I use a short piece of rubber hose that fits over the end of the plug to turn the plug out once I loosen it with the socket. Makes it a lot easier to bend around corners. I also use the same hose to start the new plugs because for me I can feel the plug threading in easer and not worry about cross threading.
Great video as always. I have learned a lot watching you. I recommend blowing out the sparkplug holes before removing them to ensure no debris gets into the cylinder. I also like to use a tiny dab of anti-size whenever installing plugs in aluminum heads. That type of petcock is called a vacuum petcock as it doesn't pump but acts more like an on/off switch, which may help in troubleshooting them.
I like it. I don't have a bike but I like watching and learning stuff anyway. I fixed my mower with an old video of yours last weekend. Still 25+ and no rain in south france.
The benefit of Iridium plugs is they last much, much longer than standard plugs so you won't have to change them that often. Also, the fine wire tip should require less voltage to produce spark.
Thanks great video very helpful. I'm sure you can probably do it with tank on but the rear plug is easy to cross thread. So tank off new plugs ,clean chrome heads and check coolant . Perfect thanks for posting
Great vid but just looking at all the work makes me glad I have the vulcan nomad, I can remove all four plugs and replace in about 5 minutes, beautiful bike by the way.
I have a question… So I got as far as when you drop the 5/8 socket into the head… my 5/8 socket didn’t drop down like the way yours did. It stayed flush with the top of the head. Do you use a special 5/8 socket? Perhaps a slimmer one in not aware of? Great video by the way! Very clear and educational. I was able to get right up to the socket part, but was able to put it all back together. Thanks.
Fyi the kawasaki vn 800 factory tool kit that comes with with bike has a sliding spark plug spanner in it. Made to get in around the corners. Is in a side cover on bike from factory.. Be difficult to overtighten using that. Anti seize on threads a good idea.
Good information. I have a 1996 VN800 with 9600 miles. I need to change the plugs and have no idea how. I am going to attempt to with help of this video . Do you know if the same procedure will apply to a 1996 ?
If you have OEM spark plug tool you can change spark plug without to remove fuel tank , I have work in Kawasaki service here in Croatia (Europe) almost 17 years and its easy to change im👍🏼
I got curious about the difference between a standard spark plug and an iridium version. I was reading a Dutch article from a Dutch bike magazine and they did this spark plug dedicated 2000 mile long proper test with 6 Buell bikes and 3 of them had iridium plugs. They recorded the fuel consumption and changed drivers on the bikes to keep the test as fair as possible. The gas millage didn't seem to make an obvious noticeable difference during their test, maybe half a percent better with iridium plugs according to the people who wrote the article, but they seem to notice improvement on the cold start, and it seemed to run a bit better on lower RPM. They say that you shouldn't take them if you want to save money by saving fuel because you would have to use them for too many miles to be able to earn back the money. But they do have a longer lifespan according to the article. And because the electrode is smaller they say the electrode has less loss of voltage, or it doesn't need that much voltage compared to other spark plugs, with the result that the spark is more reliable and with a more consistent level of energy. I don't even own a bike I just got curious, so don't blame me if this is wrong :-) For those who can read Dutch, or when you can translate it. www.motoplus.nl/magazine/uitgaven/artikel/iridium-bougies/
Love your channel, I got a jumping jack tamper being run by a 2 stroke robin EC-10. It stalls out after it warms up. Do you think it is the carb? I am waiting for your inline spark tester.
Smashing tutorial, Loverly machine Don :-D The access isn't direct, but there are no hard parts to remove, just use stelth to be safe :-). I use a short ratchet for spark plugs, i feel for the rapid change in tightness, then stop.
Great video and thanks for the know how. But if you use the special spark plug tool that came in the tool kit for the Kawasaki vn 800 classic , you Do Not have to remove the gas tank as you have shown us and done. I have never removed the gas tank to replace the spark plugs on my bike.
I own a Vulcan that is 10 years older than the one shown. Even so, the structure is almost identical! Yeah, it's a bit of work to change plugs but overall these bikes are surprisingly reliable, I've rarely needed to do anything except the recommended valve shim adjustment. My version calls for that to be done about every 8,000 km, you may be due. If so, please keep the camera on, valve shim adjustment is a popular video request for these Vulcans.
Hi! I believe I have to change my spark plugs.. 1 cylinder is cold while the other is heating up and the 1 exhaust blows cool air out while the other is hot... do you think this is the case ? Thanks
Dony - Just discovered your channel and it is great. I watch stuff about things I don't even own! What are your thoughts on anti-seize compound for things like spark plugs?
