Great video as always. I have learned a lot watching you. I recommend blowing out the sparkplug holes before removing them to ensure no debris gets into the cylinder. I also like to use a tiny dab of anti-size whenever installing plugs in aluminum heads. That type of petcock is called a vacuum petcock as it doesn't pump but acts more like an on/off switch, which may help in troubleshooting them.
@scottduede81345 жыл бұрын
That's awesome; thanks! The spark plugs on a Vulcan are a huge pain to get through, but I'm feeling much more confident in finishing the process now.
@corydriver76346 жыл бұрын
I use a short piece of rubber hose that fits over the end of the plug to turn the plug out once I loosen it with the socket. Makes it a lot easier to bend around corners. I also use the same hose to start the new plugs because for me I can feel the plug threading in easer and not worry about cross threading.
@jtb526 жыл бұрын
I like it. I don't have a bike but I like watching and learning stuff anyway. I fixed my mower with an old video of yours last weekend. Still 25+ and no rain in south france.
@rsabir283 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great how to video! Really step by step. Just what I needed!
@donyboy733 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped!
@lmdetect6 жыл бұрын
Sure makes me appreciate the location of the plugs on my Shadow. I can change all 4 in about 3 minutes. Great vid Dony.
@rodneybushnell91206 жыл бұрын
Thanks for showing the spark plug replacement on the Vulcan 800.
@ElectoneGuy6 жыл бұрын
The benefit of Iridium plugs is they last much, much longer than standard plugs so you won't have to change them that often. Also, the fine wire tip should require less voltage to produce spark.
@pahoskins4 жыл бұрын
Nice and very good editing. Well done informative video. Thanks for posting!
@clarenceroberts8876 Жыл бұрын
Great vid but just looking at all the work makes me glad I have the vulcan nomad, I can remove all four plugs and replace in about 5 minutes, beautiful bike by the way.
@Choirboyjr116 жыл бұрын
Excellent video! Thank you!
@juliantustian85174 жыл бұрын
Thanks great video very helpful. I'm sure you can probably do it with tank on but the rear plug is easy to cross thread. So tank off new plugs ,clean chrome heads and check coolant . Perfect thanks for posting
@nekopatterson88685 жыл бұрын
Great video 👍. I just got one of these bikes and you've been very helpful
@spelunkerd6 жыл бұрын
I own a Vulcan that is 10 years older than the one shown. Even so, the structure is almost identical! Yeah, it's a bit of work to change plugs but overall these bikes are surprisingly reliable, I've rarely needed to do anything except the recommended valve shim adjustment. My version calls for that to be done about every 8,000 km, you may be due. If so, please keep the camera on, valve shim adjustment is a popular video request for these Vulcans.
@donyboy736 жыл бұрын
I ended up selling it and getting a honda Africa twin
@danijelcar51846 жыл бұрын
If you have OEM spark plug tool you can change spark plug without to remove fuel tank , I have work in Kawasaki service here in Croatia (Europe) almost 17 years and its easy to change im👍🏼
@DragonNewerA6 ай бұрын
Thanks for that, it realy helps a lot ❤
@lyingliar2 жыл бұрын
I have a question… So I got as far as when you drop the 5/8 socket into the head… my 5/8 socket didn’t drop down like the way yours did. It stayed flush with the top of the head. Do you use a special 5/8 socket? Perhaps a slimmer one in not aware of? Great video by the way! Very clear and educational. I was able to get right up to the socket part, but was able to put it all back together. Thanks.
@zx8401ztv6 жыл бұрын
Smashing tutorial, Loverly machine Don :-D The access isn't direct, but there are no hard parts to remove, just use stelth to be safe :-). I use a short ratchet for spark plugs, i feel for the rapid change in tightness, then stop.
@jregilio2 жыл бұрын
Good information. I have a 1996 VN800 with 9600 miles. I need to change the plugs and have no idea how. I am going to attempt to with help of this video . Do you know if the same procedure will apply to a 1996 ?
@aleblanc35476 жыл бұрын
Uhh...I'm almost speechless! Do they sell spark plugs that last a lifetime? :>) Thanks Don!!
@ng44105 жыл бұрын
Fyi the kawasaki vn 800 factory tool kit that comes with with bike has a sliding spark plug spanner in it. Made to get in around the corners. Is in a side cover on bike from factory.. Be difficult to overtighten using that. Anti seize on threads a good idea.
@insAneTunA6 жыл бұрын
I got curious about the difference between a standard spark plug and an iridium version. I was reading a Dutch article from a Dutch bike magazine and they did this spark plug dedicated 2000 mile long proper test with 6 Buell bikes and 3 of them had iridium plugs. They recorded the fuel consumption and changed drivers on the bikes to keep the test as fair as possible. The gas millage didn't seem to make an obvious noticeable difference during their test, maybe half a percent better with iridium plugs according to the people who wrote the article, but they seem to notice improvement on the cold start, and it seemed to run a bit better on lower RPM. They say that you shouldn't take them if you want to save money by saving fuel because you would have to use them for too many miles to be able to earn back the money. But they do have a longer lifespan according to the article. And because the electrode is smaller they say the electrode has less loss of voltage, or it doesn't need that much voltage compared to other spark plugs, with the result that the spark is more reliable and with a more consistent level of energy. I don't even own a bike I just got curious, so don't blame me if this is wrong :-) For those who can read Dutch, or when you can translate it. www.motoplus.nl/magazine/uitgaven/artikel/iridium-bougies/
@gizmotony12342 жыл бұрын
That’s a great video man thank you for sharing
@1381greg2 жыл бұрын
Both spark plugs are easy to remove without removing the gas tank......use the spark plug tool that Kawasaki provided in the tool kit.
