2011 Camhead Spark Plug hassles...

decka · 03-11-2012, 09:43 PM

Had a little trouble getting my main plugs out for the 6k service. I've got a 14mm "long" socket but it wasn't quite long enough. I was able to do it by not fully inserting the extension into the socket—just enough contact to engage, but not clicked in—and then retrieving the socket from the hole with a magnet-pointer once finished, but I don't love that as a long-term solution. Looks like Craftsman has a thin-walled long 14mm. Anyone have this? Any suggestions?

Also, can't seem to figure out the actual torque spec for the plugs. I have documentation from previous models that says 23nm but JVB lists the torque at 12nm with the tighten-loosen-retighten regimen. Anyone can tell me the definitive spec?

JimVonBaden · 03-12-2012, 04:42 AM

The Camhead doesn't need a thinwall socket. A regular 14mm socket, or sparkplug socket, will work just fine. As for the torque value, it came directly from the factory manual. Unless there has been a change it is accurate.

Jim

decka · 03-12-2012, 07:21 AM

Thanks, Jim. I'll go with you and the factory:)

TheRoss · 04-23-2012, 08:06 AM

Has anyone identified an alternative to the BMW plugs for a Camhead (2011 GSA)?

Anyone know how much BMW is getting for 4 plugs?

What is the replacement interval?

bloochdog · 04-23-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRoss

Has anyone identified an alternative to the BMW plugs for a Camhead (2011 GSA)?

Anyone know how much BMW is getting for 4 plugs?

What is the replacement interval?

I just paid 16 bucks a piece for my 2010 gs adv. .. I feel i need to talk to someone.. I feel so dirty now.

24k is the word on the street.

JimVonBaden · 04-23-2012, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloochdog

I just paid 16 bucks a piece for my 2010 gs adv. .. I feel i need to talk to someone.. I feel so dirty now.

24k is the word on the street.

Quitcherbitchin you bum!

Jim

ATCguy · 04-23-2012, 12:43 PM

Sparkplugs.com is selling the NGK plugs for $7.83/each... traditional or iridium

EDIT (4/24): Bad info... Sorry.

JimVonBaden · 04-23-2012, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATCguy

Sparkplugs.com is selling the NGK plugs for $7.83/each... traditional or iridium

NGK DCPR8EKC: http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_cr...8EKC&x=45&y=15

NGK DCPR8EIX: http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_cr...8EIX&x=49&y=12

Are you sure those are for the Camhead and not the Hexhead?

Jim

Florida Lime · 04-23-2012, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRoss

Has anyone identified an alternative to the BMW plugs for a Camhead (2011 GSA)?

Anyone know how much BMW is getting for 4 plugs?

What is the replacement interval?

No alternate yet.

I changed mine at 30,000 miles. They were worn, but really not too bad.
I figured since I had already paid for the new ones, and had the original ones out........why not.

ATCguy · 04-23-2012, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

Are you sure those are for the Camhead and not the Hexhead?

Jim

EDIT (4/24)

Ouch! You got me, Jim. I just took the info from the FAQ sticky in section 3.3, which has NOT been updated. :(

ATCguy · 04-24-2012, 10:22 AM

Ok, according to the manual... we need the following plug: NGK MAR8B-JDS

A quick check on the web shows there aren't too many places to get them here in the US as yet. Wunderlich wants almost $20/plug... and I can't find any other brand with a cross-reference.

So maybe $16 at the dealer isn't so bad right now.

Roadscum · 04-24-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATCguy

Ok, according to the manual... we need the following plug: NGK MAR8B-JDS

A quick check on the web shows there aren't too many places to get them here in the US as yet. Wunderlich wants almost $20/plug... and I can't find any other brand with a cross-reference.

So maybe $16 at the dealer isn't so bad right now.

It's been said before but I'll say it again..... BMW=Bring More Wallet.

I REALLY like my new Yamaha Super Tenere!

Regards, Paul

JimVonBaden · 04-24-2012, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadscum

It's been said before but I'll say it again..... BMW=Bring More Wallet.

I REALLY like my new Yamaha Super Tenere!

Regards, Paul

Thanks for that insiteful and useful post!