Um, I changed my spark plugs without removing the gas tank or any of that. I just removed the seat and had enough clearance of the two as they were. Same bike
Pittsburgh Mickey 5/8 extended roach spark plug socket it is a 5 and 1/8 inch long they have it in 3/8 and 3/4 it my help you out item 91705 I got it at Harbor Freight.
i always liked the looks of the vulcan, but after seeing what a major production it is to change the plugs ... no thanks. thanks for alerting your viewers to this cockamamie design.
Huh!! So big work to change spark plugs!! I have a Kawasaki Drifter 1500 and spark plugs are left and right sides of the cylinder. So about 5 minutes job.
Maybe they made it harder for sum dickhead to come along & to rip the spark plug leads off of the side of the engine so they located them up on top. The advantage of the iridium spark plugs is that that it cuts down 3-4 spark plug changes to 1 therefore reduces service costs as compared to the copper spark plugs. The dark colour can suggest excessive idling,it depends on how the bike is used,a hotter spark plug is good for conditions where excessive idling is required or if the motor is worn out & consuming oil. I'd also put some "Never Seez" on the spark plug threads, I did that on my mothers (late grandmothers) 2000 model Toyota Corolla because the threads on one of the spark plugs started to bind, I soaked the threads in WD40 to free the spark plug up, this time around, I'll go for Iridium spark plugs as they are due for replacement. I'm not much of a Caterpillar person in Australia as I don't fit to WesTrac,I'm not sure who thought I was there because I'm nowhere like one of them. So I've been stuffed around for almost 7 years because I'm not for there & have only worked 2 days since. I'm sure one of my former bosses (Barry) didn't get I'm for there,rather here :- www.Tomago.com.au
Replacing spark plugs on a motorcycle should be as easy as replacing a spark plug on a lawnmower, this is why these Vulcans are pieces of junk! If that's your motorcycle I don't mean to offend you!
That's awesome; thanks! The spark plugs on a Vulcan are a huge pain to get through, but I'm feeling much more confident in finishing the process now.
I use a short piece of rubber hose that fits over the end of the plug to turn the plug out once I loosen it with the socket. Makes it a lot easier to bend around corners. I also use the same hose to start the new plugs because for me I can feel the plug threading in easer and not worry about cross threading.
Great video as always. I have learned a lot watching you. I recommend blowing out the sparkplug holes before removing them to ensure no debris gets into the cylinder. I also like to use a tiny dab of anti-size whenever installing plugs in aluminum heads. That type of petcock is called a vacuum petcock as it doesn't pump but acts more like an on/off switch, which may help in troubleshooting them.
I like it. I don't have a bike but I like watching and learning stuff anyway. I fixed my mower with an old video of yours last weekend. Still 25+ and no rain in south france.
Thanks for showing the spark plug replacement on the Vulcan 800.
Sure makes me appreciate the location of the plugs on my Shadow. I can change all 4 in about 3 minutes.
Great vid Dony.
Thanks for the great how to video! Really step by step. Just what I needed!
Glad it helped!
Nice and very good editing. Well done informative video. Thanks for posting!
The benefit of Iridium plugs is they last much, much longer than standard plugs so you won't have to change them that often. Also, the fine wire tip should require less voltage to produce spark.
Excellent video! Thank you!
Thanks great video very helpful.
I'm sure you can probably do it with tank on but the rear plug is easy to cross thread.
So tank off new plugs ,clean chrome heads and check coolant .
Perfect thanks for posting
Great video 👍. I just got one of these bikes and you've been very helpful
Both spark plugs are easy to remove without removing the gas tank......use the spark plug tool that Kawasaki provided in the tool kit.
Great vid but just looking at all the work makes me glad I have the vulcan nomad, I can remove all four plugs and replace in about 5 minutes, beautiful bike by the way.
I have a question… So I got as far as when you drop the 5/8 socket into the head… my 5/8 socket didn’t drop down like the way yours did. It stayed flush with the top of the head. Do you use a special 5/8 socket? Perhaps a slimmer one in not aware of?
Great video by the way! Very clear and educational. I was able to get right up to the socket part, but was able to put it all back together. Thanks.
