2019 Kawasaki Z400 Ninja 400 Spark Plug Change

[@fleckosofly8001]

Thanks for this. I wasn't sure how to change my air filter and this video showed me just how much of a pain that's going to be.

[@cobravids]

When I first removed the tank I removed a lot of extra parts because I thought the re were bolts up front. It is a pain, not like my GZ240 which came out the side. Try to wait until the tank is pretty empty. That way its lighter and much easier to handle on and off. Reach out if you need help with anything.

[@marlonrodriguez9193]

Grate video and well done. My plan is to replace spark plugs , air filter and fill up the coolant tank. Thanks to you I will do it my self and save $600 dollars the dealer charges for a tune up.

[@cobravids]

Yes sir, you can do it. Shops have to charge to pay their guys. But man, sometimes it hurts. When i was a kid my father made me do everything from electrical in the house. Plumbing, auto work and anything else. I thought he was a jerk, but now i realize he set me up to where i dont have to pay anyone to do most of the stuff for me. One thing, you will need a thin wall 14mm spark plug socket. I got the 12 point. Run your tank pretty low, helps with removal of tank. Check back after and let us know how it came out.

[@marlonrodriguez9193]

@@cobravids yes sir , I did buy the socket to remove the spark plugs, using the link you provided ,you have the best father 💪

[@KlineFilms]

Hey I have the 2019 Z400 also... and in the manual from what I can read, I believe it says to change the plugs at 7,600 miles and then at 15,200 miles (12,000 km and 24,000 km). I'm still a ways away myself from the 7,600m event, but it seemed that you were stating different numbers from your manual. Either way, great video, it will be a great help in a few k miles. 🙂

[@cobravids]

Thank for watching and the comment. I normally do my maintenance earlier than what the factory says. Some things can go longer and some should be sooner. Such as oil, on my VW factory says 10k miles. I do it at 5k. After awhile you get a feel for what really should be done. I always say, the factory wants your bike to fail so they can charge you for repairs. I try to avoid that 100%. When I sold.my Z400 due to my move it had 24k miles and was on second set of plugs I believe. It still got about 50mpg and ran great.

[@diegobalsamo9406]

Muy bueno 👏👏👏

[@cobravids]

Gracious.

[@lee-enfield0247]

Even 35 bucks for the air filter is too expensive, maybe you can find the Hiflo filter model number HFA2406 for 17 Euro.

[@cobravids]

Your right. I have started using the HiFlo for my vulcan 900. Other than slight color difference I have not noticed any other. Quality products.

[@eddkbk34]

Hey man thank you for the very helpful video was wondering what .030 would convert to 0.6-0.7-0.8?

[@cobravids]

www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.metricmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/inch_mill_smallnumbers_2017.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjE1rLI5ID8AhWZlWoFHT9dDGkQFnoECBQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw378q0jD4Ft2LrLnp3BDGxn I hope this link is right. This is a link to a chart that will tell you the conversion of all of the sizes. Let me know if it works for you.

[@eddkbk34]

@Cobra Vids greatly appreciate the help brother 🙏

[@elicit6070]

Fueler gauge instead of torque ratchet for spark plugs is what im gonna be doing now

[@Makeswedenwhiteagain]

Jesus thats a lot of taking apart for just a sparkplug change. They should make a little hatch or something to access them without taking thw whole bike apart since they are changed regularly

[@cobravids]

I agree completely. I think it goes with every dealer, they want you to go to the shop. After I did it a couple of times, it got real fast. I had to sell mine when I left Arizona. I do miss it.

[@jkapown]

Fellow idiot here, (was taught the only stupid question is the one NOT asked) thanks for all your content just wondering if before removing tank are there any valves to close or is it an auto shut off system? tyvm.

[@cobravids]

No valves or switches. I always ride the tank very low to lighten it up. The fuel line may have a little fuel dribble out of it but not bad at all. Simple jobs, even us idiots can do it! Thanks for stopping by and dropping a comment. Sorry it took me a couple days to get back with you. Ride safe, stay free.

[@kawarmani]

How much of a socket extension is needed to take out the spark plugs? Want to make sure I'm ready for when I do it later this week...

[@cobravids]

4-6 inch extenstion should work just fine. Its been awhile since i did this but you shouldnt need anything too crazy.

[@iDrewMelon]

I changed the spark plugs and air filter in my 2023 ninja 400 and not its not starting, the fuel is priming and everything is back on but its not firing up, please healp

[@cobravids]

No worries. Take a deep breath, i know it's tough when your ride dont start. Remove your fuel line and place it into a jar, and turn the key on. Make sure you have plenty of fuel coming out. If your fuel level is good, i would go back to the plugs. Are the coil packs in correctly? Are they actually over the tip of the spark plug? Did you gap the plugs before installing? They normally come pregapped, but you never know. Let me know what you find.

