Removing spark plugs - Honda VTZ 250

[El Dopa]

Hi.

I'm having a few problems getting my bike to fire, and I want to get the spark plugs out and check 'em, and check the compression whilst I'm at it.

Dumb question: How do I get the spark plugs out? Is there a special tool I need?

The Honda VTZ isn't a common model, but seems to be much the same as the VT Spada, if anyone's had any experience with that.

Oh, and if anyone has any bright ideas about other possible stuff I could look at, I'm happy to accept advice (but don't tell me to charge the battery. It's new and fully charged. And there's petrol in the tank, too).

[FROSTY:Me]

Dude you need a deep reach socket.It's nuffin special,most modern hondas have em. If ya get stuck I've got a selection. Ya just need to be careful with em cos they don't have the rubber inserts.

[pipeman]

Hi.

I'm having a few problems getting my bike to fire, and I want to get the spark plugs out and check 'em, and check the compression whilst I'm at it.

Dumb question: How do I get the spark plugs out? Is there a special tool I need?

The Honda VTZ isn't a common model, but seems to be much the same as the VT Spada, if anyone's had any experience with that.

Oh, and if anyone has any bright ideas about other possible stuff I could look at, I'm happy to accept advice (but don't tell me to charge the battery. It's new and fully charged. And there's petrol in the tank, too).

Don't forget to tell him where they are. Your'll find them in that thing under the petrol tank you no in between the seat and the handle bars
That thing that looks like a little V but be carefull you don't want two break the rubber band now or else you might have too go too the

[pipeman]

Oh nearly forgot compression test coasty style. When you get those sparky things out get some bubble gum, but chew it first or else it won't work. Anyway after you chew and chew until flavor has gone place it over the hole where that sparky thing came from and turn over the motor. Now here's the most important part. See if it has made bubble, if it has it has compression hey pressdo your in buinness. You can either throw the bubble gum away or use it another day
Good luck and ride safely now

[El Dopa]

Don't forget to tell him where they are. Your'll find them in that thing under the petrol tank you no in between the seat and the handle bars
That thing that looks like a little V but be carefull you don't want two break the rubber band now or else you might have too go too the

You are a funny little chap, aren't you.

Now run along and go play in the traffic.

[El Dopa]

Dude you need a deep reach socket.It's nuffin special,most modern hondas have em. If ya get stuck I've got a selection. Ya just need to be careful with em cos they don't have the rubber inserts.

Once again you prove yourself a most generous gent. Thanks.

I've managed to get one of the B******* out. Repco was open today for tool aquisition (I like to get hold of my own tools as I go along, if feasible).

However, the second, front plug seems to be a different size from the rear one, and is stuck in tighter than a nuns nasty. The socket isn't clicking on to it. I had to disconnect the radiator hose and piss away a load of new coolant to even get close to it, and can't get round the front to see down the hole.

The rear one I removed has the number CR8EH on it. The stuck, front one has the number DPR8E. This is what makes me think they're different sizes. Can anyone confirm?

I'll phone the shop tomorrow to try to get some info, but it looks like I'll be taking you up on that offer to try a few different sizes out, Frosty. Thanks.

Judging by the state of the rear one (thick with carbon) it's likely that the original problem was caused by the plugs.

[FlyingDutchMan]

Have a look at this chart: Tells you everything you need to know about NGK plugs.
http://www.ngk.com/images/ngksparkplug.jpg

You're right they are different sizes. What the hell is up with that?

CR8EH plugs ain't too cheap either... they go for about $19-$20 bucks a pop, unless you're in aussie where they seem to be able to get them for $4. And I want 4 for my bike

[El Dopa]

Have a look at this chart: Tells you everything you need to know about NGK plugs.
http://www.ngk.com/images/ngksparkplug.jpg

You're right they are different sizes. What the hell is up with that?

CR8EH plugs ain't too cheap either... they go for about $19-$20 bucks a pop, unless you're in aussie where they seem to be able to get them for $4. And I want 4 for my bike

Thanks for that, much appreciated.

Yeah, if I read the number right, they're definitely different thread sizes, but I can't really tell if they have different hex heads. As far as I can guesstimate, I'll need a 13/16 hex to get the front one out.

I'm guessing that sometime in the past, one of the many owners has replaced the plugs and didn't bother getting a matching pair. Hopefully the front one hasn't damaged the thread in the cylinder or I'm really in trouble.

Frosty, if that offer is still open, could you PM me your phone no and I'll give you a call about coming round and getting some advice and tools.