| Author | Message | ||
     Tonskey |
i need to change my spark plugs on a 07 xb9sx how had is it??? | ||
| Froggy |
Front is no problem, the rear is a bit of the pain because its not easy to access. For the front you remove the left side scoop and its stares you right in the face, the rear requires removal of the entire airbox assembly and then use of a wobble socket. Do a search, you will find some pictures, and if you don't have a service manual, get one now.  | ||
| Metalstorm |
A little trick for when it comes time to install the new rear plug is to get a piece of fuel line (can't remember the diameter) and stick it on the end of the plug. You can feed it in and get a really good feel when turning it so as not to cross thread the plug. | ||
| California69gs |
It'll set you back $800 if you thread the rear plug wrong....so be carefull, I learned that one last year. | ||
| Brumbear |
You do not need to remove the lower plate of the airbox use a wobble socket with a 4" extension also get a long handle set of hook needle nose you can put the wire on so much easier. While you are in there clean air filter if applicable and throttlebody inspect and clean Don't forget to grease the wire a little makes for a good water displcer | ||
| Brumbear |
oh just use the plug wire to thread the rear plug in I would recomend changing the wires when you change the plugs as well | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Changing plugs is one of those things that you don't normally do often enough to get to be good at it, or even remember how you did it the last time. Here is the official Sag Harbor Spark Plug Service Kit, which may facilitate matters.  As Frog Man suggests the front is a piece of cake. It is the rear that is the problem. First I remove the spark plug wires with the angled needle nose pliers. As Bear suggests, it is not a bad idea to replace the wires as well, especially if they are earlier versions which tended to admit water. At the very least, check for abrasion. Then remove outer and inner air boxes, and you should be able to get the illustrated blue wobble socket, on to the plug. This is a special spark plug socket with a rubber insert that grabs the plug. Remove plug. I always use iridium plugs, Denso IXU24 or NGK, because they last longer, and foul less easily. After changing the plugs, you might not be in a big hurry to do it again. Now for the tricky part. Getting the rear plug in. I use just a little bit of anti seize on the threads, and then put the plug in the vinyl tube as shown above. This allows me to very gently insert the plug in its threaded hole, and delicately start threading it in. As mentioned above, one does not want to cross thread a spark plug, although the cylinder head can be repaired without removing it, or so I am told. Never tried it and I don't want to. Anyway, once the plug seems to be going smoothly into its hole, tighten with the plug wrench. Not too damn hard, ok? Then install front plug, and fiddle around with the spark plug wires using the angled needle nose pliers until they are well seated. Any questions? | ||
| 4cammer |
Jon, where did you get that plug wrench? | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Allen, I forgot where I got that t handle. Probably at some yard sale, knowing me:-). Mine is a "3/8" T handle socket driver" with a sparkplug socket which has the rubber gripper inside. You can also get a "T-handle spark plug wrench". Consumer grade ones are easy to find on the net, and cost about five bucks. Not sure if they have the rubber gripper inside which is important for getting the rear Buell plug out. Autobarn, and most other auto supply places will have them. Anyway a google search with the proper terms will find lots of them. | ||
| Fast1075 |
Advance Auto Parts and Autozone to name a couple. | ||
| Andymnelson |
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/serv let/product_6970_200396144_200396144 | ||
| Odie |
Two things- 1. A plug wrench like pictured above works great if the plugs you use are all the same size. A HD plug is different than a Buell Racing plug so you may need two of them. Unfortunately, the Buell Racing plug is an 18mm if my memory serves me. 2. You shouldn't need to remove the inner airbox to do the rear plug. Outer, yes, but not the inner. |