[@MrFoxfire510]

Does the tank have a hinge on the seat side like a lot of other Kawasakis have? My zx6r does, and that hinge lets you move the tank up then I prop the tank with a household vacuum pipe against the center steering stem. That way I do not have to remove the tank and deal with unplugging the hoses and connections under the tank. Curious because I would prefer the z400 to have that too.

[@cobravids]

The tank is attached with two bolts at the tail end. And slide into rubber mounts on the front side, up under neath. With the wires plugged up on this one you cannot get much lift with the tank. I'm a lot like my dad, remove everything around to clear the area. Amd not to mention it helps with filming, lol. Thanks for watching, ride safe.

[@slyderockheart]

what is the size of the spark plug socket in mm? it was not included in the tool kit here in the philippines. seems like they want us to bring it to the dealership for things like these.

[@cobravids]

I believe the socket is a 14mm thin walled 12 point socket. I will double check tonight and if not I will come back and correct myself.

[@WeaselKonig]

Plugs are at 7600 miles or 12000 km not at 12000 miles. That's why they have so much wear.

[@cobravids]

Your right. I went way over. If not this video I did mention they are changed at 7k. I went way over and started having issues with the way she rode. Normally I like to change things before the factory says, with the 80 hours a week I worked back then made it impossible to get the work done. My jetta says 10k between oil changes. I do it at 5k. Thank you very much for watching. I really enjoy comments and suggestions. By the way I sold that bike. I miss it. It was a great bike. I had to downsize to move to Texas. 😪

[@molallamerica896]

Manual says 7,600 miles/12,000 km for spark plugs. It is hard to read because it is metric biased.

[@backflipkick1997]

Thank you for the video! Now i feel confident to change my spark plugs, i just wanted to ask, does the fuel tank need to be empty? Or it has some kind of valve that keeps the fuel from spiling even if the tank is full?

[@cobravids]

The tank does not need to be empty. However it will make working on it easier. You will have just a little fuel come out of the main fuel line. Not bad at all. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[@backflipkick1997]

@@cobravids thank you so much! you are a life saver

[@WeaselKonig]

Clamp that main line before you disconnect it and it will only dribble a tiny bit.

[@Zepplin76]

I tried doing this but neither of the spark plug sockets fit. It's it a special size or just thin wall? I think mine aren't.

[@cobravids]

From memory I believe I used a 12 point "thin wall" 14mm socket. Standard walls are too thick. I believe in other comments on this video I gave a part number. I want to say I got it right off of autozone or oreilys rack. Must say thin wall.

[@SICKENTHEHEAD]

Where did you get the kawasaki spark plug socket? Do you have a link?

[@cobravids]

I believe it's just a 14mm thin wall socket. I called it a kawasaki socket because that's the only engine I have used it on so far. Double check the size with dealer to make sure. I bought it for my 750, it has very narrow holes.

[@stephenallen4813]

I'm curious about the fuel line do you not have to plug it with something so the fuel doesn't come out?

[@cobravids]

Only a little drips out. It has to do with there being a fuel pump between free flowing fuel and line removed. As always i try to run my tank very low to lighten it up. But i have not had an issue with the fuel leaking out. It is a lot like a petcock valve, it only flows when engins is running.

[@brashkov]

Did the spark plug change fix the surging?

[@cobravids]

When I took it in to get the rear tire changed I mentioned that to the tech. He took one look at my chain and said "there's your problem." The chain had a stuff link and when it went around the gear it would bend, then on the straight part it wouldn't straighten out causing the chain to go tight, loose, tight, loose. This mimicked a surge while going slow speeds. This was all new to me, never had a chain do that. I spent 200 and had them change the chain and sprockets. It all went away. I am a beginner with motorcycles but riding them as a commuter I have put many miles on it and learned so much about them. Also, I had 13k on the original chain. The stiff link was the only issue with it. I use a chain wax on my new one, this stuff is amazing and stays lubed much longer than the stuff I was using. It does not grab dirt nor does it fling crap all over the rim. I am at 9k on the new chain and i expect to get 15 20k out of it before changing it again.

[@MuscleM5]

Hey, my motorbike started running a bit rough recently, I hear some sort of noise from engine area too. Before bike was very smooth and can go up to 150 easily with good throttle response. Now it dosent even want to cross 130 and vibrates too much. RPM is similar just too much more vibration and less throttle response. What could be the reason for this? Please help me

[@cobravids]

I would definately start with the regular maint. Air filter, spark plugs ext. Check all the plugs especially the ones under the rear of the fuel tank. Those have to do with fuel. Make sure your plugs are gapped properly. I know this sounds silly but test the voltage of the battery before bike is starred, 12.5-13.00 volts resting and 13.5-14.00 volts running. A weak charging system could result in weak spark. But as far as the noise you heard, if ut was a pop or clank it could mean different things, a clank could have been it slipping a tooth on a cam gear, unlikely. If it were a pop it could be backfiring, rich fuel mix, weak spark ect. Get back to me and share with what you find out.

