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techtalk:ref:tools129 [2018/08/26 15:50] hippysmack [Homemade] |
techtalk:ref:tools129 [2024/01/24 02:48] (current) hippysmack |
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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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/63858-special-tools/page5?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)) ^ | + | |{{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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/63858-special-tools/page5?t=395586&page=5)) ^ | ||
| - | ===== Spark Plug Hole Adapters for Diagnostic Testing ===== | + | This tool is not scientific and it's use is subjective. But it is widely used for gapping plugs. ((Hippysmack)) |
| - | 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. | + | |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:spark_plug_gapper_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| + | ^ Commercial spark plug gapping tool. ((photo by Hippysmack)) ^ | ||
| - | ==== Commercially available ==== | + | ===== Flexible Extension for Dual Plug Heads ===== |
| + | Care should be taken when installing the top spark plug on S models or any with dual plug heads. \\ | ||
| + | It's easy to get into the wrong position and break the end of the plug with a conventional wrench. \\ | ||
| - | * 12mm adapters are usually supplied along with compression and leak down kits. They are also available at some auto parts stores and online tool companies. | + | 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. \\ |
| - | * 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. | + | This was once available at most auto parts stores and is still available online. \\ |
| + | If the plug doesn't thread easily, the grip will slip on the plug instead of forcing the threads together and cross-threading them. \\ | ||
| + | Then you simply back it out, re-position and try again until the threads are started correctly. \\ | ||
| + | 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. \\ | ||
| - | |A few adapters including a tall one (which great for some V-8's). \\ Add the small 14mm-12mm adapter on the long one and it'll work for 12mm plug holes.|| | + | | STEELMAN PRO 08310R flexible 12-Inch spark plug starter tool ((photos by Hippysmack)) ||| |
| - | |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:spark_plug_thread_adapters_1_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:spark_plug_thread_adapters_2_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}| | + | |{{: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|}}| |
| - | ^ Spark Plug Hole Thread Adapters ((photos by Hippysmack)) ^^ | + | |
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| - | ==== Homemade ==== | + | |
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| - | 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. | + | |
| - | |A used spark plug is already threaded for the plug hole. You 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))|| | + | |
| - | |{{: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|}}| | + | |
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| - | 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). \\ | + | |
| - | 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. | + | |
| - | |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))||| | + | |
| - | |{{: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|}}| | + | |
| - | ^ Homemade 1/4" NPT to 12mm Spark Plug Hole Adapter ^^^ | + | |
| - | \\ | + | |
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| - | This adapter was made using the same concept of removing the ceramic and brazing a male hose coupling to the end of a spark plug. | + | |
| - | + | ||
| - | |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:homemade_12mm_hose_adapter_by_screw_loose_dan.jpg?direct&400|}}| | + | |
| - | ^ Homemade Hose Coupling ((photo by Screw Loose Dan of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=56497&page=2)) ^ | + | |
| \\ | \\ | ||
