Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: zarn02 on August 13, 2011, 11:06:29 AM

Title: Testastretta spark plug removal?
Post by: zarn02 on August 13, 2011, 11:06:29 AM
Alright, this seems like a stupid question to have to ask, but how does one get to the spark plugs on a 998 superbike?

I know where they are, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with the rubber boots. Just pull really, really hard on them? :P

(Also, rumor has it you remove them with some deep socket I probably don't own.)
Title: Re: 998 spark plug removal?
Post by: Düb Lüv on August 13, 2011, 11:59:06 AM
Well there's sparkplug sockets that have a rubber bushing inside o the socket to keep the socket from falling.

Usually there's on 2 size for spark plug sockets 5/8 & 13/16
Title: Re: 998 spark plug removal?
Post by: Ddan on August 13, 2011, 02:13:40 PM
Quote from: zarn02 on August 13, 2011, 11:06:29 AM
Alright, this seems like a stupid question to have to ask, but how does one get to the spark plugs on a 998 superbike?

I know where they are, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with the rubber boots. Just pull really, really hard on them? :P

(Also, rumor has it you remove them with some deep socket I probably don't own.)

Pull on the boots, not the wire.  Twisting them will make it a bit easier. 
Something like this is worth getting:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&safe=off&gs_upl=2679l9723l0l9904l22l19l0l0l0l0l706l5723l0.4.5.6.0.2.1l18l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1600&bih=751&q=spark+plug+wire+puller&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=15084050610437051917&sa=X&ei=f-hGTuK7MIG_gQfW_6i0Bg&ved=0CFMQ8wIwAg (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&safe=off&gs_upl=2679l9723l0l9904l22l19l0l0l0l0l706l5723l0.4.5.6.0.2.1l18l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1600&bih=751&q=spark+plug+wire+puller&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=15084050610437051917&sa=X&ei=f-hGTuK7MIG_gQfW_6i0Bg&ved=0CFMQ8wIwAg)
Title: Re: 998 spark plug removal?
Post by: zarn02 on August 13, 2011, 03:18:58 PM
Pulled the boots, and got to the plugs. Discovered two things.

1) I needed a longer 3/8" extension.

And, after remedying this,

2) I need a thin-wall socket, as my tool is too girthy to get in there properly.

*cough*

Anyway, now I'm back to praying over it and hoping the spark plugs will just remove themselves.
Title: Re: 998 spark plug removal?
Post by: zarn02 on August 13, 2011, 07:13:08 PM
I don't have a bench grinder, or anything with which to easily grind down a socket to fit.

And I don't really want to buy an OEM kit, as that's $50 for a bunch of cheap tools that I already own better versions of, mostly.
Title: Re: Testastretta spark plug removal?
Post by: take risks on August 13, 2011, 10:36:27 PM
My ducati 695 came with a little tool bag inder the seat. It had a sparkplug socket, with the rubber insert and all.

I would be happy to help if your in seattle. If not I am sure people that are local to you would let you borrow it.
Title: Re: Testastretta spark plug removal?
Post by: zarn02 on August 13, 2011, 10:39:33 PM
Thanks, but I'm in Kansas, so a bit far...

I think there might be a guy on here in KC, and maybe one or two in Oklahoma...

I'm just annoyed that I have a proper plug socket, it just won't fit in the space provided.
Title: Re: Testastretta spark plug removal?
Post by: zarn02 on August 14, 2011, 04:37:44 PM
Well, my Craftsman 5/8" plug socket does not fit. :(
Title: Re: Testastretta spark plug removal?
Post by: zarn02 on August 14, 2011, 04:42:01 PM
I suppose it's possible I'm being stupid in some way that I'm not aware of. I don't really know what sort of plugs are currently in the bike. They're whatever the previous owner had installed. The NGK plugs I bought are 5/8". Are stock plugs NGK, or Champion? And what size socket would they require?