Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Spark plug end screws and AI question

I purchased some new NGK DPR8EIX-9 spark plugs to replace the original 2003 standard plugs.

The new ones don't have the metsl screw on the insulator end like the old ones do.
I presume I need those screws. If I can't go without the screws, can I take them out of the old plugs? Were the plugs supposed to come with them?

Here's what the new plugs look like:



Also, The bolt beside the spark plug/boot, is that from an AI elimination kit? I believe it is.

Can I just take that out to get to the spark plug easier? Is there anything i need to know or watch for if I take it out. I can't get my spark plug socket around the plug with the bolt in place.

Here's a pic:

Yes, that bolt is part of the AI elimination kit. I recognize the Union Jack on the head.

I can easily access my plugs with an 18 mm deep well & narrow wall socket I got at Sears. I would not remove the bolts. I think it has a crush washer. Plus, you'll have to tighten it back up a few times, as the engine heats up/cools down. Plus you are risking accidentally stripping threads or worse, as you fiddle with these bolts.

I'm on the road so I can't help with the connector on the top of the spark plug.

Good luck!

That nib on top of your plug unscrews to expose the threaded part you need.
Yes thats bolt withe the Union Jack is an AI removal kit.

Dont take this the wrong way but two suggestions...
1) Learn to resize your pictures.
2) If you don't know the nib top of your plugs unscrew then I feel I have to say this... PLEASE be careful with the replacement. If you strip that plug hole on the head your in for a heck of a time.

I'll try to get the pics resized.


I knew I could physically take them out, based on the fact the new ones could have threads to insert the tip.

I was more concerned with functionality of the old screws. You're saying it shouldn't be a problem, correct?

Correct... but let me clarify my comment...
The nib on the new plug should unscrew. You may need a plier to get it loose but all it'll come off. All plugs are like that... the nib comes with them and in our case we just remove them.

Uhh, I'm confused.

There isn't a "nib" on the new ones.

The nib is on the old ones that are still on my bike.

That picture of the new plug will work just the way it is. You don't have to thread anything else into it. The piece on the top of the plug is the male portion that has an interference fit with the plug wire. It is removable but you should never need to remove it unless you loose one.

Take a picture of the old plug for us. I'm curious to see what extra is threaded into the plug?