45 spark plug removal

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Chads
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45 spark plug removal

#1

Post by Chads »

I finally rolled out my 45 yesterday after 2 decades. If it runs half as good as it looks it will be darn cool. I will post some pics of it soon. getting ready to fire it up and wanted to do a compression check. removing the plugs is difficult, especially the front plug. Plugs are Champion D16. Is there a special tool that would help? Do I need to make a tool? There must be a simple answer as spark plug maintenance on these old motors is important.
fenderguitarleo
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Re: 45 spark plug removal

#2

Post by fenderguitarleo »

Plug wrench.jpg
Plug wrench.jpg (58.82 KiB) Viewed 955 times
This is the tool you will need. Do a search online for a supplier there are many of them around. Search vintage Harley spark plug removal tool.
Leo
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Re: 45 spark plug removal

#3

Post by marrinan »

To get the spark plug out of my 42WLA I use a 13/16 spark plug socket. My standard socket was to long to remove the NGk AB-6 spark plugs I use. I had to take a 13/16 spark plug socket and use a dremel tool to cut it down to 2 1/8 inches long, now it will fit under the oil tank and go over the spark plug. I then use a 7/8 inch wrench on the back of the socket to loosen or tighten the spark plug. I bought the socket in Harbor Freight for under $3
This will not work on original Harley #3 or #4 type spark plugs, only on modern spark plugs.
Chads
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Re: 45 spark plug removal

#4

Post by Chads »

Thanks for the suggestions.
VCA Hank
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Re: 45 spark plug removal

#5

Post by VCA Hank »

I have D16 plugs in my 45 and I use a 7/8" deep socket that I cut down a little bit so I could get it over the plugs. It's a 3/8" drive and after I get the socket over the plug I can get a breaker bar into it to remove the plugs.

Hank
john HD
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Re: 45 spark plug removal

#6

Post by john HD »

You could do like the old timers, knock the fins off with a hammer and use an open end wrench!

:D

John
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Re: 45 spark plug removal

#7

Post by Pascal »

john HD wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 12:12 am You could do like the old timers, knock the fins off with a hammer and use an open end wrench!

:D

John
That was almost standard WWII fieldmechanic practise..
And certainly in the Red Army.
old man emu
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Re: 45 spark plug removal

#8

Post by old man emu »

I just got one of these of the correct size and cut the shaft so it is short enough to fit in the tool box.
ring spanner.jpg
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