[Nathan85]

ZX900A1 spark plugs

First off, my battery had died, so I left the bike running for a few to charge. I left it too long, and it overheated a bit. So now it has to turn over a TON before it will start, and it feels like 75% of what it was. I figured I may have fouled the plugs.

I picked up some NGK DR8ES, which take an 18mm socket. When I try to remove mine from the bike, however, the socket does not grab. I have tried 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 16mm, 17mm, and 18mm sockets. Since I need to remove the tank to get in there, I cannot just ride it to the tool store and match it up. And since the plugs are recessed I cannot measure them. I removed them once before at a friend's house, but I cannot remember what type of socket I used. I suspect it has something to do with the bevel on the inside of the socket and the same on the outside of the plug not allowing grip, but that's just guesswork.

Has anyone else run into this problem?

 

[WeBeNinjammin']

I know it's been a while since you posted your question, so hopefully this will still help you or maybe someone else. Our older Kawi's require a thin-walled plug socket in order to clear the narrow plug cavity and seat onto the plug. Motion Pro makes an 18mm plug socket that should work...I just ordered one myself, and should have it within a couple of days. I will update this post when I know for sure. It looks like a 3/4" socket may work too (when I bought my new NGK plugs I tried one out on the 18mm and 3/4", and it fit both). I've heard of other people with a similar problem just taking a file or grinder and shaving down a standard deep well socket to get the clearance.

 

[WeBeNinjammin']

OK, the socket arrived today and worked great. It's Motion Pro part # 08-0175, 18mm spark plug socket. List price is close to $50, but you can find it on ebay for about $23. Hope this helps someone.