sparkplug nightmare

matphillipsuk · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 02 Nov 2004 Karma :

hi i think i may have a terrible problem. ive just been to check and clean the spark plugs, its the first time ive done it on this particular bike but i followed the haynes guide. i started with the first plug on the right hand side(if you were sat on the bike) then to my shock the bolt at the top just sheered off! is there anything i can do?

Gazdaman · I did a trackday!!! Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Karma :

Ah, that's a pain in the ass.

Is there enough to grab with some kind of grabbing device?

If not you may be able to take the head off and wind it out from the inside.
Get some penetrating oil on there now aswell, let it works its way into the threads.

Consider giving it a sharp tap with a hammer before trying again too.

Failing that, you might be able to drill it out and get it helicoiled, I don't know how well that'll work on such a vital thread though.

What bike is it? Might be cheap to get a new head and fit that.

Gaz

matphillipsuk · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 02 Nov 2004 Karma :

no there isnt enough to grab and its a cbr 400 tri-arm, i should have a guy coming round to do it but i got to wait till friday!

bish777 · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Karma :

0ddball · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Karma :

Unless it's siezed solid in the head, some heat and a decent stud extractor should do it.

bish777 · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Karma :

depends-my head wouldt let you get to it, as its in a 10 centimeter spark plug tunnel.

see if you can get a flat head screwdriver into the top and screw it out.
____________________
GSXR1100J

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

I have sucessfully extracted them before with EZ outs. This saves taking the head off.

Trouble is, you need to make sure you have ALL the bits out. If any bits of ceramic or electrode dropped into the engine, you have to get them out. Keep all the bits so you can piece them back together to make sure.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

garry · Nova Slayer Joined: 09 Apr 2005 Karma :

what ever course you take now , do it with the head off !!!

its a lot safer, you dont want to do all that work and then screw up your engine completly......
____________________
so long so long so long and thanks for all the fish !