Fyi the kawasaki vn 800 factory tool kit that comes with with bike has a sliding spark plug spanner in it. Made to get in around the corners. Is in a side cover on bike from factory.. Be difficult to overtighten using that. Anti seize on threads a good idea.
Good information. I have a 1996 VN800 with 9600 miles. I need to change the plugs and have no idea how. I am going to attempt to with help of this video . Do you know if the same procedure will apply to a 1996 ?
Changed mine with the gas tank on, no problem 👍
it's a great bike but i sold it a few years ago for an adventure bike
If you have OEM spark plug tool you can change spark plug without to remove fuel tank , I have work in Kawasaki service here in Croatia (Europe) almost 17 years and its easy to change im👍🏼
Thanks for that, it realy helps a lot ❤
I got curious about the difference between a standard spark plug and an iridium version. I was reading a Dutch article from a Dutch bike magazine and they did this spark plug dedicated 2000 mile long proper test with 6 Buell bikes and 3 of them had iridium plugs. They recorded the fuel consumption and changed drivers on the bikes to keep the test as fair as possible. The gas millage didn't seem to make an obvious noticeable difference during their test, maybe half a percent better with iridium plugs according to the people who wrote the article, but they seem to notice improvement on the cold start, and it seemed to run a bit better on lower RPM. They say that you shouldn't take them if you want to save money by saving fuel because you would have to use them for too many miles to be able to earn back the money. But they do have a longer lifespan according to the article. And because the electrode is smaller they say the electrode has less loss of voltage, or it doesn't need that much voltage compared to other spark plugs, with the result that the spark is more reliable and with a more consistent level of energy.
I don't even own a bike I just got curious, so don't blame me if this is wrong :-)
For those who can read Dutch, or when you can translate it. www.motoplus.nl/magazine/uitgaven/artikel/iridium-bougies/
That’s a great video man thank you for sharing
Very useful video. Thank you!
Change interval for spark plugs for Kawasaki VN 800 is 12000 km here in EU spec
Did you have to drain the tank before removing?
Is it possibile to extract spark plugs without removing the tank?
Uhh...I'm almost speechless! Do they sell spark plugs that last a lifetime? :>) Thanks Don!!
Love your channel, I got a jumping jack tamper being run by a 2 stroke robin EC-10. It stalls out after it warms up. Do you think it is the carb? I am waiting for your inline spark tester.
Dony, can you show how to wire up a Briggs and Stratton vanguard engine?
Si le pongo unas bujias ngk cr9e, puede afectar?
Smashing tutorial, Loverly machine Don :-D
The access isn't direct, but there are no hard parts to remove, just use stelth to be safe :-).
I use a short ratchet for spark plugs, i feel for the rapid change in tightness, then stop.
I've heard the iridium's are great
Great video and thanks for the know how. But if you use the special spark plug tool that came in the tool kit for the Kawasaki vn 800 classic , you Do Not have to remove the gas tank as you have shown us and done. I have never removed the gas tank to replace the spark plugs on my bike.
Thank you for the video, you would of loved the 1980 s great bike, Vulcan bikes with low miles excellent long term investment
I HAD A HONDA NIGHTHAWK 650 AND A SHADOW 500 when I was younger
I own a Vulcan that is 10 years older than the one shown. Even so, the structure is almost identical! Yeah, it's a bit of work to change plugs but overall these bikes are surprisingly reliable, I've rarely needed to do anything except the recommended valve shim adjustment. My version calls for that to be done about every 8,000 km, you may be due. If so, please keep the camera on, valve shim adjustment is a popular video request for these Vulcans.
I ended up selling it and getting a honda Africa twin
Does anyone have a video on replacing the switch pods on the right side throttle side of handle bar ?
I need the silence exhaust please
Great bike ! Love japenese products...durable engines with low maintenance 😀
nice clear video good job
Great bike and a good job.
Never knew why those ngk plugs had a screw on top on Honda mowers. Guess some applications don't use them. Thanks.
Hey Don how come you removed the cap off of the spark plug?
because the cap would only fit the threaded part
donyboy73 is that ok to do? I would think that might be more prone to misfiring. Did the oem plugs also connect at the thread top like that??
OEM Part number for spark plug wrench for VN800 is 92110-1132 and this wrench is also in owners tool box
Hi! I believe I have to change my spark plugs.. 1 cylinder is cold while the other is heating up and the 1 exhaust blows cool air out while the other is hot... do you think this is the case ? Thanks
You can start by replacing spark plugs and see if it still persists.
Thanks for the video.
