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techtalk:ref:tools129 [2018/08/25 17:41]
hippysmack [Spark Plug Hole Adapters for Diagnostic Testing]
techtalk:ref:tools129 [2019/04/08 22:31]
hippysmack [To Gap the Spark Plugs]
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 ===== To Gap the Spark Plugs ===== ===== To Gap the Spark Plugs =====
  
-|A small stainless plate 7/8" long by 3/8" wide and .040" thick with a \\ hole in it. It can be kept on a key ring and instead of keeping a feeler ​\\ gauge on your bike. ((Deep Diver of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=395586&​page=5))| +A small stainless plate 7/8" long by 3/8" wide and .040" thick with a hole in it. \\ 
-|{{techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade-spark-plug-feeler-gauge_by_deep_diver.jpg?​direct&​400|}}|+It can be kept on a key ring and instead of keeping a feeler gauge on your bike. ((Deep Diver of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=395586&​page=5)) ​\\ 
 +|{{techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade-spark-plug-feeler-gauge_by_deep_diver.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|
 ^  Homemade Spark Plug Gapping Tool ((photo by Deep Diver of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=395586&​page=5)) ​ ^ ^  Homemade Spark Plug Gapping Tool ((photo by Deep Diver of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=395586&​page=5)) ​ ^
  
-===== Spark Plug Hole Adapters for Diagnostic Testing ===== 
-These are used in place of the spark plug to hook up diagnostic tools (compression tester, leak-down tester etc.). \\ They can also be used to adapt a 14mm TDC whistle or piston stop to a Sporty engine. 
  
-  * 12mm adapters are usually supplied along with compression ​and leak down kitsThey are also available at some auto parts stores and online tool companies+This tool is not scientific ​and it's use is subjectiveBut it is widely used for gapping plugs((Hippysmack)) 
-  ​* If you, by chance, have bought a '​kit'​ in the past only to find your gauges no longer work properly, keep the fittings that came with it before tossing out the defective parts. \\ These may prove to be invaluable when they are needed.+|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​spark_plug_gapper_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​300|}}| 
 + Commercial spark plug gapping tool((photo by Hippysmack)) ​ ^
  
  
-This is a homemade adapter (1/4" NPT to 12mm) that's relatively simple to make if you are having trouble finding the adapter you need. +===== Flexible Extension for Dual Plug Heads ===== 
-|A used spark plug is already threaded for the plug holeYou can grind the electrode off and remove the \\ insulator. Then thread ​the internal hole for the threads you'll be needing from you hose / apparatus ((photos by cjburr ​of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=56497))|| +Care should be taken when installing the top spark plug on S models or any with dual plug heads. \\ 
-|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade_12mm-to_quarter_npt_hose_adapter_1_by_cjburr.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade_12mm-to_quarter_npt_hose_adapter_2_by_cjburr.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|+It's easy to get into the wrong position and break the end of the plug with a conventional wrench\\
  
  
-You'll need to tap threads ​into the gutted out portion of the plug. In order to get good threads ​in the plug body you need a bottoming tap (no taper). \\ +This flexible extension allows you to maneuver the plug into the hole using the handle on the end to start the threads ​without much force. \\ 
-Or, you will have to grind down a 1/4" NPT tapered tap and make it shorter until it is able to go deep enough into the plug body to cut threads in the sides +This was once available at most auto parts stores ​and is still available online. \\ 
-|Break the porcelain off with a hammer (eye protection required). Take a small screwdriver and break up the porcelain under the crimp (portion that holds the \\ porcelain in the plug body )this will let you grind the crimp only and the job will go faster as the porcelain is harder to grind. Then pull the rest of it out. \\ You now have to tap threads ​in the gutted area for 1/4" NPT (national pipe thread)in ​the plug body and you are ready to go. ((photos by cjburr of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=56497))||| +If the plug doesn'​t thread easily, the grip will slip on the plug instead of forcing the threads together and cross-threading them\\ 
-|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade_12mm-to_quarter_npt_hose_adapter_3_by_cjburr.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade_12mm-to_quarter_npt_hose_adapter_4_by_cjburr.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​homemade_12mm-to_quarter_npt_hose_adapter_5_by_cjburr.jpg?​direct&​300|}}| +Then you simply back it out, re-position and try again until the threads are started correctly. \\ 
-^  Homemade 1/4" NPT to 12mm Spark Plug Hole Adapter ​ ^^^+Once the threads ​are started, remove ​the flex tool, use a conventional ​plug wrench ​to snug up and then a torque wrench for final tightening\\ 
 + 
 +|  STEELMAN PRO 08310R flexible 12-Inch spark plug starter tool ((photos by Hippysmack))  ||| 
 +|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​flexible_spark_plug_extension_1_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​flexible_spark_plug_extension_2_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​tools:​flexible_spark_plug_extension_3_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|
  
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