socket for plugs

Hi -
What size deep socket piece do i neeed to remove the spark plugs? i only have regular size pieces now and i want to stop on the way home and pick up a deep piece. the little kit that came with the bike has a couple deep sockets but none fit the plugs!
thanks -

82 xj550 maxim

 

You should be ok with the 14mm spark plug wrench from any reputable tool maker (snapon, craftsman, napa, s&k, etc) and a 3" extension (assuming a 3/8" driver). I have been successful at obtaining decent tool kits from the motorcycle junk yards as well. Check it out.

 

thanks robert -
how about an in-line fuel filter? what model and where can i get it?

i need to give the bike a fair amount of choke to start and keep in neutral- let it out after maybe 5 minutes. i want to remove and clean the petcock, and then my tentative plan is on to the carbs. this is my first bike and i know next to nothing about maintenace. i think there might be something up with the fuel flow though. i figure at least put in an inline filter.

 

There are many to be had. BikeBandit and Chaparral both list some very nice ones for a reasonable price. I choose the larger ones that allow you to see what is floating through your fuel system. I would avoid the nice billet units, you can't see what is going on without opening them. Another pointer is make sure you know what fuel line size you have on the machine. Nipple sizes are 3/8ths, 1/4, and 5/16ths if I remember right. This will help you get the right size to splice into your supply line. I would suggest the glass bodied ones only if you clamp them with Adel clamps to prevent them from moving around (they are a little big for this application so their use seems unlikely).

 

Once again, thanks!

one more question - i'll probably post this as a new post too.

the bike was dropped before i got it. there's a dent in the tank about the length/with of a pen. the chrome in the dent is now chipping and metal underneath has rusted some. is there any way to get rid of the rust and protect the metal?

 

I posted a line on corrosion prevention goodies this week, take a look at the paint and touch up thread on the XJ mods page (I think it is on that forum). Permatex Extends is a great start, just don't forget to paint over it.

 

thanks robert - happen to know the name of the thread - i took a look through modifactions and don't think i saw it -

 

Rust on outside of tank. One of a few on the topic. Key words are Permatex Extends. You might try corrosion as well. Good luck to you.

 

Mine came with NGK plugs and wires. It takes an 18mm wrench to get plugs off.

 

For your 750 J that seems unlikely Maximike. Unless someone (P.O.) installed the wrong plugs in there. And I really don't see how that could be done given the recess the plugs thread into. You have an interesting mystery amigo. What part number are the plugs? Pictures of the plugs installed and removed would be good.
For the 550, a 5/8in./12mm socket should fit the bill.

 

My 400 has NGK plugs and wires as well, and it takes a 18mm socket to remove the plugs as well. Funny because the normal size plug wrenchs don't fit. You have to buy the 18mm deep socket. :?
Cheers Mac

 

Weird, I recall pulling tiny sparklers out of the two 550's I have touched. Used a 5/8 socket with a 3" extension. Hmmmm.... I don't recall seeing the NGK caps on either of those bikes but it has been a while.
My 5/8 socket reads out at 16mm. Now I'm really curious, what part of the spark plug are you fellows referring to when you say 18mm? The threads are the typical measurement but I have heard of folks measuring the grip/hex to make references.

 

18mm here as well

 

Sorry, I thought it was 18mm, turns out it's bigger! 13/16ths. NGK # BP7ES So, now I have a deep 18mm socket I don't need, but, what the heck, never hurts to have sockets. Glad I didn't by the one at the bike shop for 23$ !!
The thread diameter IS 14mm, but, that doesn't help take it out.

 

14mm plugs (all hail the mighty BP7ES!) on your bike is normal Maximike, the 13/16" socket is the correct size for their removal.
I am now deeply interested in these 18mm plugs as I understood that you only found them on heavy engines. I've been to the NGK site and they have a nifty spark plug number break-out there but it doesn't give me any idea of what size the hex is on them.

 

umm.. I don't think those are the right plugs. I used to run BP7ES in my 500 Triumph twin, I would definitely check your book.

My 550's both have 18mm (the wrench) plugs.

 

I don't know for sure about the book, but according to the fitment info on Dennis Kirk;

http://www.denniskirk.com/1/1/1170686-n ... bp7es.html
lists about all the XJ's. More Yamahas than anything, actually.

And I cleverly bought a 13/16ths with a half inch drive, only thing I could use it with is my torque wrench and breaker bar, don't seem to have a 3/8ths to 1/2 adapter, got one going the other way, 1/2 to 3/8ths, of course. Well, anyway I got them out.