, I know. I'm late in answering his question. If you have access to a lathe, or know someone who has one, take any socket, and bring the side walls down. That's what I did. 7, are you sure it's your foot, and not that Craftsman 18mm socket ??...;O)
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Old 08-01-2014, 08:55 PM
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A lathe? Man this is a DIY question. For most that is about as likely (and convenient) as building a factory to make your own sockets. Especially since the Honda factory already exists and put one in the tool kit.(lol)
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Old 08-01-2014, 09:27 PM
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ORR you go to pep boys, napa, oreilys(where i got mine), vato zone, etc... and buy an 18mm spark plug socket for 2.99

KISS principle
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Old 08-02-2014, 01:34 AM
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So which 18mm socket will i need, Shiny or colored? And do they have lathes at Autozone
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Old 08-06-2014, 06:22 AM
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I got the flat black 18 myself
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Old 08-06-2014, 07:10 PM
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Originally Posted by smokinjoe73
A lathe? Man this is a DIY question. For most that is about as likely (and convenient) as building a factory to make your own sockets. Especially since the Honda factory already exists and put one in the tool kit.(lol)
He still may have access to one, or may still know someone how works with one on a daily basis. You don't have a clue about this.

This may have been an overlooked option for him, and a cheap one at that. So, as long as I feel I'm providing helpful options, I'll post them.
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Old 08-06-2014, 07:46 PM
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My Craftsman 3/8 drive 18mm deep socket works fine.
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Old 08-06-2014, 09:14 PM
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Guy doesn't have a socket but has lathe access? C'mon, your not standing behind that suggestion are you?

Like later your realized a guy asking how to loosen a spark plug is not machining his own tools, right? Or maybe he should sand cast his own socket out of molten chrome moly?

The only thing wackier than the suggestion is standing behind it.

But hey, yeah, keep em comin'!~
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Old 08-07-2014, 04:58 PM
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Let's see. Any positive input to OP's question = 0
Useless and condescending remarks = 1

Sorry, but you're
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Old 08-07-2014, 09:22 PM
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Yeah, there you go the hits just keep on comin! Super smart stuff.

Did you notice that I mentioned the actual tool MADE for the job by, um, HONDA. The OEM of the bike comes in the tool kit? Is available online for like $4 shipped?

Flash, I've always liked your posts but I think you are a little off base on this one.

Using the tool found under your seat is approximately a thousand times easier and more likely than machining your own on any planet in any lifetime.

You know it, I know it, vegetable lasagne knows it.

Lets all just move on.
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Old 08-08-2014, 06:14 AM
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Originally Posted by shadow623_
I found it and both plugs are filthy I have no idea how.. Only thing I can think of is when I had the leak coolant might have wept into the combustion chamber where spark plugs are. I'll have to take a look at all the coils to which are the plugs next to the battery right?
And back to the Ops question

A coolant leak from a hose is not going to weep into the combustion chamber. What do the plugs look like? can you take a pic? are they white, brown, black, melted?

They can get sooty if you run with the choke on too long or if there is oil making its way into the combustion chamber. Of course it could also be a bad spark condition

If you trace the spark plug wires, where the spark plug wire ends is where the coil is, they are mounted under the tank in that area around the carbs if I recall correctly, though I don't remember exactly where under the tank. I don't believe they are in the battery box area under the seat though.


Out of curriosity, have you been riding in wet weather? I find I get a build up of water in the front cylinder and it pisses off the bikes ability to create spark. Dilectric Grease helps greatly with this. Make sure to put a dab in your plug boots
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Old 08-08-2014, 06:16 AM
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Originally Posted by smokinjoe73
Lets all just move on.
Fair enough, lets take the high from here on.
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