tiny spark plug socket for 1400 - what size? where get?

[toaster404]

1400 has a smaller hex than any of my numerous sockets.  Is this a standard size I can get anywhere?  What's the spec?  Was going to adjust the valves and check the plugs, but no go. 

Thanks much - will be in the city tomorrow and can maybe find something if I know what I am looking for.

[lorazepam]

Deep well 5/8 inch socket should pull the plugs. Plugs come in 13/16, and 5/8 only as far as I know.

[Mark_Z]

 If its like my Griso, you will need @ thin wall deep socket. I don't know if they make such a beast that will fit, I had to get one from Harper's and it wasn't cheap.

[Lannis]

1400 has a smaller hex than any of my numerous sockets.  Is this a standard size I can get anywhere?  What's the spec?  Was going to adjust the valves and check the plugs, but no go. 

Thanks much - will be in the city tomorrow and can maybe find something if I know what I am looking for.

I've never bought a bike that didn't come with a spark plug socket in the bike's tool kit ... the one for my Stelvio is a small, deep, thin-wall socket but it came with the bike.

Do they really not do that anymore?   That's a shame ....

Lannis

[Kiwi Dave]

Do a search on line for a JTC 14mm spark socket.  I purchased mine somewhere in Van Nuys, but I can't remember where.

Here is the description for it.  What's more important, it fits and it works.  Around $20.

Used for the spark plugs which produced by BOSCH and new model vehicle.
․Special leaf spring design to clip the spark plug.
․Size:3/8"x14mm(12PT)
․Applicable:BMW, BENZ, RENAULT, PEUGEOT, CITROEN, NISSAN, MINI...etc.

[ibis1]

I believe it's a 14mm hex so a 9/16 should also work. Good luck!

[toaster404]

Thanks, bet the BMW dealer has an expensive version!  Special oil filter wrench was worth it and will travel with the bike.  So will whatever socket I can find.  Probably should have a set of $$ plugs in the spares as well.  Hope I have room for gear!!!!

[Lannis]

Deep well 5/8 inch socket should pull the plugs. Plugs come in 13/16, and 5/8 only as far as I know.

That's been the rule my whole life, whether American, Japanese, European .... but not true any more .....

Lannis

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Not inexpensive...
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80&products_id=2922

[lorazepam]

That's been the rule my whole life, whether American, Japanese, European .... but not true any more .....

Lannis

This makes me sad. 

[Kiwi Dave]

Not inexpensive...
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80&products_id=2922

That one is not for the NGK LMAR8F-9 spark plug found on the Cali 1400.  It is for the inner plug on the 2V Breva 1100, Norge, and 1200 Sport and fits a spark plugs with a hex of 16mm (AF).  The NGK LMAR8F-9 for the Cali 1400s has a hex of 14mm (AF).

[Farmer Dan]

Find  a deep well socket that fits the plug then turn it down on a lathe to make it a thin wall.  I've done it several times, lot cheaper than spending the money on a "special" tool.

[PeteS]

Find  a deep well socket that fits the plug then turn it down on a lathe to make it a thin wall.  I've done it several times, lot cheaper than spending the money on a "special" tool.

 

Pete

[Kiwi Dave]

This one might be the dog's bollocks.

http://www.sears.com/schwaben-14mm-12-point-magnetic-spark-plug/p-00930875000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Sears for $12.34.  Mind you, they had no stock at Sears Burbank when I was trying to purchase one.

[Farmer Dan]

tell me what size you need and the outside diameter and I'll get one done for you.  You'll have to pay for the socket and shipping though.

[Sasquatch Jim]

If one already owns a lathe 

  Dusty

 If you don't own or have access to a lathe, you can McGiver it by mounting it on a short shaft that can be spun in a drill press or even a portable drill.  Then spin it while applying a disc grinder or disc sander to it to make it a thin wall socket.

[toaster404]

Thanks all, doesn't take thin wall.  Borrowed one from a friend with a shop.  Will order one and keep with bike - this bike will end up with a variety of interesting tools and spares stowed!!!

Tied the front wheel down to a board with my truck parked on it to hold it down, then used the lift to get the rear wheel off the ground.  With the plugs out in 6th gear easy to turn the engine to set valve clearances.  Were all over - I'm used to under after run in.  EZ to set - nice feature of the stick out cylinders!  Plugs were white - runs lean - no wear though, so probably just rich enough to run nicely.  Gap way off, had not been set.  About 32.  Set to 26, spec 24 to 28. 

Haven't been out since that, but started up quiet and smoother than before.

Thanks so much for the help.  Given the amount of toolage I've acquired over the last 50 years amazing not to have something!!

[Vasco DG]

Pull the main 30A fuse or disconnect the battery briefly. It will clear the previous trim values and it will start trimming from baseline again. Probably better and quicker than letting it do so from a bad state of service and tune.

Pete

[El Pescador]

Since I just did my first service on Saturday, I can say definitively it is a 14mm socket.  I couldn't find one locally, so I went to the Sears tool store and bought a deep
well socket.  It worked just fine, though I had to use a magnet to get the spark plug out.

FYI, there were two 14mm sockets at Sears, I bought the deeper of the two.  It was under $6. 

[lrutt]

I bought a set of deep well metrics at HF. I chucked the 18mm up in my drill press and with my 4 1/2" angle grinder made my own thinwall socket to do what I needed. Whole set was like $8 or something.

I've since done a 14mm as well.

And when I need one of those PIN sockets, you know, 4 pins to engage those special nuts, I bought a set of 12 point HF sockets and ground out notches to make my own. Works great as the 12 point socket will give you a perfect 4 PIN socket wtih a little grinding.