Attempted to remove both spark plugs to check for fouling. Could only remove front plug. How am I supposed to remove the back one cause I see no way of getting a spanner in there?





I see now way of accessing the plug from the top either?



This is my front spark plug. I've never seen a fouled one but I don't think mine are fouled? Is it worth attempting to remove the rear cylinder plug if front one is OK?

a long extension 3/8" wobble drive , and remove the seat , if my memories right
it is a bit fiddly TBH

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Feros Ferio

Thanks Nutah

Is this where you mean to remove the plug from?

looks about right TBH

might pay to cable tie , that breather pipe to the vertical small frame tube
in the first pic

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Feros Ferio

from memory( a bad memory!) its fiddly, but i used a spark plug socket and a universal 3/82 drive and an extension. the difficult bit is getting the plug back in without cross treading, but can be done eventually. best to fit new plugs if you are in doubt

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My Smugmug Photos

Yes I've been meaning to cable tie and shorten that hose.

I need to buy some thinner 3/8 drive AF sockets cause mine are all metric drive and thicker. Mitch I'd like to have a look at your tools to see what I need to buy! Chaning plugs isn't a bad idea now I have one already out but I havn't the tools to remove the rear one!

Hmmmmm Metric 3/8 drive

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2001 X1 2009 1125CR 2006 Uly X3 2010 Uly a fully Maz'd S1 and a 1991 RS1200 Westwind.

I have a metric socket set and bought imperial sockets to fit my drive/wrench. Now I need the thinner 3/8 drive and sockets to fit in small places.

3/8" drive sockets are by far the best size, you really don't need 1/2" drive unless your going to get assertive with air tools.
To replace the rear plug, put a piece of petrol pipe etc over the end of the plug and use finger torque to make sure it starts on the threads properly.

Go to Halfords, (their PRO range is very good quality, avoid their 'normal' stuff though-it's shite) and ask for a Trade card, they're not fussy who they give them to. On some things you get a huge discount, ie with oil for my car, I get about £5 knocked off, etc,etc.

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

or garden hose

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Feros Ferio

Just don't turn the tap on, or the bike will get an even worse misfire

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

Thanks Adam, they are currently reducing their pro 120 piece socket set to £89 from £189 although it doubles up on what I mostly have! AF is hard to buy separately!

Most Halfords superstores I've been in have sets of AF combi spanners and shallow+deep sockets. They even do 3/8" drive AF hex drive (Allen) stuff separately in my local one and believe me, it's certainly a 'one horse town'

Try Bearing Man as well, they sell Beta stuff which is reasonable quality at sensible money. Their T27 and T30 (for Helicon owners ) drive handles are things of beauty.
For Allen keys, go Snap On every time unless you like drilling bolt heads

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

Search the internet for Bergen tools, they are good quality and about 20% the cost of Snap On. I have a 3/8 drive Snap On plug socket with a built in UJ that i think will be perfect for the rear plug. Don't remember seeing anyone mention lubricating the thread, best is Never Sieze but even copper slip will do, steel plugs and alloy heads is not a good mix.

No buy the 150 bit set. You can buy the odd UNC, not AF, bits as needed.

For fuck sake most stuff on a XB is a bit of piss. Even the plugs once you got the hang of it.And this shows you have a bad combustion burn. In fact one of the worst I have ever seen.