Vulcan 1500FI Spark Plug Replacement

Chuckster · 12-10-2006

Ok, might have known I have to have a "special" freakin spark plug tool to replace the plugs on my 1500. Spark plug wrench (part # 57001-10240) of course is not available on Kawi's website. I have a deep well 18mm socket that of course will not go all the way in. So what are my options? Stop by the dealer Monday after work and bend over?

Redbeard · 12-10-2006

No tool kit with the bike?

Chuckster · 12-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redbeard

No tool kit with the bike?

Unfortunately no.

RichLockyer · 12-10-2006

Stop by Sears, not the dealer.
The thinwall socket will do the trick.

1400pilot · 12-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

Stop by Sears, not the dealer.
The thinwall socket will do the trick.

yup Rich is right, go buy a deep thin wall socket and it will work

Chuckster · 12-10-2006

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it!

bamavulcandave · 12-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuckster

Ok, might have known I have to have a "special" freakin spark plug tool to replace the plugs on my 1500. Spark plug wrench (part # 57001-10240) of course is not available on Kawi's website. I have a deep well 18mm socket that of course will not go all the way in. So what are my options? Stop by the dealer Monday after work and bend over?

Wonder how hard is it to change the plugs on the 06' Kaw 900? Several 900riders here have 7500+ miles (manuel recommends) and probably already changed theirs?

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift"

Aquaman95 · 12-11-2006

Are you sure you don't have a tool kit? There is a "hidden compartment" on the 1500's and many don't even realize it is there. Unlock the left side side cover, there's a little trap door behind the side panel that you can pull open...that's where the tool kit is.

flynsouth · 12-11-2006

I took a thin walled socket and then ground it down a little more and another speacialty tool is complete.

RichLockyer · 12-11-2006

The Craftsman thinwall should work without modification.
Works fine on my 1600.

1400pilot · 12-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamavulcandave

Wonder how hard is it to change the plugs on the 06' Kaw 900? Several 900riders here have 7500+ miles (manuel recommends) and probably already changed theirs?

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift"

shouldnt have to replace them at that mileage, even though the manual says you should. Most plugs that we see in bikes that come thru the shop are still ok even at 25,000 miles, as such was the case with my 1600

bamavulcandave · 12-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1600pilot

shouldnt have to replace them at that mileage, even though the manual says you should. Most plugs that we see in bikes that come thru the shop are still ok even at 25,000 miles, as such was the case with my 1600

Thanks 1600pilot. Even though I only have 3100 miles on mine, I was going to change my at 7500. You are the kind of dealer I would buy from if you were close.

smokey_243 · 12-13-2006

My plugs still looked good at 17000, just cleaned them a little and checked the gap and reinstalled.

97VulcanClassic · 03-31-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaman95

Are you sure you don't have a tool kit? There is a "hidden compartment" on the 1500's and many don't even realize it is there. Unlock the left side side cover, there's a little trap door behind the side panel that you can pull open...that's where the tool kit is.

OMG Thanks for this post!

I was getting upset about the spark plug socket deal until I read this post and found the "hidden compartment" on my 1500.
I bought the bike used with no manual, so this was a big help.
Thanks again.

Gnamsu · 03-31-2007

Umm yeah, had to go check. I have a toolkit I didn't know I had. I've opened the side compartment before and just saw it was empty so I thought I was missing the toolkit I was 'supposed' to get... duh

mrider · 03-31-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gnamsu

Umm yeah, had to go check. I have a toolkit I didn't know I had. I've opened the side compartment before and just saw it was empty so I thought I was missing the toolkit I was 'supposed' to get... duh

Your not the first person or the last to miss the toolkit. Now getting all those tools back in the little pouch is another trick.

flarud · 03-31-2007

i didnt know they made a "thin" socket. i used a 18mm on three of the four plugs with no problems. but on the front right plug i had to use the socket from the kit.

12-10-2006	#1 (permalink)
Chuckster Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 939	Vulcan 1500FI Spark Plug Replacement Ok, might have known I have to have a "special" freakin spark plug tool to replace the plugs on my 1500. Spark plug wrench (part # 57001-10240) of course is not available on Kawi's website. I have a deep well 18mm socket that of course will not go all the way in. So what are my options? Stop by the dealer Monday after work and bend over? __________________ 2003 Vulcan 1600 Classic - *"Black Betty"*

12-10-2006	#2 (permalink)
Redbeard Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Davisburg Mi. Posts: 1,778	No tool kit with the bike? __________________ Redbeard 2006 1600 classic Patriot Guard Rider #5776 Life ain't easy when your Fat and Greasy

12-10-2006	#4 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 20,315	Stop by Sears, not the dealer. The thinwall socket will do the trick. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Classic Member CORVA, BRC Patriot Guard Rider

12-10-2006	#6 (permalink)
Chuckster Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 939	Thanks guys! I really appreciate it! __________________ 2003 Vulcan 1600 Classic - *"Black Betty"*

12-11-2006	#8 (permalink)
Aquaman95 Vulcan Ninja BTK Expert Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 409	Are you sure you don't have a tool kit? There is a "hidden compartment" on the 1500's and many don't even realize it is there. Unlock the left side side cover, there's a little trap door behind the side panel that you can pull open...that's where the tool kit is. __________________ 1998 Vulcan 1500 Classic All the mods. 1997 Vulcan 800B Sold 2000 Nomad Under Construction

12-11-2006	#9 (permalink)
flynsouth It's time for me to ride BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 806	I took a thin walled socket and then ground it down a little more and another speacialty tool is complete. __________________ 2006 Midnight Nomad 2002 Pagan Gold Meanie Honda CR250R

12-11-2006	#10 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 20,315	The Craftsman thinwall should work without modification. Works fine on my 1600. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Classic Member CORVA, BRC Patriot Guard Rider

12-13-2006	#13 (permalink)
smokey_243 smokey_243 BTK Beginner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mountain View AR Posts: 70	My plugs still looked good at 17000, just cleaned them a little and checked the gap and reinstalled.

03-31-2007	#15 (permalink)
Gnamsu Still On The Kickstand BTK Beginner Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 44	Umm yeah, had to go check. I have a toolkit I didn't know I had. I've opened the side compartment before and just saw it was empty so I thought I was missing the toolkit I was 'supposed' to get... duh __________________ 2006 'customized' Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic FI http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/gnamsu

03-31-2007	#17 (permalink)
flarud central fl. via illinios BTK Expert Join Date: May 2006 Location: Deltona, FL Posts: 295	i didnt know they made a "thin" socket. i used a 18mm on three of the four plugs with no problems. but on the front right plug i had to use the socket from the kit. __________________ http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/flarud

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