Most of my repair manuals have a torque setting for spark plugs, but the stock tools have no way to attach a torque wrench. I wanted a way to use the stock tool without buying the expensive factor version.
On some of my bikes, I have been lucky and use a setup like below, but with my BMW the spark plug sockets are too wide to fit inside the cylinder head. A new solution was needed.
Here is the stock spark plug tool on my 2001 BMW R1150GS. It’s mainly used with a screwdriver through the holes to turn it. It is simple and works well.
Here is a junk 7/16” 3/8” drive deep well socket I had laying around. My bikes are metric, so I don’t need it. Besides the insides were stripped.
I used my Dremel to rough up the surface, so I could drill a hole through. The drilling was a bit challenging, and I found the dremel’s tapered grinding tip worked much better on the tough steel of the socket.
First hole complete, now for the other side.
Both sides done now:
Originally, it was a tight fit. After about sixty seconds with the Dremel’s grinding wheel I removed a bit of material from the end of the socket and it fit perfectly.
Perfect fit:
I found a small bolt and nut in my jug of spare hardware. I trimmed the end off with the Dremel as it was a bit long.
I bolted it up and added two washers to get it more tight.
The finished product after about 20 minutes of work. I used the bolts instead of welding, so I could remove the adapter and use it with other stock plug tools such as the one on my SV650, WR250R, or Ural.
Works great!
I like it, very WWID of you.
ReplyDeletedom
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Redleg's Rides
Nice! DIY's are invaluable!
ReplyDeleteDom: Thanks Dom!
ReplyDeleteBash3r: They are also fun to do. It was also nice solving the problem without leaving the garage or opening the wallet.
Dear Chris:
ReplyDeleteI too clicked on the DIY spark plug tool. I am so lame in the garage department, that I was compelled to look up "DIY." I really like the handle on that torque wrench of yours, and will look for one just like it. Torque wrenches are so friggin' expensive.
Nice blog today.
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
Dear Jack: LOL! Torque wrenches are expensive, but I feel like this is one area where it pays to get a high quality tool. After looking at lots of them, I noticed each had it's "error range" ie: might be off 2%, 5%, etc. Stripping bolts is time consuming and maybe expensive to fix depending on where.
ReplyDeleteI splurged and went with the Craftsman Digitork 3/8" Torque Wrench. It was on sale, I think I paid $100 for it. I like that it is easy to set and read. It clicks nicely when the torque is reached too. I had some of the over lever gauges, and found them a pain to use. My other 1/2" wrench (also craftsman) wasn't sensitive enough and didn't go down to the 8 N-m required for some BMW maint.