Jim

WindSailor · 04-24-2012, 07:39 PM

I emailed NGK for a part number and a quote on an Iridium spark plug for the 2010 - 2011 R1200GSA camhead series and here is what I got back:

Quote:

Hello,
This would be the plug that you are looking for.
---
DCPR8EKP
7415
.028
---
Best Regards,

Jason Norwood
NGK Spark Plugs ( USA) Inc.
Technical and Training Specialist – Aftermarket Division
Email: jnorwood@ngksparkplugs.com
ASE Certified
Ngksparkplugs.com

I guess one could email Jason with any more questions...

As soon as I get a response back from DENSO, I'll post it.

ATCguy · 04-24-2012, 08:43 PM

WindSailor... take this for what it's worth, but that's the plug listed in the FAQ Sticky for 1200cc engines. However... that is NOT the plug for my 2011 R12GS.

Look in your Owner's Manual, and it should tell you what plug you need. If I remember correctly, mine was listed on page 152.

03-11-2012, 09:43 PM	#1
decka ^OP Adventurer Joined: Oct 2009 Location: San Francisco, California Oddometer: 70	2011 Camhead Spark Plug hassles... Had a little trouble getting my main plugs out for the 6k service. I've got a 14mm "long" socket but it wasn't quite long enough. I was able to do it by not fully inserting the extension into the socket—just enough contact to engage, but not clicked in—and then retrieving the socket from the hole with a magnet-pointer once finished, but I don't love that as a long-term solution. Looks like Craftsman has a thin-walled long 14mm. Anyone have this? Any suggestions? Also, can't seem to figure out the actual torque spec for the plugs. I have documentation from previous models that says 23nm but JVB lists the torque at 12nm with the tighten-loosen-retighten regimen. Anyone can tell me the definitive spec?

03-12-2012, 04:42 AM	#2
JimVonBaden "Cool" Aid! Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Alexandria, VA Oddometer: 41,491	The Camhead doesn't need a thinwall socket. A regular 14mm socket, or sparkplug socket, will work just fine. As for the torque value, it came directly from the factory manual. Unless there has been a change it is accurate. Jim __________________ Click here for BMW Maintenance and Repair DVDs and Corrections. "Combo-Order Discounts!"

04-23-2012, 08:06 AM	#4
TheRoss IBA, BMWMOA Joined: Aug 2006 Location: West Texas Oddometer: 188	Has anyone identified an alternative to the BMW plugs for a Camhead (2011 GSA)? Anyone know how much BMW is getting for 4 plugs? What is the replacement interval? __________________ Christopher Ross 2011 R1200GSA - Helga 1974 R90S - Smokey

04-23-2012, 12:43 PM	#7
ATCguy Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2010 Location: southeastern NC Oddometer: 284	Sparkplugs.com is selling the NGK plugs for $7.83/each... traditional or iridium EDIT (4/24): Bad info... Sorry. __________________ Tom AMA - BMW MOA '07 Honda GL1800A Gold Wing '11 BMW R1200GS "TRIPLE BLACK" '12 Ford F250 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 Diesel ATCguy screwed with this post 04-24-2012 at 10:23 AM

04-24-2012, 10:22 AM	#11
ATCguy Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2010 Location: southeastern NC Oddometer: 284	Ok, according to the manual... we need the following plug: NGK MAR8B-JDS A quick check on the web shows there aren't too many places to get them here in the US as yet. Wunderlich wants almost $20/plug... and I can't find any other brand with a cross-reference. So maybe $16 at the dealer isn't so bad right now. __________________ Tom AMA - BMW MOA '07 Honda GL1800A Gold Wing '11 BMW R1200GS "TRIPLE BLACK" '12 Ford F250 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 Diesel

03-12-2012, 07:21 AM	#3
decka ^OP Adventurer Joined: Oct 2009 Location: San Francisco, California Oddometer: 70	Thanks, Jim. I'll go with you and the factory:)

04-24-2012, 08:43 PM	#15
ATCguy Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2010 Location: southeastern NC Oddometer: 284	WindSailor... take this for what it's worth, but that's the plug listed in the FAQ Sticky for 1200cc engines. However... that is NOT the plug for my 2011 R12GS. Look in your Owner's Manual, and it should tell you what plug you need. If I remember correctly, mine was listed on page 152. __________________ Tom AMA - BMW MOA '07 Honda GL1800A Gold Wing '11 BMW R1200GS "TRIPLE BLACK" '12 Ford F250 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4 Diesel

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