Stupidest Question of the Month

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  • JerbGas
    • Apr 2026

    #1

    Stupidest Question of the Month

    I have a 1980 GS550L and I'm about to change the oil for the first time (just bought it) and I dont know what size socket I need for the oil drain plug. The biggest I have is 19mm and that was way too small. Figured I'd ask instead of wasting my money buying sockets I won't need.
  • tkent02
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    • Jan 2006
    • 35571
    • Near South Park

    #2
    Spark plug socket should fit.
    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

    Life is too short to ride an L.

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    • JerbGas

      #3
      Originally posted by tkent02
      Spark plug socket should fit.
      Spark plugs are 18mm if i recall, but it definitely wont fit. Im thinking it's like 21 or 22mm. Just want to know for sure.

      Comment

      • gbw
        Forum Sage
        Past Site Supporter
        • Nov 2007
        • 2262
        • Murfreesboro TN

        #4
        My 77GS750 was similar. I think I used the sparkplug wrench that fit the plug on my lawnmower.

        Comment

        • Steve
          GS Whisperer
          • Jun 2005
          • 35927
          • southwest oHIo

          #5
          A "standard" spark plug is 13/16", which is 20.64mm. Might be a bit snug, as the drain plug was designed with metric specs, so it's 21mm

          Your 550 does use spark plugs with a smaller hex on them, so reach in your other drawer, pull out the 'big' plug socket.

          .
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          mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
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          • tkent02
            Forum LongTimer
            Past Site Supporter
            • Jan 2006
            • 35571
            • Near South Park

            #6
            No the 1980 550s use regular old B8ES, so it's the 13/16 socket. Have one sitting on my shop floor awaiting 675 surgery. The later ones probably use the 5/8 plugs or even the 16mm or whatever they are on the 650s.
            http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

            Life is too short to ride an L.

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            • Prairie

              #7
              We have to change oil on these???? Really????
              Wow.......

              Comment

              • JerbGas

                #8
                Originally posted by Steve
                A "standard" spark plug is 13/16", which is 20.64mm. Might be a bit snug, as the drain plug was designed with metric specs, so it's 21mm

                Your 550 does use spark plugs with a smaller hex on them, so reach in your other drawer, pull out the 'big' plug socket.

                .
                My second post ever and here Steve is to answer it successfully yet again. 2/2, I'm beginning to like you!

                Comment

                • Nessism
                  Forum LongTimer
                  GSResource Superstar
                  Past Site Supporter
                  Super Site Supporter
                  • Mar 2006
                  • 35811
                  • Torrance, CA

                  #9
                  What kind of oil did you buy?

                  This is a test to see if you know how to research in the archives.
                  Ed

                  To measure is to know.

                  Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

                  Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

                  Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

                  KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

                  Comment

                  • tkent02
                    Forum LongTimer
                    Past Site Supporter
                    • Jan 2006
                    • 35571
                    • Near South Park

                    #10
                    Originally posted by Prairie
                    We have to change oil on these???? Really????
                    Wow.......
                    Once every decade or so isn't too much to ask, is it?
                    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

                    Life is too short to ride an L.

                    Comment

                    • JerbGas

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Nessism
                      What kind of oil did you buy?

                      This is a test to see if you know how to research in the archives.
                      Valvoline Full Synthetic 10w-40 for motorcycles.

                      I've read conflicting opinions on whether or not it matters if you use motorcycle specific oil, so I figured what the hell pay a few extra dollars (i dont even think i paid more though) for some added piece of mind.

                      Comment

                      • JerbGas

                        #12
                        Originally posted by Prairie
                        We have to change oil on these???? Really????
                        Wow.......
                        I plan to change it every summer, because why not it costs like 15 bucks and its an old bike. 27k miles aint a crazy amount but ****, it gives me an excuse to get my hands dirty.

                        Comment

                        • silverhelme
                          Forum Apprentice
                          Past Site Supporter
                          • Jul 2010
                          • 95
                          • Republic, WA

                          #13
                          Originally posted by JerbGas
                          Valvoline Full Synthetic 10w-40 for motorcycles.

                          I've read conflicting opinions on whether or not it matters if you use motorcycle specific oil, so I figured what the hell pay a few extra dollars (i dont even think i paid more though) for some added piece of mind.
                          Obviously he either didn't search or didn't believe what was recommended.
                          1982 GS750EZ
                          1978 GS750EC

                          Comment

                          • alke46
                            Forum Sage
                            Past Site Supporter
                            Super Site Supporter
                            • Sep 2008
                            • 3222
                            • Harrison, Ar.

                            #14
                            I had the same thought.
                            Larry

                            79 GS1000E 2019 Triumph 800 XRT

                            Comment

                            • SocialAnomaly99

                              #15
                              Does your starter clutch still grab?

                              Comment

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