@sioah22 жыл бұрын
Very useful video. Thank you!
@chrisfrench9704 жыл бұрын
Changed mine with the gas tank on, no problem 👍
@donyboy734 жыл бұрын
it's a great bike but i sold it a few years ago for an adventure bike
@1381greg2 жыл бұрын
Great video and thanks for the know how. But if you use the special spark plug tool that came in the tool kit for the Kawasaki vn 800 classic , you Do Not have to remove the gas tank as you have shown us and done. I have never removed the gas tank to replace the spark plugs on my bike.
@jonathanbosco84586 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the video, you would of loved the 1980 s great bike, Vulcan bikes with low miles excellent long term investment
@donyboy736 жыл бұрын
I HAD A HONDA NIGHTHAWK 650 AND A SHADOW 500 when I was younger
@breikowski6 жыл бұрын
Love your channel, I got a jumping jack tamper being run by a 2 stroke robin EC-10. It stalls out after it warms up. Do you think it is the carb? I am waiting for your inline spark tester.
@BobC7776 жыл бұрын
Dony - Just discovered your channel and it is great. I watch stuff about things I don't even own! What are your thoughts on anti-seize compound for things like spark plugs?
@donyboy736 жыл бұрын
I use anti-seize for the spark plugs on my vehicle, just keep it away from electrode
@danijelcar51846 жыл бұрын
Change interval for spark plugs for Kawasaki VN 800 is 12000 km here in EU spec
@camreed70734 жыл бұрын
nice clear video good job
@AngelusFromHell2 жыл бұрын
Is it possibile to extract spark plugs without removing the tank?
@timsInSSI6 жыл бұрын
Wow, you sure talked me out of wanting own that bike.
@DS-kn4bs6 жыл бұрын
Only way I'd buy a bike is if I could sell it to make money lol Too many crazies on the road these days.
@satinwarship2 жыл бұрын
It’s a good bike had one for 20 years
@berardia46 жыл бұрын
Never knew why those ngk plugs had a screw on top on Honda mowers. Guess some applications don't use them. Thanks.
@BrucesShop6 жыл бұрын
Great video Don. Sometimes a guy needs help when a bit of extra work is required.
@ristomattikolsi57116 жыл бұрын
Great bike and a good job.
@mohsenkiae6 жыл бұрын
Great bike ! Love japenese products...durable engines with low maintenance 😀
@bigt36392 жыл бұрын
Did you have to drain the tank before removing?
@cyrusullmann99176 жыл бұрын
Dony, can you show how to wire up a Briggs and Stratton vanguard engine?
@LindsayProvАй бұрын
Hi! I believe I have to change my spark plugs.. 1 cylinder is cold while the other is heating up and the 1 exhaust blows cool air out while the other is hot... do you think this is the case ? Thanks
@donyboy73Ай бұрын
You can start by replacing spark plugs and see if it still persists.
@63256325N6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video.
@garyseefried9892 ай бұрын
My last bike had plugs on the side of the cylinders I was pretty worried about plugs on my Vulcan when I realized they were on top like this
@andom23265 жыл бұрын
Um, I changed my spark plugs without removing the gas tank or any of that. I just removed the seat and had enough clearance of the two as they were. Same bike
@fomoPhil4 жыл бұрын
Good to know. I’m about to change the plugs and really don’t want to remove the gas tank
@ernestomaureira11364 жыл бұрын
Me too
@stephengrainger75868 ай бұрын
Same here
@scooterbobscout5 жыл бұрын
I've heard the iridium's are great
@danijelcar51846 жыл бұрын
OEM Part number for spark plug wrench for VN800 is 92110-1132 and this wrench is also in owners tool box
@Slowpoke50556 жыл бұрын
Donny, is that your personal bike?
@drewthornton46846 жыл бұрын
Hey Don how come you removed the cap off of the spark plug?
@donyboy736 жыл бұрын
because the cap would only fit the threaded part
@Dokuji5 жыл бұрын
donyboy73 is that ok to do? I would think that might be more prone to misfiring. Did the oem plugs also connect at the thread top like that??
@aaroncastro73412 жыл бұрын
Did you drain the gas tank before removing it gonna be removing my tank it’s my first time owning a bike
@donyboy732 жыл бұрын
i didn't but it makes it easier
@robertprice72467 ай бұрын
Does anyone have a video on replacing the switch pods on the right side throttle side of handle bar ?
@salvadormeza31174 жыл бұрын
Si le pongo unas bujias ngk cr9e, puede afectar?
