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FZ6If you’re looking for one bike to perform a multitude of missions, look no further.
Take it from Cycle World* Magazine - “For a more advanced rider looking for a bike to do it all, there is no other choice.”
OK- tried the search function and cannot find any hints on this topic. I am trying to change the plugs on a 2004 fz6- shop manual says to unbolt the radiator hose support on the right side, as well as remove the lower radiator bracket bolt, then move the radiator out of the way by tipping it forward and bending the hose on the left side down slightly.
Did that, and Christ almighty a five year old might have hands small enough to get to the plugs, but I don't. #4 and #3 are reachable, #2 might be, and even from the left side #1 is having none of it.
I am open to any suggestions, especially what if any tools worked best. Trying the socket wrench with small straight extension, then jointed extension and then longer straight extension I was able to reach 4 and 3, but not get them out.
Since the last time I took her to service and said "replace tps and tune, don't do chain, oil or filter since it is done by me" and they returned her with a cross-threaded rear axle nut, I am leery to let her go again.
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Pain is nothing more than fear leaving the body.
I'd recommend using the spark plug tool that comes in the bike's toolkit (if you're not already doing that-- can't tell for sure from your post). It's just the right length to do the job, and it pivots to allow you to slip it into each hole. Then use a wrench (not a ratchet) to turn the spark plug tool. It requires less clearance to use.
I unbolted both the bottom and top of the radiator. It gave me a little more room to maneuver.
I actually just did this job on my 04 last weekend, and holy shit was it a task. I ended up being able to do 4-3-2 cyl's without the sparkplug tool, and fought and fought with 1, before giving up and heading in the house.... at which point I logged in here, read about said tool, and had the plug out in less than two minutes. For the record I used a spark plug socket with a knuckle in it, with an extension. I only really used the tool to get the plugs out once they were loose.
The radiator unbolted will move quite a bit, so you might try pushing it out a bit with one hand and working with the other, or maybe enlisting the help of a friend. I did it all solo and many others have, so it IS do-able, just keep after it and you'll get it!
I've done this enough to do it with eyes closed....
My hands are big and yes #1 is the least fun but it's not hard once you've done it twice.
Take the upper and lower radiator support bolts out and let it sag to get access. Also trust us when we say, use the Yamaha supplied spark plug tool and wrench. It works.
As for #1 it works best to be on the same side as #1 plug and reach in to the area w/ your left hand coming in from over the radiator. Use your right hand to turn the wrench.
To me, the real bear is getting the plug cap assembly out and out of the way.
I have really big hands and it's a nightmare for me so i actually find it easier AND QUICKER to get the tank, airbox, battery, battery box and heatshield all out of the way and get to the plugs from the top! It's a pig the first time you do it but now i can have it all out in 15-20 minutes with no scraped knuckles! Makes gettin to the plugs MUCH easier and your less likely to cross any threads trying to work from a funny angle.
Thankyou all for the tips. I will tackle again this weekend, this time with the Yamaha wrench. To be honest, I never flippped that damn thing over, looked inside to see the rubber gromet, to realize it was a spark plug wrench- thought it was a cruel joke at a front axle hexagonal tool. Thanks for squaring me away!
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Pain is nothing more than fear leaving the body.
How many miles do you have on the plugs? When should I think about changing mine?
Well, the service manual suggests changing them at 8k intervals, and I think I'll surely stick to that now. I changed my original plugs at 17,500 and they were NASTY. After new plugs the engine seems to have more power and the delivery seems smoother. (could be placebo, but I don't think so). So, at least for me, 8k from here on out.
didnt use the spark plug tool! Didnt know it was there. I used my regular socket set and then to get the plug out I used some fuel line to slip over the head of the plug and pulled it out that way. it was a real bear and next time Ill use the supplied wrench. At the time I didnt belong to this network and didnt have a clue! I just did it. Took me about 2 hours of fighting and struggling before I was done.
I changed my first plugs at 7500 miles and boy what a difference! The bike felt like a new machine and ran a lot better!
Changing Spark Plugs
Linear Mode
