Spark plug socket doesn't fit - Ducati.ms

srg5150 · Mar 14th, 2007, 7:24 pm

Ok, here's a strange one for y'all...

I changed out the stock plugs for the NGK CR9E-IX and the threaded portion was about 1/4" shorter than the stock ones. Because of the taper at the bottom of the plug hole my socket will not tighten the plug sufficiently. I was able to use a rubber tube to get it mildly tight but seeing as this probably shouldn't be left to chance I figured I'd better ask.

I've looked at Auto-Zone, Checker, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot for a thinner 5/8" socket but to no avail.

I know this is a reasonably popular plug so how did you overcome this obstacle?

Thanks a bunch!

Steve

stover · Mar 14th, 2007, 7:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by srg5150

Ok, here's a strange one for y'all...

I changed out the stock plugs for the NGK CR9E-IX and the threaded portion was about 1/4" shorter than the stock ones. Because of the taper at the bottom of the plug hole my socket will not tighten the plug sufficiently. I was able to use a rubber tube to get it mildly tight but seeing as this probably shouldn't be left to chance I figured I'd better ask.

I've looked at Auto-Zone, Checker, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot for a thinner 5/8" socket but to no avail.

I know this is a reasonably popular plug so how did you overcome this obstacle?

Thanks a bunch!

Steve

If you have the tool kit that came with your bike it should have the plug socket in there. BTW the tool kit socket may not fit that well either and you may need to grind the outside of the socket down a little using a grinding wheel. I did.

B_Cebrian · Mar 14th, 2007, 7:46 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by stover

If you have the tool kit that came with your bike it should have the plug socket in there. BTW the tool kit socket may not fit that well either and you may need to grind the outside of the socket down a little using a grinding wheel. I did.

I had to do the same thing.

duCATTi · Mar 14th, 2007, 8:37 pm

Take one to a machine shop, I had to turn .030" off of mine.

srg5150 · Mar 14th, 2007, 8:41 pm

Great... more grinding. I'm gonna buy stock in Dremel.

Any non grinding solutions?

Thanks guys.

bruce19 · Mar 14th, 2007, 10:55 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by stover

BTW the tool kit socket may not fit that well either and you may need to grind the outside of the socket down a little using a grinding wheel. I did.

Me too. '02 998.

srg5150 · Mar 15th, 2007, 12:04 am

Its strange - from posting here and over on Speedzilla it makes me wonder if this is the correct plug. I mean why would NGK make the threaded portion that much shorter than stock? It seems like several folks have made it work but really...is it the RIGHT way???

Neil996R · Mar 15th, 2007, 6:58 am

Take it round to the nearest machine tool shop, and ask them to turn 1/8" or 2.3mm off the OD (outer Diameter) - you'll then have a solid socket for life.

tomy2k748 · Mar 15th, 2007, 5:54 pm

I run DPR9EIX-9 in my 748 and it fits perfect. You have to use an 18mm socket. All of the cross reference stuff that I have read say to use that plug in the superbikes. I have a huge cross reference list that covers just about every plug made if anyone is interested. It is an excel file so it won't let me post it here.

duCATTi · Mar 15th, 2007, 6:37 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil996R

Take it round to the nearest machine tool shop, and ask them to turn 1/8" or 2.3mm off the OD (outer Diameter) - you'll then have a solid socket for life.

If I would have turned that much off of my socket, there would have been nothing left. Most sockets should only take around .030" machined off to fit.