[@JesuShuttlesWorth]

Thanks for the video. I’m having a hell of a time finding a 14mm spark plug socket, in Phoenix. Will you possibly share the brand of yours and where you got it? 🙏🏻🤙🏻

[@cobravids]

An Arizona brother You? You know, I got this socket from ebay. I needed something small to fit my son's VW. When I get home I will send you images. And if you cannot find one and not too far I wouldn't mind loaning it to you. Have you looked at Oreilys? It was specifically labeled thin wall. I'll get back to you after 3pm today

[@cobravids]

Sorry for the delay. It is a Power Torque 14mm thin wall.it has a magnetic sleeve inside it. www.ebay.com/itm/153161491427?hash=item23a922e3e3:g:SccAAOSwF~RcpZMF. This one will work.

[@marlonrodriguez9193]

Plis

[@jonruby1755]

What kind of spark plugs did u use?

[@cobravids]

We used the OEM factory plugs. Check the owners manual to make sure you get the right ones. Gap them too. This is a pretty simple job no worries.

[@jonruby1755]

@@cobravids part number?

[@cobravids]

@@jonruby1755 NGK LMAR9G should be the exact OEM that is in there right now. Gap around .030 - .040 it varies from location to location. Here in Arizona I went with .035 and it seemed decent.

[@haveyounoticedtheshieldsar3467]

I can’t use a reg hex deep socket to remove em ? Or do I need the socket u used ?

[@cobravids]

Im not sure if this video i show a close up of the socket. I believe it is a thin wall 14mm. 12point. It really is a tight area to get to.

[@haveyounoticedtheshieldsar3467]

@@cobravids couldn't find a place that sells the LMAR9G, only 8G which is a warmer plug :/ now I have to wait from it being shipped

[@cobravids]

@@haveyounoticedtheshieldsar3467 I found mine on ebay. This one should do the trick just fine. Sometimes Autozone will have thin wall sockets. But I am sure you tried there. www.ebay.com/itm/153161491427?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item23a922e3e3:g:SccAAOSwF~RcpZMF&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAACsPYe5NmHp%252B2JMhMi7yxGiTJkPrKr5t53CooMSQt2orsStEKTPzZMfQmny3knR97t0NRR7wcjj2TTKex4F9QdLPOopS%252Fm2A8zjGkRa3xd%252F53NEIBuiq6t92bmFt5wQvhQ248u6g6nwj6guWWMk89VDi%252Bl5%252FBLuXABtiNzkqTA5NfCfvJl2qSqxhPTIJAiWOBQ%252BhSLBaz%252Bedx4XDyIUKwrc1M1IBw3oBlesCxiFkzEPxrs7lqP8F4N2TZAd5qJGvl0DT%252BQA9v1wybPoxDueBTOPI2EetIsYxOCvU33ngS%252Fz5YBwvjD9RWCzrV%252BmudU07olQGJMxajnjf0AGPd7QQsD%252B1ZUeFcEHnKjL7Sj0YtsklNZKB9SC2PxtuW6pPXeBO6UWCT80j6kgWEJkKH0Otn%252FSoIWOcHVvSbjXt%252Fj4066PxPzdLr2K9J8xPy5xEQOU8gauN%252BGV6g7x%252Bj1enEs9dkhhkYSKabYPdVsk%252FjO8pWPN%252B%252FQqhagT%252BEaAEwMXndquBV7eZUcxRaCpXfzIhw3Or7laBHu7LcPH38dnh2AnBy9W5wOY%252BSWdmi9BnsHZjZOJ9Ew4Nd5uZq2zETXfJzG2HQcX2WdAWm0sAxWIbVbE7YzDE1uYr%252FTiU0kAYkysfkAA8KZ1MbnkK6Q5voFa7Zsv%252BIo6a4TkXfvERSe7SQjo887K609uLId2s2%252FI31sb9WQmG4oBkskVkfCjiEJbcRHcfCiS%252BoEOCdUKu0wt%252FDUcmP3acLaT2thzklQMBKW4r0MaWR0V0tuNHQmOsEL%252FqBOYDqnECxWqFjWQ3tlhyr7eMhF%252Fqx2eaXgxzsCnY%252BXGAcYe6doyAhnkD%252B7npmHmJekIJ8g6qtT8j1hojvCGH2M%252Bdr7gIeTwgZsCU%252FyJttf0Ue4dMuogoPyYe4wRepvtMDI6%252B9S1kM%253D%7Cclp%3A2334524%7Ctkp%3ABFBM6tnUu-Vf

[@haveyounoticedtheshieldsar3467]

Yes sir, O'Reilly and AutoZone and Napa , but yeah link helped 👍

[@michaelljucovic3361]

How much would it cost to get it changed from a dealer? 150?

[@cobravids]

You know that's a good question. I never go to dealer for much. I would call 3 shops and use the mid cost. I would say 150 would be a fair estimate. It truly is easy to do and will save you cash.