removing spark plg

[soda7o]

i am trying to remove my spark plug and do not have the honda tool kit..
what can i use to get to it should i take the tank off to make it easier or i can leav eit on?

i tried a long 18mm socket but it does not go in all the way to grab the plug...

oh yeah its an 05 400 ex... i

thanks

[slow96hater]

you can use a 12 point craftsman socket(or any socket for that matter) BUT you have to grind them down to a smaller outside diamater.

the right tool for removeing the plugs is cheaper then a socket. i got mine from the local parts shop for 8 bucks.

[d3ktrix]

A normal socket should work fine, always worked for me on my 400ex and 450r.

IMO it's easier to just take the gas tank off then trying to work under there with hardly any room at all.
Since u have to use an extension I doubt u can pull the plug out w/o it hitting the tank.

[mcleod]

take a look at that.

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2750468#post2750468

Originally posted by d3ktrix
A normal socket should work fine, always worked for me on my 400ex and 450r.

IMO it's easier to just take the gas tank off then trying to work under there with hardly any room at all.
Since u have to use an extension I doubt u can pull the plug out w/o it hitting the tank.

take the tank off...what are you smoking? work from the right side(throttle side) of the bike with ground down spark plug socket or one of these... http://www.rockymountainatv.com/productDetail.do?navType=type&webTypeId=163&navTitle=Electrical&webCatId=20&prodFamilyId=1486

stick it in, put a 3/8 socket wrench on it, loosn it, use your fingers to get it out the rest of the way...a heck of a lot easier then taking all the plastics and tank off...and more practical on the trails if need be

and it is almost as easy on the 450r, except i have to use the socket from the kit...for now

[cals400ex]

i would suggest trying a thin-walled 12-point socket. it will take a thin one to fit. a 6-point may not get the job done.