@Antonisdettor3 жыл бұрын
The rear spark plug can be removed without removing the tank
@kjell-richardlvdal3736 жыл бұрын
when do you start making snowblower video once more
@donyboy736 жыл бұрын
in a month
@geojor6 жыл бұрын
thanks for this ...
@michaelspeakman89246 жыл бұрын
Pittsburgh Mickey 5/8 extended roach spark plug socket it is a 5 and 1/8 inch long they have it in 3/8 and 3/4 it my help you out item 91705 I got it at Harbor Freight.
@donz69016 жыл бұрын
A lot of trouble for replacing spark plugs. Hopefully engineers made it easier for new bikes.
@sniperafful61843 жыл бұрын
I need the silence exhaust please
@73superglide626 жыл бұрын
Carb dirty or air filter plugged
@aronsaleaf47263 ай бұрын
There is "supposed to be an 8mm bolt at the back"
@LetJokerCook5 жыл бұрын
Do you need to make sure there is no gas in your tank?
@donyboy735 жыл бұрын
not necessary but it makes it easier
@DS-kn4bs6 жыл бұрын
Glad I drive a Car 😁
@honda200twinstar35 жыл бұрын
wow guy im glad my 81 honda Twinstar isnt that much work to change it plugs lol
@TaiChiGhost4 жыл бұрын
The valves MUST be adjusted every 6,000 miles, so just routinely change the plugs at the same time, or every other time.
@joef.30946 жыл бұрын
i always liked the looks of the vulcan, but after seeing what a major production it is to change the plugs ... no thanks. thanks for alerting your viewers to this cockamamie design.
@hdman976 жыл бұрын
Wow all that just to change the plugs ......poor engineering
@joossenbruno5 жыл бұрын
salut form belgeum the best motor
@donyboy735 жыл бұрын
merci
@juanmancha21675 жыл бұрын
I would like to see someone replace the plugs on a Kawasaki Vulcan vn2000...anyone out there?
@jarihuotari4484 жыл бұрын
Huh!! So big work to change spark plugs!! I have a Kawasaki Drifter 1500 and spark plugs are left and right sides of the cylinder. So about 5 minutes job.
@robeftyearian87606 жыл бұрын
Donny I think you will work on anything just lije me
@GrampiesWorkshop6 жыл бұрын
A big job just to change the plugs eh!!!
@videodistro6 жыл бұрын
And... always use anti seize on the threads of the spark plugs.
@2aminitials6 жыл бұрын
NGK recommends no anti seize. Look up NGK_TB-0630111 for more info.
@Peter-9766 жыл бұрын
Well, that`s one thing Harley Davidson did right.
@theone2be333 жыл бұрын
But why? Who said? Really?
@xoxotulka4 жыл бұрын
круто!!!
@73superglide626 жыл бұрын
Sure glad there ez 2 remove
@pyratebruce6 жыл бұрын
too much BS just to change a spark plug . don't think its a very good design !!!
@robertprice72467 ай бұрын
You Wayyuyyy overtightened them at 13 ft pounds. I saw in pounds used on your video and hope that's what you used
@davidgaylord20356 жыл бұрын
engineers don't change plugs that's why they make if so hard
@999thenewman6 жыл бұрын
You'd be doing a lot more work if it was 13 foot pounds. :D
@kjell-richardlvdal3736 жыл бұрын
bad design , have to disassembly the half bike to change a spark plug
@KennyG2334 жыл бұрын
could got another 30k out them old spark plugs
@RussellBooth19776 жыл бұрын
Maybe they made it harder for sum dickhead to come along & to rip the spark plug leads off of the side of the engine so they located them up on top. The advantage of the iridium spark plugs is that that it cuts down 3-4 spark plug changes to 1 therefore reduces service costs as compared to the copper spark plugs. The dark colour can suggest excessive idling,it depends on how the bike is used,a hotter spark plug is good for conditions where excessive idling is required or if the motor is worn out & consuming oil. I'd also put some "Never Seez" on the spark plug threads, I did that on my mothers (late grandmothers) 2000 model Toyota Corolla because the threads on one of the spark plugs started to bind, I soaked the threads in WD40 to free the spark plug up, this time around, I'll go for Iridium spark plugs as they are due for replacement. I'm not much of a Caterpillar person in Australia as I don't fit to WesTrac,I'm not sure who thought I was there because I'm nowhere like one of them. So I've been stuffed around for almost 7 years because I'm not for there & have only worked 2 days since. I'm sure one of my former bosses (Barry) didn't get I'm for there,rather here :- www.Tomago.com.au
@vitoscatigno42076 жыл бұрын
Replacing spark plugs on a motorcycle should be as easy as replacing a spark plug on a lawnmower, this is why these Vulcans are pieces of junk! If that's your motorcycle I don't mean to offend you!
@hdrk596 жыл бұрын
What a pain in the butt...no thank you thanks for sharing.
@GaryMillyz4 жыл бұрын
why
@DelcoTrash4 жыл бұрын
@@GaryMillyz some people dont like to spend more than 2 minutes on bike work. It's a great bike and easy to work on once you watch 1 video.