Changing spark plugs

[burlyviper]

I am changing my spark plugs for the first time on my 2011 Apex. I removed the bolt securing the boot. Is there anything else that needs to be loosened? If not, how hard to you have to pull up? Are there any tricks/tips?

Thanks.

 

[Rich Kay]

I am changing my spark plugs for the first time on my 2011 Apex. I removed the bolt securing the boot. Is there anything else that needs to be loosened? If not, how hard to you have to pull up? Are there any tricks/tips?

Thanks.

Just wondering ...... do you need to change them? And why?

 

[WinderFab]

burlyviper no that's it only one bolt each,
They are on there pretty tight,
I change mine every year just to do it, what I do is turn the boot about a quarter turn so you can get a small pry bar or a big flat head screw driver in there and carefully and slowly pry it up and it will come out, once it comes out about a 1/4 inch you can grab it with your hand and try and pull in out, if not pry it up some more,

 

[rlbock]

Coil removal

I would not pry on the coils, they break pretty easy, I found the best way was to pull on the round top part will a pair of channel lock pliers.

 

[WinderFab]

When I said pry I mean put the flat end under the boot and put something under the screw driver and lower the driver and it will lift right up,

I have changed my plugs every year since 07 and did and few more apex's the same way and never had a problem yet, knock on wood,

 

[Millinocket Rocket]

These plugs are supposed to last a looong time aren't they?

 

[WinderFab]

Yes very long, I just change them to do it,

 

[burlyviper]

Thanks. I want to change them as I already have everything apart to change the oil and I leave my sled in the UP during the winter, so don't want any problems. Gas and GO!!

 

[Rich Kay]

Thanks. I want to change them as I already have everything apart to change the oil and I leave my sled in the UP during the winter, so don't want any problems. Gas and GO!!

Thats cool ....again just wondering. I have the same plugs in my 07 apex and never had any issues with plugs.I pulled them once way back at 8,000 miles just to check them. I hear of guys fouling them once in awhile but I think its guys starting them and shuting them off real soon and also not just letting them "warm -up"properly summer or winter...
Rich.

 

[Teamblue4]

12,612 miles on mine and never fouled a plug, runs and starts awesome. still the OEM plugs.

 

[dab102999]

Quick question...would it be worth it to go to the 9's on the newer models like the guys were doing on the loder ones?

 

[TBay Sledhead]

Quick question...would it be worth it to go to the 9's on the newer models like the guys were doing on the loder ones?

9's are in the older models, they we going to 10's.

 

[thor452]

I always have turned the boot till i could get a finger under an ear and the twist back and fourth and pull up at the same time. I have never had to put a tool on the boots at all other then ofcoures to get the hold down bolt out. always reinstall with a little dilectric grease to allow them to come out easier the next time. I changed the plugs on my 07 once and my rx-1 onec but both times i didnt see any diffrence so on the 12 I am not touching them unless there is a problem.should not have to touch them for 10's of thousands of miles.

 

[BIG BLACK WARRIOR]

Just like my car. Once I get 100,000 miles on my 2011 Apex, then I will think about changing the plugs.

 

[sgauthier]

it's not a bad idea to at least remove the coils and clean/lube the boots. A friend of mine had his foul in -30* one morning on his 2013. it started and shut off twice and that's all it needed to foul the plugs. we ended up taking them out and drying them off (using starter fluid, lighter and a hair dryer to dry out each cylinder and keep or fingers warm). that was a cold 2-3 hour job after we figured that had to be the problem. Since he had already taken them off and lubed them they came right off without too much trouble. i will be doing the same thing next fall and while i'm in there i will replace my plugs and keep the old ones for spares, besides they don't cost much anyways