OK, new owner (99 400EX), bought a new spark plug (18 MM socket fit new plug) but how in the (*^#!@&^%@$#&@!%(#@^# do you get a socket on the plug? Is there a special tool or am I not holding my mouth right? I work on cars but this is my first quad. Please help !!!!!!!

 

My buddy has a 400ex oneday I saw him change the plug he said he has to use a special tool.

 

you need the stock sparkplug socket.. there only 5 bucks at the dealer

 

Boy that really pisses me off. I bought oil, filter, and a spark plug. I told the geniuses I just bought it and it was my first quad. You'd think if they sold a new owner a spark plug that takes a special tool then they might actually bring that up. I love the quad, and $5 doesn't bother me but I gotta drive 30 miles to the damn dealer again.

Oh, just to hijack my own thread I was going to change the plug because I flooded it today. I forgot I had the fuel shut off (DOH!!!!) then kinda jumped the gun on the throttle because my battery was getting weak. Anyone know any tricks on starting a flooded engine without pulling the plug? I can't keep it running more than about 3-5 seconds. I probably fouled the plug and am stuck until tomorrow but dang I wanted to ride today.

And thanks dudes for the replies. I'll be picking up a tool tomorrrow.

 

If the plug in it is brand new and you flouded it waite about 15min and it should fire right up you cant foul a plug just by floding the enging thats what I was always told and I belive it.

 

you will need a new plug and a socket anyways because 400exs are always foulin plugs.

but i havent had that problem since i put an amr coil and rev box in it.....or ive gotten better at starting it.

 

K, thx guys. I bought it used and don't know how old the plug is. I am doing a tune-up to learn more about the quad and to make sure everything's in good shape.

 

The correct spark plug socket should have come with the quad, in the tool box...its about the only useful thing in it.
Hows the air filter look? It probably needs a good cleaning and reoiling, because it sound like its running a bit rich now.

 

Well, the tool box came empty. I have a Clymer's manual for it. The air filter is a K&N which I am giving a new recharge to. You're probably right because it did backfire a couple of times when I tried to start it. It smells like fuel and when it starts, it just spits and sputters and puffs black smoke and dies. I'm getting the plug socket this morning, was thinking aboutb uying the correct tool kit but if there isn't really anything useful then I'll probably just buy the socket.