Is there an easy way to check plugs in the field?

[Frostbite]

I really want to check my plugs since I am now running a fuel controller for the first time. This is my first Cat and the pipe sits right over the plugs (that's convienent).

I don't want to melt my jacket checking the plugs (I can see that coming). Is there a trick or two you guys could pass on?

Is it easier to check the front or the rear plugs for each cylinder?

Do they read the same or is one (front or rear) a better indicator of what's really going on in each cylinder?

A buddy of mine said one of his friends had bent a wrench for checking plugs? What would this wrench look like?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Dam Dave]

carry a spring puller, only takes a minute to pull the pipe,and it will save many jackets

 

[Frostbite]

Thanks Dave, I still love your avtar!

I'll have to look but, I think my pipe is sealed with high temp. RTV at each joint (not that it can't be cut).

Great idea, but I can see a spring going flying into the fluff. I imaging bringing extra springs is mandatoy?

Thanks again

 

[skibreeze]

We had a 1000 that was acting up and needed to pull the plugs on the hill. All I had to pull the springs was some mule tape. Just tied it into a big loop and makes for a decent puller. Wouldn't hurt to have spare springs.

 

[bigrodney]

spring puller

This is what I carry. It is small and light weight. Sells for $3.99 at harbor frieght. I think it is a must have in the trailer and sled.

 

[Frostbite]

Huh, I had no idea that pulling the pipe was the easiest way to check the plugs! I guess that's why I asked and I will be going to Harbor Freight to buy a spring puller.

Any other tricks or tips on checking plugs?

 

[Dam Dave]

hmm, I think I hear an echo in here

 

[Frostbite]

You just wanted us all to see your avtar again.

Ok, I listened and I'll use your way.

Now, instead of my coat, I'll melt my gloves. I suppose one should have a pair of leather work gloves so I don't melt my Klims Powercross or my True North Storm gloves?

 

[skibreeze]

This is what I carry. It is small and light weight. Sells for $3.99 at harbor frieght. I think it is a must have in the trailer and sled.

Same spring puller that I have in the sled tool box, works great.

 

[Frostbite]

Dam Dave, you're right. There is an echo in here!

 

[Dam Dave]

I got a puller from motion pro, I don't trust my knuckles to survive when using harbor junk tools, sometimes ya get what ya pay for, just saying..............

 

[Frostbite]

Understood!

Yet, sometimes I don't plan on using a specific tool enough to justify spending triple the price on a Craftsman tool. In this case on top of a mountain, having a tool you can count on is worth a lot.

 

[likkerpig]

This might sound retarded but may want to look into the "ove glove" silicone rubber gloves used to pull hot pans and stuff out of the oven. Good to 500* and beats burning your hands and ruining your gloves.

 

[shredjim]

Forget pulling your pipe up on the hill. Let it cool a bit then just put gloves on and take out a plug. Find the one that is easy enough to get to and use that one. Not rocket science. Taking your pipe off in two feet of fresh powder is kind of crazy IMO. Its a b___ enough getting those pesky springs back on in the garage, much less up on the hill, and the worse part is you will loose one in your engine compartment guaranteed, then what, spend all day taking your can off, etc, get out your magnet (that you now also have to schlep along) and search for it? No thanks! I just lost one last night putting my sled back together. Had to take can off and get out the magnet out. On the hill this be no-where!

 

[killerrf]

I got a puller from motion pro, I don't trust my knuckles to survive when using harbor junk tools, sometimes ya get what ya pay for, just saying..............

a few years back i brought my sled home from the dealer i low and behold i found a spring puller. for how tiny and skinny that thing is it handles them ex springs no problem... amazing... so are them nipplies on your ava... you got any more of them pics?!

 

[Frostbite]

Jim, thanks for an alternative perspective.

It makes a lot of sense and was what I was originally thinking when I posted.

Any other ideas out there?

Other than those of you thinking, just drive the freaking thing and quit messing with it!

 

[kcdavidak]

back to the second half of question. do the same two plugs for each cylender read the same? is looking at one plug good enough.

 

[Frostbite]

Yeah, what he said.

Thanks for getting us back on topic!

 

[W A O]

Spring puller

I have a pair of needle nose vise grips in my pack,Use your spring puller to remove and the needle nose on the side to keep them where you want them. Its realy not that hard to pull your pipe. Put a rag in your pack to put all the parts in to hold while you do the work. Have a freind who can and will pull a clutch apart on the hill and change to his preferance, To much for me but it can be done if you plan ahead.

 

[Burn Down]

If your just checking your plugs to see if your pretty close, then I only pull one. If your having big problems then I would pull both sides. I had a 05' m7 that would foul plugs before every ride, I got real good at pulling the pipe. Like mentioned above carry extra springs & a puller, the vice grip trick is a good idea I think I will use that one myself. Thanks