Spark Plug Replacement

[lenwindham]

Please share any practical tips you have on replacing the bottom set of plugs on the Rockster with the twin spark engine. I have already replaced the set that face out to the side of the bike. Best tool in the kit to use, how to get the best leverage to remove it, preparation steps, etc. Already I have noticed that the tool kit (at least mine) does not have the socket needed to remove the bolt on the cylinder head cover. The allen wrench for the front side is there, but not for the back. I always find that the book procedure always leave out a few useful "real world" tips. If you done this before, please share. Thanks.

[riceburner]

lie on your back (assuming the bike isn't on a jacked up workshop stand).

Makes access to the lower plugs a lot easier.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Please share any practical tips you have on replacing the bottom set of plugs on the Rockster with the twin spark engine. I have already replaced the set that face out to the side of the bike. Best tool in the kit to use, how to get the best leverage to remove it, preparation steps, etc. Already I have noticed that the tool kit (at least mine) does not have the socket needed to remove the bolt on the cylinder head cover. The allen wrench for the front side is there, but not for the back. I always find that the book procedure always leave out a few useful "real world" tips. If you done this before, please share. Thanks.

for the bottom plugs, if you choose to use an aftermarket like the autolight 4164 (I think) you are going to have to find another sparkplug wrench. It may be a little costlier, but if you just use the OEM plugs --NGK's or Bosches--you'll save yourself some travelling time looking for the proper wrench. Others may well chime on plug preferences and there are many, but getting them in is the greater problem. You might be in a situation in which you just use the old ones after cleaning and re gapping. been there done that. That\'s assuming they still are decent and are firing.
Not sure what you mean by the "bolt" on the cylinder head cover. There are 4 bolts, all the same torx, and they do not come out completely, only loosen.

You might look for this: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=w ... -RVO-SfKmQ

and ask away. The board members are very helpful and I would suggest that you join as a member. The value of the support of the board's members can be invaluable.

John

[lenwindham]

I was actually referring to the plastic cylinder head guards, not the covers.

[Dr. Strangelove]

oh, you mean the protectors--the so-called protectors?

there are three screws--front back and underneath. On mine the underneath one was a hex, 10mm I think and the front and back were I think 25 torx???

if you're going to work on the bike you'll need a set of hex wrenches in both metric and English, and a set of Torx wrenches. You can probably get by with the quality of a Harbor Freight product if you're just doing routine light maintenance.

John