Changed Spark Plugs; Right Side Boot Won't Snap In Easily

Lil_Green_Demon · February 15th, 2015, 05:14 PM

I just changed out my spark plugs. The spark plug boot on the left side (clutch side) snapped into place perfectly with a little effort.
The right side (throttle side)? Nope. The boot is in, but it doesn't seem to want to go in all the way. I can still easily pull it out with very little effort.
What can I do here? I have tried pushing it in with as much force as possible to no avail. I know the spark plug isn't sitting improperly.
Can I just leave it be? It's not in all the way (obligatory "that's what he said"), but the boot is in.

P.S: I did this with the tank in place.

Edit: Pics

Pointing at which spark plug boot I'm referencing:

Notice the difference? Left one sits more flush than right one.

cuong-nutz · February 15th, 2015, 05:22 PM

Did you remove the adapter tip on the spark plug? If you didn't then you can just unscrew the cap end off the spark plug.

Lil_Green_Demon · February 15th, 2015, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

Did you remove the adapter tip on the spark plug? If you didn't then you can just unscrew the cap end off the spark plug.

Confused a bit... I was supposed to remove something from the spark plugs?

In the How To videos I watched, they didn't mention this at all.

Brother Michigan · February 15th, 2015, 05:36 PM

Have you tried placing the left spark plug boot on the right spark plug? If it fits, it might be a problem with the boot. If it doesn't, it could be a problem with the plug.

Lil_Green_Demon · February 15th, 2015, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother Michigan

Have you tried placing the left spark plug boot on the right spark plug? If it fits, it might be a problem with the boot. If it doesn't, it could be a problem with the plug.

No. I'm short on time now, so I'll have to try this tomorrow. Need to be at work in an hour.

Lil_Green_Demon · February 15th, 2015, 06:10 PM

Would it be okay to ride the bike with that boot sticking out just slightly? Or do you guys think I'd be risking something mechanically catastrophic happening to the bike?

cuong-nutz · February 15th, 2015, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lil_Green_Demon

Confused a bit... I was supposed to remove something from the spark plugs?

In the How To videos I watched, they didn't mention this at all.

https://www.ngk.com/glossary/8/spark-plug/T
https://www.ngk.com/glossary/8/spark-plug/R

NGK calls it a removable terminal nut

Lil_Green_Demon · February 15th, 2015, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

https://www.ngk.com/glossary/8/spark-plug/T
https://www.ngk.com/glossary/8/spark-plug/R

NGK calls it a removable terminal nut

Thanks for the info. I'll look at the spark plugs when I get home tomorrow morning. I don't recall there being a terminal nut on the spark plugs, but if there were, hopefully this will resolve the issue.

I'll update in the AM.

Lil_Green_Demon · February 16th, 2015, 10:09 AM

Got the boot in tight.
My spark plugs didn't have the terminal nut you were referencing, @cuong-nutz.
I pushed the boot in when I got home and it fit snuggly. I don't know what I did differently today other than not being frustrated, so maybe that was it.

February 15th, 2015, 05:14 PM	#1
Lil_Green_Demon Winging It In Life Name: Umar Location: SoCal Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R; 2011 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.	Changed Spark Plugs; Right Side Boot Won't Snap In Easily I just changed out my spark plugs. The spark plug boot on the left side (clutch side) snapped into place perfectly with a little effort. The right side (throttle side)? Nope. The boot is in, but it doesn't seem to want to go in all the way. I can still easily pull it out with very little effort. What can I do here? I have tried pushing it in with as much force as possible to no avail. I know the spark plug isn't sitting improperly. Can I just leave it be? It's not in all the way (obligatory "that's what he said"), but the boot is in. P.S: I did this with the tank in place. Edit: Pics Pointing at which spark plug boot I'm referencing: Notice the difference? Left one sits more flush than right one.

February 15th, 2015, 05:22 PM	#2
cuong-nutz RIP Alex Name: Cuong Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 2	Did you remove the adapter tip on the spark plug? If you didn't then you can just unscrew the cap end off the spark plug. __________________________________________________ HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days

February 15th, 2015, 05:36 PM	#4
Brother Michigan ninjette.org sage Name: Aaron Location: Winder, GA Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 718	Have you tried placing the left spark plug boot on the right spark plug? If it fits, it might be a problem with the boot. If it doesn't, it could be a problem with the plug. __________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER: I generally have no idea what I'm talking about.

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February 15th, 2015, 06:10 PM	#6
Lil_Green_Demon Winging It In Life Name: Umar Location: SoCal Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R; 2011 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.	Would it be okay to ride the bike with that boot sticking out just slightly? Or do you guys think I'd be risking something mechanically catastrophic happening to the bike?

February 16th, 2015, 10:09 AM	#9
Lil_Green_Demon Winging It In Life Name: Umar Location: SoCal Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R; 2011 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.	Got the boot in tight. My spark plugs didn't have the terminal nut you were referencing, @cuong-nutz. I pushed the boot in when I got home and it fit snuggly. I don't know what I did differently today other than not being frustrated, so maybe that was it.