Jim Moore Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 HI guys, My new-to-me 94 R1100RS didn't come with a tool kit. I don't have a spark plug wrench that will reach into the hole. The BMW product is p/n 71 11 2 316 193. Is there a simple auto parts store socket I could use instead? I remember reading about a guy who got a socket stuck in the hole, so I'm a little leery of using anything but the BMW tool, but I'm open to suggestions. Thanks, Link to comment
Jim Moore Posted January 18, 2016 Author Share Posted January 18, 2016 Hey, new / related question. I have always taken the plugs out when I do a valve check. Can I do it with the plugs installed. Will the engine turn relatively freely? Link to comment
montliz Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 You can just take a normal spark plug socket or deep socket and grind the outside wall down until it fits through the hole in the valve cover (I forget what size it is right now). It doesn't take much grinding to size it and the socket will still be plenty strong to do the job. Works for me. Johnny Link to comment
Michaelr11 Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 That's a very narrow access to the spark plug. The BMW tool is available but they are asking quite a lot for it - $18.49 Somebody may know a brand of socket that fits. It requires a narrow wall socket, or if you have access to a lathe, get a socket turned down on the outside so it fits. I'd suggest you get the plug wire removal tool - 12 12 2 306 064 ADAPTER. It's much easier to turn the motor with the plugs out so you aren't fighting the motor compression. Link to comment
Michaelr11 Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 (edited) Other threads on this topic say that if you remove the valve cover most any plug socket should fit. I can't verify this. Supposed to be the center hole in the cover that is the tight spot. http://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?39818-Changing-Spark-Plugs/page2 Edited January 18, 2016 by Michaelr11 Link to comment
greiffster Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 There are several ebay options available for about 12 bucks plus shipping. I've got the BMW one but may get one of those that has a regular 3/8" drive so you can use a torque wrench. I always get nervous tightening spark plugs since I stripped one out of my '86 Ford Escort P.O.S. years ago. Link to comment
Skywagon Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 harbor freight sells one for about $4. I'll check and get you the part number Link to comment
waynerd Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Beat me to it. Harbor Freight had a nice, extra deep 5/8" socket that was perfect for reaching the plugs. Relatively thin wall, and about 5" long...and the price was right. I have one and it's much nicer to use than the one in the toolkit, but...it looks like HF doesn't sell it anymore (looking online). As mentioned, try Ebay options. In fact THIS ONE looks just the HF one. Similar HF price, but unfortunately you double the cost with shipping (and no 20% coupon ). Link to comment
barrys Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 I'm new to the forum and have been lurking for a bit and getting some great info. Thank you. Can I request that someone who has the spark plug tool/socket from the stock tool kit please measure the length of that tool. I want to make/modify a tool and I worry that experimenting might leave something stuck in there. I have a 2002 R1150RTP and I think that the tool is the same for the primary plug on the later, dual plug bikes. That famous Harbor Freight socket it no longer available. Link to comment
GroceryRun Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 Barrys : The BMW stock spark plug tool is 6 inches and 7/8 inches long , or 175mm. Link to comment
barrys Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 (edited) Thank you SO MUCH GroceryRun. That just saved me some lathe time. I didn't get a toolkit so I'm making my own which is tun. I got a tubular spark plug wrench on eBay for three dollars and it's exactly 6" long. For other interested parties... There's a lawn mower spark plug tool from Briggs and Stratton that's 8" long and costs between 3 and 6 dollars. Part number is 19576S. Best deal I found off of eBay. These work nicely as socket handle extensions too. The boot puller from BMW is 3 dollars and change. A&S sells w/ free shipping and no tax. That stock tool is a little flimsy and I had the exact same one break on me on my VW Passat. Someone on youtube made one out of 1.5" PVC that looked superior as do the fancy milled aluminum ones. Gimme a break on the money though. Make the PVC one for a quarter or use string or wire and spend the 25 on something fun. Billet milled, anodized spark plug boot puller.... How have I survived all this time without one of those... They are pretty though. Knipex Cobra pliers get my vote for a toolkit too. I don't work for them or with them. I'm just impressed with those. Edited November 21, 2017 by barrys Link to comment
dave_a Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 I have a no name 5/8" spark plug socket that measures .855 inch OD. Tight in the head but with a spritz of WD40 it works just fine and can be wiggled out w/o the 3/8" extension coming off. For what its worth, maybe the OD will be useful info. Dave Link to comment
barrys Posted November 22, 2017 Share Posted November 22, 2017 I misread GroceryRun's response. The stock tool is 6.75. The cheap one on eBay was only 6" and may have required shortening. So, I just ordered the Briggs and Stratton one. Their part number is 19576S. Six dollars on Amazon. Link to comment
barrys Posted November 28, 2017 Share Posted November 28, 2017 The Briggs and Stratton tool is 8" long. Love it. Link to comment
Lowndes Posted November 29, 2017 Share Posted November 29, 2017 Waynerd, That Ebay tool says NORTHERN TOOL as the vendor. Might be able to pick it up at one of their retail stores. Link to comment
Alan Sykes Posted November 29, 2017 Share Posted November 29, 2017 (edited) A UK firm called Magneto Power manages to jack that 6 buck price for the item up to a healthy-profit-margin level of almost twelve sterling. That's a jack-up of over 125%. That's approaching the Greedy Berlin Pig margin for spares price mark-ups. But not quite. I'm in the wrong game..... Edited November 29, 2017 by Alan Sykes Link to comment
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