Spark plug change

[Wheelin]

Ok, I finally managed to hook the air filter case back to the rubber hose at the bottom of the case. That was the biggest pain in the arse that I’ve encountered in quite a while. I’m curious to know if anyone has come up with an easy way to do it or some special tool. I had to do it by hooking the hose to the bottom of the case and then threading the hose and connecting it at the other end near the fork. Should I severely dehydrate myself in the hopes that may hands will shrink? Yikes!

 

[SilverBullet]

You ended up doing it the easiest method. Really a non issue that way. Comes off and goes back on in less than a minute.

_

 

[Wheelin]

You ended up doing it the easiest method. Really a non issue that way. Comes off and goes back on in less than a minute.

_

Then I must have meat hooks for hands, because it took me over 30 minutes just to hook up that hose! ::010::

 

[SilverBullet]

Then I must have meat hooks for hands, because it took me over 30 minutes just to hook up that hose! ::010::

Space is tight in there, my hand can't reach it. I use a pair of Channellock pliers to pull the hose over the nipple and wiggle it down. Then the same pliers for the squeeze hose clamp.

Sent from my SM-G860P using Tapatalk

 

[Wheelin]

Space is tight in there, my hand can't reach it. I use a pair of Channellock pliers to pull the hose over the nipple and wiggle it down. Then the same pliers for the squeeze hose clamp.

Sent from my SM-G860P using Tapatalk

I’m impressed that you were able to get some channel locks in there. I ultimately had to use my hand and feel for the barb.

Anyway, I’ll get a hose clamp plier set and see if that helps in the future. Even if it doesn’t, I can still use them on my car.

 

[2daMax]

I spent half the total duration on this hose reinstallation. Finally took the advice of changing the clamp at the air box side to the ones that uses a bolt to tighten/loosen.

 

[Juan]

The pain is not to reconnect the hose, but to reconnect the clip. I changed the original clip to a jubilee clip (the one that tightens as you screw in the bolt).

 

[Madhatter]

I fought that clamp for 3 hours trying to get it back in place.......... small hose clamp made it all better.....

 

[SparrowHawkxx]

I have never had a problem with this so I was surprised to see this was such a problem. Maybe it's just the tool being used to open the clip, I know the tool can make all the difference in making a job hard or easy.

I use linesman pliers, these have a wide tip (9/16" / 14 mm) so you can grab all 3 prongs on the clip and fully open it, then just slide it down the hose past the nipple (about an inch or so). Then pull the hose off by hand.
On reassembly, the clip should still be in the same place. I just go in with my left hand and push the hose back on, then fully open the clip with the piers and slide it back in position.

My pliers are Klein but I do not know the model number since the number has worn off the side. I got mine in 1989 and think I paid around $15. These have been one of my most used tools. Klein web site calls these 9" Side-Cutting Pliers. They have many variations of this tool, all with the same basic dimensions.

These appear to be about the same as what I have.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/high-leverage-side-cutters/9-inch-journeyman-pliers-side-cutting#
If you click the buy now button on the website it lists several retailers with the lowest price of $38.36.
All the measurements match what I have but the spec they give for the jaw width is with the pliers layers laying flat and measured across the widest point, the measurement I gave above would basically be with the pliers laying flat then measure the height. (They don't give this measurement)

I am sure you could find a similar tool that is cheaper, the important thing is probably having the same shape tool to get in there and having a tip wide enough to easily grab all three prongs.
I hope this helps.

 

[scott123007]

Those are called flat band hose clamps and the right tool for the job (flat band hose clamp pliers) can be bought on Ebay for under $10.

 

[Wheelin]

I spent half the total duration on this hose reinstallation. Finally took the advice of changing the clamp at the air box side to the ones that uses a bolt to tighten/loosen.

Yeah, I thought about doing that for the next change, as well. I’m
Having trouble staying motivated at this point.

 

[Wheelin]

I have never had a problem with this so I was surprised to see this was such a problem. Maybe it's just the tool being used to open the clip, I know the tool can make all the difference in making a job hard or easy.

I use linesman pliers, these have a wide tip (9/16" / 14 mm) so you can grab all 3 prongs on the clip and fully open it then just slide it down the hose past the nipple. Then pull the hose off.
On reassembly, the clip should still be in the same place. Push the hose back on, then fully open the clip with the piers and slide it back in position.

Yes, absolutely. The right tool can make all the difference. I’ll look into this, thanks.

Even when I hooked the hose to the bottom of the air filter basket, I had trouble fishing the tube through the empty space to the fitting near the fork. My thought is that maybe next time I can use a long string tied into the end of the tube to help thread it through.

 

[Wheelin]

Those are called flat band hose clamps and the right tool for the job (flat band hose clamp pliers) can be bought on Ebay for under $10.

That’s what I love about these forums. Someone always has a good idea. Thanks.

 

[RonH]

Cheap pliers at Harbor Freight work real good.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/pliers/11-inch-90-angle-long-reach-pliers-39539.html.

 

[jmz]

I have a pair of long cheap needle nose pliers like RonH posted but mine have a 45 degree angle . They worked great for this hose and other hard to to reach jobs .

 

[Wheelin]

Cheap pliers at Harbor Freight work real good.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/pliers/11-inch-90-angle-long-reach-pliers-39539.html.

Hmm. 90 degrees. I have some 45 degree pliers and I still found the hose clamps to be a pain. Maybe I’m just a klutz? Oh well, I’m not going to give up just yet. When the next spark plug change comes around, I’ll give it one more try – – hopefully with some better tools