Changing spark plugs

[MrMischiefVIP]

I'm not completely inept, but I'm not exactly sure what I might be getting myself into here as this is my first bike. How do I change the plugs on my Z1000? I figure I'll have to remove the tank, but then what? Basic step by step would be great. Thanks for your help.

[svtwin]

I changed my plugs about 2 months ago, and it wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done. It's very tight to get the inner plugs out, but it can be done. Also, if you don't have any patiences, then you might not want to try this one.

[MrMischiefVIP]

Other then the tank, did you have to move anything to get access to the inner plugs? I have no real reason to think they NEED to be changed other then I've had the bike a year and haven't inspected them. Also I have no idea what the previous owner may have done.

[svtwin]

Yeah, you have to move the coolant filler cap, thermostat housing, and some of the electrical plugs out of the way. But it's still a very tight fit. Also a universal fitting on the ratchet works great. Take your time and don't force the coil packs too much or they may crack.

[tyguy]

It can be done without removing anything else but the gas tank.
The wires can be moved a little bit left and right and the filler cap can stay in place.
I changed mine once and bought a 2.6" long spark plug socket. This socket will fit flush with the opening so you can get it in and attach a small ratchet without clearance problems. Be VERY careful if you put them in, it's tight. Use your fingers and be sure you hit the thread. With this socket screw them down with the fingers assuring that you don't strip the threads. Everything else as usual. BTW can be a little bit annoying to get the coils out ...

[weirdooh]

It's a pain! I use the socket that comes with the kit

[tyguy]

I tried too but it's a little bit too long IMO

[z1000newbie]

Originally Posted by weirdooh

It's a pain! I use the socket that comes with the kit

same here. I had to remove the radiator filler cap in order to get the coil cap off. Whole job took about 30 minutes. Mine had around 8k on before I changed my plugs.

[jaebardoc]

Originally Posted by MrMischiefVIP

I'm not completely inept, but I'm not exactly sure what I might be getting myself into here as this is my first bike. How do I change the plugs on my Z1000? I figure I'll have to remove the tank, but then what? Basic step by step would be great. Thanks for your help.

Follow the instructions exactly as they are written in the shop manual on pages 2-44 (beginning with "remove fuel tank") to 2-46. Getting the spark plugs out and in is easy; it is getting the #2 and #3 stick coils out and in that is a bit of a pain. The trick is to lift the stick coils as high as you can upward into the gap formed by pushing the thermostat bracket over and out of the way to make room for the coils, then lowering the coils down and angling them to clear the valve cover as you pull the coils out (one at a time, of course). You may be able to pull the stick coil up through the gap by the thermostat bracket and out the top, but that does not always work.

[Havana Z]

Yes, but another trick with stick coils is to take the electrical connection out prior to removoing the coil, much easier and less dangerous for damage.The all thats left is the coil. I have removed plugs without removing the collant cap etc, its tough, take 1 bolt out of crossmember. Be careful when you drop plugs in too, if they drop too hard, the gap could change.

[tyguy]

Originally Posted by Havana Z

take the electrical connection out prior to removing the coil, much easier and less dangerous for damage....careful when you drop plugs in too, if they drop too hard, the gap could change.

I did mine the same way and I was happy not having HUGE hands so I could hold the plug without dropping. Medical latex gloves help as well! They are anyway cool because it looks like you're performing surgery at your bike "Nurse, the spark plug socket, please"

[2nsane]

Originally Posted by z1000newbie

same here. I had to remove the radiator filler cap in order to get the coil cap off. Whole job took about 30 minutes. Mine had around 8k on before I changed my plugs.

Did you run the stock NGK's and did your bike run any different with some fresh plugs? I have a bit over 8k now so I might be doing a plug swapout also.