Honda Spark Plug Tool:

by John DeBeck

            I got tired of taking the tank off several of my Hondas every time I wanted to change the plugs. Some of the ones I specifically got frustrated with were some of the old Honda Fours, including my 1969 Sandcast and several other 750’s and 550’s. Granted, one can use the tool kit with the spark plug remover and turn it with one of the screwdriver ends (if you have the tool kit!) but this can be difficult if the spark plug has decided to lodge itself in the hole because a gorilla put it in too tight. (remember, spark plugs only need to be put in slightly more firm than hand tightening)

            Additionally, perhaps you are able to get the plug removed, but getting the new one in can be a chore using the tool kit because the spark plug tool does not hold the plug firmly, and getting it in to the middle two cylinders, much less at the right angle, is nearly impossible with the tank on, unless you have fingers a foot long and about as thick as a pencil! Thus, I got creative and made my own tool especially for this purpose!

            Purchase the appropriate size spark plug socket (I got a Craftsman from Sears) that will hold the plug firmly. If you have several bikes where this is a problem, you may need to make several of these of a different size for different plugs. I then had a short shaft welded to this so it would extend out of the hole, and drilled a hole through the shaft so I could insert a rod firmly into the hole in order to turn the plug. This was a vast improvement on the remover in the tool kit! (and the ends don’t cut into my fingers when I turn it like the screwdriver ends do!) You could also weld a modified, short socket wrench extension onto the socket for use on bikes where there is enough room to turn the socket wrench, or simply modify an extension and attach it when needed. Only one of my bikes would allow me to do that, so I have chosen not to take this extra step, but it could be done.

            Perhaps I could make a few dollars for all of my restoration projects by marketing and selling these!

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