Crackheads stealing spark plugs
- Zaddict
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
02 Jan 2016 18:25
Oh, I already have an alarm installed, complete with proximity sensor positioned such that if anyone touches the plugs it goes off. Hasn't been enough though.
Just so it's clear what's going on with my hack, the bottom of the spark plug cover can't be pulled up as it's wrapped around the bottom nut of the plug (but above the crush washer so the plug can be tightened). The top is cinched above the thickest part of the cap, so the cap can't be pulled off. I gave it a good amount of effort testing it out and couldn't budge the assembly at all. I did order metal cable ties and will hide them by looping through the inner fabric of the spark plug cover.
Of course it's just a delay tactic, but hopefully it will help.
Just so it's clear what's going on with my hack, the bottom of the spark plug cover can't be pulled up as it's wrapped around the bottom nut of the plug (but above the crush washer so the plug can be tightened). The top is cinched above the thickest part of the cap, so the cap can't be pulled off. I gave it a good amount of effort testing it out and couldn't budge the assembly at all. I did order metal cable ties and will hide them by looping through the inner fabric of the spark plug cover.
Of course it's just a delay tactic, but hopefully it will help.
Attachment 41AB337MLjL._SY450_.jpg not found
1990 Zephyr zr550 B1
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...
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- SWest
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
02 Jan 2016 18:40
Good luck with it. Too bad you can't just move. That sucks. :dry:
Steve
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
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- Zaddict
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
26 Mar 2016 17:48
Just a quick update for anyone who has run into this problem and is looking for a solution - it's been three months with no problems. I've noticed my spark plug wires rotated twice, which means most likely someone tried to remove the plugs but moved on when they couldn't pull off the caps. Crossing my fingers but it's looking good so far.
1990 Zephyr zr550 B1
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...
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- SWest
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
26 Mar 2016 18:26
OH NO MR BASEBALL BAT....DON'T DO IT. :evil:
Steve
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
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- car5car
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
26 Mar 2016 19:49Looks like Dirty Harry's revolver 44 Mag.swest wrote:650ed wrote: I have the following fire and theft policy.Ed
Attachment FireTheftPolicy-2.jpg not found
SW 357 mag?
Steve
96 Yamaha Royal Star
82 Yamaha Virago 920
82 Yamaha Virago 920
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- SWest
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
26 Mar 2016 19:59
Instead of my Red Hawk 44 Mag, I should have bought a 357. That way I could plunk to my hearts content. :evil:
Steve
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
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- floivanus
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
26 Mar 2016 23:03
My old lady was watching a show on netflix (hacking the system, or something like that) that recomended a broken spark plug to break a car window if you needed to in an emergency...
my bikes; 80kz1000(project), 77 gl1000, 74 h2 (project)
Past; 78 kz1000, 83 kz550
Andrew
Past; 78 kz1000, 83 kz550
Andrew
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- djturnz
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
02 Jul 2016 07:19
Brian Brushwood's show.
All episodes are on YouTube
All episodes are on YouTube
1982 KZ750 (4) LTD
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- McZed
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
02 Jul 2016 08:24
I live in rural Scotland, somebody once stole my rubbish bin. I wasn't best please.

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- Zaddict
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
09 Jul 2018 20:40
Well my little hack successfully prevented crackhead damage for 2.5 years. That is despite regular attempts (which I notice each time because the spark plug wires are moved). Then a few days ago, just after I installed new wires and a fancy new ignition system, some crackhead of unusual strength and/or determination ripped a boot free. Still didn't get the plug, but inspired me to buff up my defenses a bit. I can think of even gnarlier deterrents, but will try this for now.
1990 Zephyr zr550 B1
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...
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- Zaddict
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
09 Jul 2018 20:47
Oh crap, looks like my original photos of the solution disappeared. I'll upload them again - I know there are lots of others experiencing this issue in SF that might find them helpful. It was spark plug wire insulators locked in under the plug and cinched around the top of the boot with zip ties - impossible to pull the boot off...well until this latest supercrackhead attack.
1990 Zephyr zr550 B1
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...
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- Zaddict
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Re: Crackheads stealing spark plugs
09 Jul 2018 21:34 - 09 Jul 2018 21:37
reposting original pics of crackhead deterrent system (though now I added some sharp pins for additional security)
1990 Zephyr zr550 B1
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...
Wiseco 615cc kit
zx550 cams
SPII ignition system
Kerker stainless steel race exhaust with 1.5" competition baffle
K&N Air Filter...
Last edit: 09 Jul 2018 21:37 by Zaddict.
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