Spark Plug Too For 1997 Thunderbird 900

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Stu9000, Jul 12, 2023.

  1. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2021
    Messages:
    155
    Likes Received:
    163
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    South East.
    Hi,
    I know I can't be the first owner wondering how to get the centre plug out of a Thunderbird 900.
    I have done my homework and cannot find a post or link that points me in the right direction.
    If you know of a tool that can access the centre spark plug Id be grateful for a link.

    This is where i have got to...
    I need an 18mm inner diameter spark plug tool.
    Thin walled or wont fit.
    Has to be shorter than the height of the head to be able to turn the corner to get it past the frame.
    Official Triumph tool kit has, I think, a pressed metal plug tool that fits into a 12mm allen key.
    Part number T2300107
    Available in the US but I could not find a UK source.
    [​IMG]
    https://www.adeptpowersports.com/oe...rbird-tool-kit-assembly.html?partnum=T2300107


    I did buy one of these but it is not quite long enough to fit a screwdriver through cross ways it to rotate it.
    Also, it is too long to fit into the centre plug hole as it fouls the frame.
    [​IMG]
    This tool does have the 18mm inner diameter needed to fit the plug.
    At 125mm long it just pokes out of the top. I could possibly bodge a way to grip and turn it, but it cannot access the centre plug so no point.

    I am now buying one of these in the hope it will allow me to replace the centre plug.
    [​IMG]


    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Removal-No...07JQ7614W/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

    If you have any suggestions Im all ears.

    Thanks

    S
     
    #1
  2. sprintdave

    sprintdave Nurse, think it's time for his medications.
    Subscriber

    Joined:
    May 25, 2014
    Messages:
    2,496
    Likes Received:
    1,639
    Trophy Points:
    750
    Location:
    Birmingham
    That part number is available at Fowlers or
    www.bike-parts-triumph.com
    Bloody expensive tho at £16.61
    Not sure about your bike but I believe a Draper 13155 socket works on Speed Triples which are also awkward.
     
    #2
    • Like Like x 1
  3. andypandy

    andypandy Crème de la Crème

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2016
    Messages:
    3,788
    Likes Received:
    4,082
    Trophy Points:
    1,000
    Location:
    Shaw
    Oh take me back to the 70's and my Suzuki 250 2 stroke. Plugs out and head off in less than ten minutes. De-coke and back together in another twenty.
     
    #3
    • Like Like x 2
    • Agree Agree x 2
  4. sprintdave

    sprintdave Nurse, think it's time for his medications.
    Subscriber

    Joined:
    May 25, 2014
    Messages:
    2,496
    Likes Received:
    1,639
    Trophy Points:
    750
    Location:
    Birmingham
    Yep, easy peasy. Did it on a mate's GT250 and he was off to Silverstone the next day for the racing. Great days.
     
    #4
  5. Wire-Wheels

    Wire-Wheels Elite Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2019
    Messages:
    1,264
    Likes Received:
    2,502
    Trophy Points:
    800
    Location:
    California - USA
    A trick I have used for years. Once you have found a socket and extension that will break it loose, I just break it loose and take those tools out of the way. I then use a piece of rubber fuel hose to push down over the top of the spark plug. Then I unscrew it by turning the hose [if it is not too tight]. I start the plug threads using the same piece of hose. I turn it down as far as I can before putting the socket back on to finish tightening it so I make sure I have not cross threaded it. ...J.D.
     
    #5
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
  6. Eldon

    Eldon Elite Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2018
    Messages:
    4,171
    Likes Received:
    6,961
    Trophy Points:
    800
    Location:
    North Yorkshire
    Plus.....
    Using the rubber pipe to lower the plug into the thread, especially on deeply recessed items, avoids the possibility of altering the plug gap and inadvertently creating a misfire situation.
    Back in the day, GSXR 1100 sidecar outfits were where this often showed up under load and so wasted a session; lesson learnt.
     
    #6
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2023
    • Like Like x 1
  7. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2021
    Messages:
    155
    Likes Received:
    163
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    South East.
    Thanks for the tips. The Amazon part was to bulky to get down into the engine. Ill use Fowlers as suggested. Using a hose to start threading is a good idea, not least because the case is aluminium. Bike running fine (touch wood) but plugs have not been changed since I got the bike (18 months, 10k miles) so I am keen to have a look at those plugs.
     
    #7
  8. Wire-Wheels

    Wire-Wheels Elite Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2019
    Messages:
    1,264
    Likes Received:
    2,502
    Trophy Points:
    800
    Location:
    California - USA
    Also, I always use a bit of anti-sieze paste on the threads before I put it down in the hole. Makes the plugs come out easier next time, but be careful to not use too much. It makes a mess. ...J.D.
     
    #8
  9. Brian Ishmael

    Brian Ishmael New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2023
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    The factory plug wrench that comes with the bike is worthless don’t waste your time looking for it
     
    #9
  10. Stu9000

    Stu9000 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2021
    Messages:
    155
    Likes Received:
    163
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    South East.
    Old threat but I cannot be the first to have this issue. In fact, the factory plug wrench did the job perfectly.
     
    #10
    • Like Like x 1
Loading...

Share This Page