| Author | Message | ||
     Pokeyzeit |
Okay guys, I need spark plug help… I just recently purchased a very neglected ’01 rebuild and figured it’d be a safe bet to just replace some of the basics that probably haven’t been properly cared after. Even though she didn’t seem to be having any issues that aren’t unique to a Blast, I replaced my spark plug cable with a HDstock replacement, just for safe measure. However, the end that pops on the sparkplug just did not want to fit onto the spark plug. So our next conclusion was that the sparkplug was probably the wrong size as she was pretty much rebuilt with leftovers from god-knows-what. So I did some research, and found most people like the Iridiums IXUO-27 so I got an NGK spark plug, and went about seeing how to remove the tank to install it… Everyone on here and the service manual(don’t get me started on their vague directions) said removal of the tank was risky and unnecessary so I just unscrewed the old one out, and screwed the old one in. No problem, except she won’t turn over(only chugchugchug of the starter trying to catch). Took the sparkplug out, still cabled, and it’s sparking. Further investigation shows that I tightened the gapping closed. I figure I just need to buy a whole new spark plug and redo the whole installation process, but I’m not quite sure where I went wrong. My boyfriend’s convinced that the 27s are the wrong size and that I need to just stick with the stealership’s sparkplugs. Does anyone know what I messed up or can someone explain in laymens terms EXACTLY how to change a spark plug?? Should I be removing the fuel tank or is a 5/8 box wrench(what I used) good enough? Please help! I’ve got to take my bike to my ERC this weekend and I want to make sure she is in tip-top shape, nonetheless simply runs. Thanks so much in advance. I know you guys are knowledge experts and I’ve already found so much info on these forums. I really appreciate it! ~Pickle  | ||
| Milt |
It's a lot easier if you take the tank off. It shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes to pop it off, and 5 to put it back on - at least the second time you do it. Use a socket wrench to take the plug out. Put it back in with a torque wrench, so you don't over tighten it. Stock plugs always worked OK for me. You'll really have to tweak the the old Thumper a lot before you notice any performance benefits from a better plug. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Concur! 27's are good. Not sure who said taking the tank off is risky(???), but I'd recommend doing it that way if you've never changed a Blast plug (and especially if you've never changed a plug at all). Take the tank off but DO NOT disconnect the fuel lines. Just find a way to prop the tank on the bike out of the way. Use bungee cords to stabilize it if you're nervous. Use anti-sieze on the plug threads. I used to advocate the use of a box wrench until I was changing plugs on a very regular basis. Taking the tank off isnt hard and you'll minimize the chance of crossthreading and over (or under) torquing. PS Once you get the rubber tank mounts off, grease the pins so they go back on and come back off in the future much more easily. Getting them off is the hardest part about tank removal. | ||
| Ezblast |
I also answered this in the regular KV, but as usual, you guys have done a great job of answering it yourselves! You guys rock - thank you! EZ | ||
| Milt |
I used a 1x2 cut to about 6" and a rubber mallet to remove the rubber tank mounts. The first time was pretty brutal, but after greasing, as GearheadErikO suggests, it's much easier. Also, when screwing the plug in, use your fingers until the very last stage. That way, it will be very obvious if you're cross threading. |
