Spark Plugs

[1999 Drifter]

the original spark plug tool that came with the bike was MIA so I ordered one from the dealer ,will be here in a few days
we'll see if that one fits the LF hole, until  then I'll run with the Champion,
Like I said earlier I can hand tighten the NKG in, but the socket is too fat to ensure a proper seat

Thanks for all your help I'll be sure to let you know of the out come

Tim

[Troll]

According to Champion's chart, the RA8HC is the plug they recommend. If there has been some kind of funny business going on with the front head, then you might just be stuck using that plug. Shouldn't make any real difference in the bike's performance, since it's supposed to be correct....Ya just gotta do what ya gotta do.......

[Troll]

No problem. I make my share of mistakes, and that's part of being human, so I'm told...So, it's the right front one that will not tighten? sounds pretty strange. Maybe there was some kind of repair work done that changed the clearance around the hole. That would explain the 5/8 spark plugs (16mm).

[1999 Drifter]

I'M SUCH A TOTAL ASS!!!!!!!

you are correct the sleeves are on the RR and LF...I'm so sorry
I saw that as I was taking pics to show you

Thank you for your patience

Tim

[Troll]

Don't know how that would work...the front cyl cam chain runs on the left side, and the rear one is on the right... can you post a picture? The red arrows point to the holes, and the gaskets have the cam chain passage on the left in the front, on the right in the rear...this is the diagram for a '99 1500, the engines are basically all the same.

[1999 Drifter]

well I have them on both rear jugs, none on the front, what the heck?
should I take one off the left rear and put it on the left front?
I did  not notice any oil around the left front with out it

I'm sorry for all the questions, it's difficult trying to solve a previuos owners work
Thanks

[Troll]

They unscrew with a special tool. They have seals on them to keep the oil inside.

[1999 Drifter]

how are they removed

[Troll]

The sleeves are on the right rear and the left front.

[1999 Drifter]

Should those sleeves be on all 4 jugs?
I only have them on the rear

[Troll]

Those sleeves, with a hex opening in them, are access points for the cam chain. Lucky you don't have to do any heli coils...Over the years, I developed a simple philosophy when it comes to spark plugs, Ford plugs in a Ford, GM plugs in a GM vehicle, Bosch in a German vehicle, NGK or Nippon Denso in a Japanese vehicle, and champions in a lawnmower.

[1999 Drifter]

The things around the 2 rear sp holes are 92066 92066-1445  PLUG,SLEEVE (not inserts) whew
I only have then on the rear jugs , should they be on all 4

[1999 Drifter]

the plugs I removed are  Champion RA8HC I remove them with a 16mm spark plug socket
I put in NKG DPR6EA-9 in LF jug , LR jug and RR jug using an 18mm SP socket, when I went to put in the RF plug the socket did not fit, it's not that the plug does not fit it is the socket is two thick.

Why is it that the 18mm fits those 3 plug openings but not the RF?

I don't believe I have any inserts, what I saw was or is the two rear jugs look different around the spark plug opening

If your not confused before you will be now.....

are the Champion plugs Champion RA8HC suitable?
Thanks

[Troll]

    There should be no difference between the plugs and the tool to install them.  I'm afraid, by your mention of spark plug inserts, that you may have come to the conclusion that the threads in the head are stripped.  :'(There are many different types of inserts, and what you need to determine is the exact thread pitch and diameter.  Ideally, you should pull the head to put in an insert. I'm sure that's not something you wanted to hear. If it were me, I would try to do it without removing the head, but I have put in literally hundreds, or perhaps thousands of them over the last 40+ years. This points up the need to use anti seize compound on the threads, and start the plugs by hand to ensure that they are straight. Aluminum heads are delicate.

[1999 Drifter]

My question is why would the LR plug, LR plug and the RR plug work with a regular 18mm  SP socket and not the RF jug plug, is this normal for the 99?
Are there such things as spark plug inserts and what are they for?

Thanks

[1SG CAV]

Yes sir that'll be the baby you need.   It's the same on my 02  1500. no way to do it without that socket. 

Ride With Pride

[1999 Drifter]

It must be a thin walled socket to fit... I went ahead and bought the kaw tool for that... there is one in the tool set that came with the bike BTW... cheap one, but it works.

would this be the one  RE: Kawasaki parts nation.com 92110B 92110-1153   TOOL-WRENCH,OPEN END,
When I went to change my plugs for the first time today since I bought the bike the LF plug, LR plug and RR plug went in with a 18mm spark plug socket but the RF plug could not be tightened using the 18mm spark plug wrench, it was too thick , as mentioned a thin walled socket would be the answer
My question is why would the above three work and not the RF jug plug is this normal for the 99?

Thanks in advance
Tim

[plevine1]

It must be a thin walled socket to fit... I went ahead and bought the kaw tool for that... there is one in the tool set that came with the bike BTW... cheap one, but it works.

I just bought an 18mm socket but (like me) is to fat. Now I need to find a thin walled socket.

[chief]

It must be a thin walled socket to fit... I went ahead and bought the kaw tool for that... there is one in the tool set that came with the bike BTW... cheap one, but it works.

[griz01]

It is all in the Numbers

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/docs/tech/design_symbols_plugs.pdf

[plevine1]

You beat me to the answer. 18mm is the winning size.
Thanks

[Troll]

The size is 18 mm....Just replaced my plugs yesterday

[1SG CAV]

The spark plug gap is 0.8-0.9mm.  I had to buy a special socket to fit my 2002 1500. I believe the socket size is 19mm, but it could be 18mm.

[plevine1]

Anyone know the metric socket size required for the spark plugs along with the Gap setting. Thanks