Front Plugs

[Franklyspeaking]

Has anyone found a way of removing/installing the front spark plugs without having to remove the fuel tank? Is there a tool or some trick?

FS

[Clint]

Saw this in Cycle World.

[Franklyspeaking]

Thanks. I'll pick one up and give it a try.

[Clint]

Maybe someone who owns a 'Liner can verify that it would work. I don't.

[Franklyspeaking]

Clint,
So far nothing short of removing the gas tank has worked. Do you have any suggestions?

FS

[Madmax22]

Havent replaced mine personally but have had the tank off several times and it doesnt look like it to me. Plus you need to get in there and blow out the area around the plug and make sure no dirt gets down in the cylinders.

Not sure if you have had the tank off before but once you do it once or twice it isnt that bad. Also if you have a chair or similer that you can raise and lower you dont need to disconnect the fuel lines either. Just carefully swing it to the side a bit.

[demingrickjames]

Originally Posted by Madmax22

Not sure if you have had the tank off before but once you do it once or twice it isnt that bad. Also if you have a chair or similer that you can raise and lower you dont need to disconnect the fuel lines either. Just carefully swing it to the side a bit.

If you run the bike til it's on reserve there is zero fuel left in the tank and removal is much easier.

Once you get the plug loose, slide a piece of rubber fuel hose about 8-10" long over the insulator and plug removal is a snap. You can also use this to get the plugs back in. Then just torque to specs and you're done.

[diamond_jim]

Originally Posted by Franklyspeaking

Has anyone found a way of removing/installing the front spark plugs without having to remove the fuel tank? Is there a tool or some trick?

FS

Don't know if this will work for you or not. V-twins have the chrome covers up top that hide the spark plug and stuff. There usually have a front and back bolt on top, holding these covers on. Often, you can't remove the spark plug without removing the covers which then often necessitates removing the tank.

Some people replace one of the bolts with a stud with just enough of it sticking up to place a nut on and keep the cover tight. When they want to inspect or replace the spark plug, they remove the nut, loosen the other bolt and slightly lift and rotate the cover like a door, exposing the spark plug boot and easy access. Now, this may not work with all bikes but it might for yours.

[Madmax22]

Originally Posted by diamond_jim

Don't know if this will work for you or not. V-twins have the chrome covers up top that hide the spark plug and stuff. There usually have a front and back bolt on top, holding these covers on. Often, you can't remove the spark plug without removing the covers which then often necessitates removing the tank.

Some people replace one of the bolts with a stud with just enough of it sticking up to place a nut on and keep the cover tight. When they want to inspect or replace the spark plug, they remove the nut, loosen the other bolt and slightly lift and rotate the cover like a door, exposing the spark plug boot and easy access. Now, this may not work with all bikes but it might for yours.

The roadliners are a bit different. We have the chrome valve covers but there are basically cut backs that form a channel for the plugs. Basically just the plug wires and thats it no covers or anything.So it would be nice ......

However the engine is pretty large (113CI) and is really shuved into the frame so theres not alot of playing room to do things without taking stuff off. You can get too two of the plugs but not the other two.

[Franklyspeaking]

I've removed the tank several times, but it's just kind of a pain in the ass. I don't need to change the plugs, but I've never stored the bike in an unheated garage like I'll have to do this Winter. So I need to remove the plug to spray some fogging oil in there to prevent condensation. I don't no if I'm getting anal or not. Has anyone stored their bike in an unheated setting. If so, how did you prep it?

FS

[Jimmydee]

I put a couple of ozs of "Stable" in a full tank, make sure it gets into the FI or carbs, shut the fuel line off and run til it quits and call it good. Never in 25 years have I had a problem. Parked in barn with no heat. It gets regularly to 10F or below here with tons of snow. I do put some moth balls under the seat to keep the mice away.
Jim