Dony - Just discovered your channel and it is great. I watch stuff about things I don't even own! What are your thoughts on anti-seize compound for things like spark plugs?
I use anti-seize for the spark plugs on my vehicle, just keep it away from electrode
Did you drain the gas tank before removing it gonna be removing my tank it’s my first time owning a bike
i didn't but it makes it easier
Um, I changed my spark plugs without removing the gas tank or any of that. I just removed the seat and had enough clearance of the two as they were. Same bike
Good to know. I’m about to change the plugs and really don’t want to remove the gas tank
Me too
Same here
Carb dirty or air filter plugged
Donny, is that your personal bike?
Great video Don. Sometimes a guy needs help when a bit of extra work is required.
My last bike had plugs on the side of the cylinders I was pretty worried about plugs on my Vulcan when I realized they were on top like this
thanks for this ...
The rear spark plug can be removed without removing the tank
Pittsburgh Mickey 5/8 extended roach spark plug socket it is a 5 and 1/8 inch long they have it in 3/8 and 3/4 it my help you out item 91705 I got it at Harbor Freight.
Do you need to make sure there is no gas in your tank?
not necessary but it makes it easier
when do you start making snowblower video once more
in a month
Wow, you sure talked me out of wanting own that bike.
Only way I'd buy a bike is if I could sell it to make money lol
Too many crazies on the road these days.
It’s a good bike had one for 20 years
Glad I drive a Car 😁
A lot of trouble for replacing spark plugs. Hopefully engineers made it easier for new bikes.
wow guy im glad my 81 honda Twinstar isnt that much work to change it plugs lol
i always liked the looks of the vulcan, but after seeing what a major production it is to change the plugs ... no thanks. thanks for alerting your viewers to this cockamamie design.
There is "supposed to be an 8mm bolt at the back"
salut form belgeum the best motor
merci
The valves MUST be adjusted every 6,000 miles, so just routinely change the plugs at the same time, or every other time.
I would like to see someone replace the plugs on a Kawasaki Vulcan vn2000...anyone out there?
Wow all that just to change the plugs ......poor engineering
And... always use anti seize on the threads of the spark plugs.
NGK recommends no anti seize. Look up NGK_TB-0630111 for more info.
Well, that`s one thing Harley Davidson did right.
Donny I think you will work on anything just lije me
A big job just to change the plugs eh!!!
Sure glad there ez 2 remove
круто!!!
Huh!! So big work to change spark plugs!! I have a Kawasaki Drifter 1500 and spark plugs are left and right sides of the cylinder. So about 5 minutes job.
But why? Who said? Really?
You'd be doing a lot more work if it was 13 foot pounds. :D
could got another 30k out them old spark plugs
engineers don't change plugs that's why they make if so hard
Maybe they made it harder for sum dickhead to come along & to rip the spark plug leads off of the side of the engine so they located them up on top.
The advantage of the iridium spark plugs is that that it cuts down 3-4 spark plug changes to 1 therefore reduces service costs as compared to the copper spark plugs.
The dark colour can suggest excessive idling,it depends on how the bike is used,a hotter spark plug is good for conditions where excessive idling is required or if the motor is worn out & consuming oil.
I'd also put some "Never Seez" on the spark plug threads, I did that on my mothers (late grandmothers) 2000 model Toyota Corolla because the threads on one of the spark plugs started to bind, I soaked the threads in WD40 to free the spark plug up, this time around, I'll go for Iridium spark plugs as they are due for replacement.
I'm not much of a Caterpillar person in Australia as I don't fit to WesTrac,I'm not sure who thought I was there because I'm nowhere like one of them.
So I've been stuffed around for almost 7 years because I'm not for there & have only worked 2 days since.
I'm sure one of my former bosses (Barry) didn't get I'm for there,rather here :- www.Tomago.com.au
You Wayyuyyy overtightened them at 13 ft pounds. I saw in pounds used on your video and hope that's what you used
bad design , have to disassembly the half bike to change a spark plug
too much BS just to change a spark plug . don't think its a very good design !!!
What a pain in the butt...no thank you thanks for sharing.
why
@@GaryMillyz some people dont like to spend more than 2 minutes on bike work. It's a great bike and easy to work on once you watch 1 video.
Replacing spark plugs on a motorcycle should be as easy as replacing a spark plug on a lawnmower, this is why these Vulcans are pieces of junk! If that's your motorcycle I don't mean to offend you!