sloppy

[smartbear]

hi,has anybody else got the plastic sparkplug cap removal tool? iv just got mine & whilst it seems to clip over the cap ok as soon as i pull it slips off like a limp wristed thing without the plug cap even noticing!
is it possible to operate this wrongly

 

[EggChaser]

Try this:

1) Locate the tool over the plug cap.
2) Put 1 finger from both hands inside the plastic loop on the top of the tool.
3) Put pressure outwards on the sides of the plastic loop - which helps force the sides that grip the plu cap inwards.
4) Whilst still exerting sideways presssure pull outwards

Worked this out on my R1100S and then found it worked on the GS too.

Oh and if you still have problems, metal plug cap pullers do exist - hopefully someone else will be along to provide info on these.

 

[Spout]

Oh and if you still have problems, metal plug cap pullers do exist - hopefully someone else will be along to provide info on these.

Yeah. They're called screwdrivers.

 

[EggChaser]

Yeah. They're called screwdrivers.

Umm I would not use a screwdriver as it is too easy to damage the plastic of the cap puller and the clips that hold the HT lead into the cap - never mind marking the cylinder head cover.

 

[Uinneag]

Umm I would not use a screwdriver as it is too easy to damage the plastic of the cap puller and the clips that hold the HT lead into the cap - never mind marking the cylinder head cover.

Hammer then

 

[RickG]

Umm I would not use a screwdriver as it is too easy to damage the plastic of the cap puller and the clips that hold the HT lead into the cap - never mind marking the cylinder head cover.

I would and do, it's a doddle. Just need a long, broad bladed screwdriver that slips along the groove under the plug cable and then gently eases up against the part of the plug cap where the wires connect. Then just lever gently while pulling what part of the plug cap you can grip with your fingers. Done it many times, no fuss no marks.

A small dollop of silicone grease on the plug cap where it grips the plug not only makes it pop on and off without undue force but furthr improves the waterproofing.

Simples

 

[EggChaser]

I would and do, it's a doddle. Just need a long, broad bladed screwdriver that slips along the groove under the plug cable and then gently eases up against the part of the plug cap where the wires connect.

From experience I broke the cable connector clip trying this on my R1100S - so am not going anywhere near the same technique on my GS.

It might be luck in terms of how firmly the cap is located on the cylinder head as to whether this method works or not it also might be easier on the GS than the S - from my point of view though I do not want to do the same thing again.

 

[Owen Snell]

Umm I would not use a screwdriver as it is too easy to damage the plastic of the cap puller and the clips that hold the HT lead into the cap - never mind marking the cylinder head cover.

No need for a special tool unless you are especially ham fisted. Use 2 large flat bladed screwdrivers together and lever outwards gently on opposite sides of the cap. Gentle pressure and it pops off. Put duct tape on the end of the screwdrivers (about an inch) so as not to mark the cap or the cylinder head.

 

[EggChaser]

No need for a special tool unless you are especially ham fisted. Use 2 large flat bladed screwdrivers together and lever outwards gently on opposite sides of the cap. Gentle pressure and it pops off. Put duct tape on the end of the screwdrivers (about an inch) so as not to mark the cap or the cylinder head.

Now a 2 screwdriver technique sounds better - never tried that, although as the plastic BMW tool works for me probably never will try it.

 

[jontym]

Pair of 90 degree circlip pliers no problem!

 

[Pukmeister]

No need for a special tool unless you are especially ham fisted. Use 2 large flat bladed screwdrivers together and lever outwards gently on opposite sides of the cap. Gentle pressure and it pops off. Put duct tape on the end of the screwdrivers (about an inch) so as not to mark the cap or the cylinder head.

+1, works for me every time without ever damaging anything.

 

[autogs]

screwdrivers x2 for me aswell used this method several times no mishaps yet

 

[OldCroc]

I bought one of these when I had an R1150R - works a treat.

http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Plug_Tool.htm

OldCroc

 

[itchywheels]

I started off using srew drivers I wouldn't want any body using screwdrivers on my bike and mines a heap !!!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=270412115715

He should have some more by the end of this week

 

[itchywheels]

P.S' when I travel, I have not got space for two long srewdrivers.

 

[autogs]

P.S' when I travel, I have not got space for two long srewdrivers.

who said they had to be long screwdrivers

 

[smartbear]

made of money

I bought one of these when I had an R1150R - works a treat.

http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Plug_Tool.htm

OldCroc

looks good but theres no way i would be willing to pay 25 dollars for a cap removal tool, maybe im just tight!

 

[Owen Snell]

looks good but theres no way i would be willing to pay 25 dollars for a cap removal tool, maybe im just tight!

Me neither. The plastic one was missing from the bike when I got it, so improvisation is the order of the day.

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

I found that the puller has a weaker grip on the plug the harder you squeeze it. So, try not to squeeze it too hard as you pull it. This should enable you to get the cap off by the roadside if necessary.

At home for servicing, I use screwdrivers.

Will put RickG's silicon grease tip into practice.

 

[itchywheels]

For all those that don't want to use screw drivers

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=270434185350

He's now selling these world wide