[Guest]

I've got some NGK iridium spark plugs CR9EIX for my 749 few days ago. Today I tried to install them by starting with the front cylinder, I was able to get the original Champion plug out but when I try to put the new plug in, the last 1cm of the hole is too narrow that I can't screw in the new plug completely, the tool is hitting the last bit of the hole. Was lucky that able to get the new plug out. I checked the construction of the two plugs turns out the champion is a bit longer than the NGK. Suppose to be alright if I could find a spark plug tool that is thin enough to fit into the last bit of the hole. Not even the tool that supplied with the tools bag could fit. Anyone has done this NGK installation or any idea?

 

[Guest]

Re: changing spark plugs question (Ducatian)

I installed Denso Iridium plugs in my 998. I had to grind the end of the spark plug socket at about a 60 degree angle to allow the plug to be threaded fully into the head. This worked well.

 

[Guest]

Re: changing spark plugs question (Ducatian)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ducatian »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Not even the tool that supplied with the tools bag could fit. Anyone has done this NGK installation or any idea?

</TD></TR></TABLE>

I did a plug check on the 998 and used the plug wrench that came in the tool kit. The plug came out fine. I screwed it back in and had a torque wrench on the factory tool and before the torque wrench clicked it just went mush. My stomach went to my feet, all I could think is "oh phuck, I just stripped out the head". Turned out, it is exactly what you described. I also took the factory tool over to the grinder and beveled the end. Torqued up perfect, problem solved.

 

[Guest]

Re: changing spark plugs question (Phil 998)

I love my bike very much. But why couldn't they make it more user friendly? I mean, just a simple plug change for crying out loud!!

 

[Guest]

Re: changing spark plugs question (Ducatian)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ducatian »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I love my bike very much. But why couldn't they make it more user friendly? I mean, just a simple plug change for crying out loud!!

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Because they're Italian. It's not to big a deal, I didn't spend 30 seconds at the grinder and now it works fine.

 

[Guest]

the early 999 and 749 were like that, the 998 are different. i think the later ones have more access again - we've fitted a few with ngk and had no issues. otherwise it's the std champions.

 

[Guest]

Re: changing spark plugs question (Ducatian)

I am using the Denso's also on my 748. I found a 18mm Kobalt brand deep socket at Lowe's. Its thin wall enough to fit down into the plug. I took a old spark plug socket and pulled out the little rubber bootie and put that into the 18mm and it works like its was designed for it.