Installing new spark plugs socket getting stuck
 

Good evening everybody,

For those of you who installed your sparkplugs, what kind of socket did you use to install the new sparkplugs. I used a 14mm 3/8 drive deep socket to remove the existing spark plugs but when I go to tighten the new ones in, the socket that is attached to a extension comes undone. Since the hole is deep, there is absolutely no way to reach and get the socket undone and when i try to put the extension back into the socket and pull out, it does the same exact thing and gets undone. Any advice. Thanks everyone!

:tup:

there has to be a easier way than spending $74 for a single socket lol.

do you think this would work. Its also a 14mm 3/8 drive extra long spark plug socket. its actually used to remove Denso's from toyotas......

Yep, should work fine...just showed you what I have.
I know some of the Snap-On tools are pricey,,,but mechanix is my profession & I like 1st class tools. :tup:

I'm just an idiot who likes to Google stuff. And Joby is literally one of the best guys on here that will NOT steer you wrong. But you could try out something like this first since it would be easier to acquire and cheaper.

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...00000043798748

shouldnt I be avoiding standard sizes and only use metric? I heard using standard sizes instead of metrics can strip a bolt and thats the last thing I wanna be worry about when working on the motor.

You could use a 9/16” small diameter (X-Long) spark plug socket in place of the 14mm, as the torque is only 14 or 15#
Don’t purchase a 5/8”....too large for the plugs.
14mm= 0.5512”
9/16” = 0.5625”
I actually used a 9/16” the first time...only 0.011” larger & being a 6pt. It won’t slip.
The one you listed earlier should work fine.

On a side note; are you planning to remove the upper plenum before replacing plugs?
Makes it easier & leave TB’s attached as well.
You’ll be able to clean all the oil out of it & make decision about installation of catch cans.
Just a thought

already took out my intakes and throttlebodies as well for a proper cleaning. Also I forgot to mention, my current socket that ive had issues with isnt a thin walled so its thick. maybe thats why its getting stuck inside the spark plug hole after installing the new plugs?

I've got something very similar to this in my tool box: https://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...58542.html?s=p

Not the best tool for removing plugs but works great for putting them back in. And the socket can't come off.

Really easy and simple fix. Have done it many times for similar situations on aircraft.

You can grind down the body of socket to make it thin wall. All you need is bench grinder.

For the extension, you can then weld it on to the end of socket. I'm sure a shop can do that for some doughnuts!. LOL.

ZZ

is this long enough where it makes installing/removing spark plugs easier?

just bought this. hope its long enough so I can reach the plugs easier and get this car up and running.

The key to replacing the Z spark plugs is a thin-walled socket :twocents:

I cant find a 14mm 3/8 drive thin walled anywhere. Even went to all my tool stores and couldnt find anything. I see alot of 12 pointers or do I have a chance to strip the plug accidently.

Just get another spark plug socket and pull out the rubber insert that grips the plug. Use the original socket (with the spark plug lightly pushed into it ) to put the spark plug in the head a couple of threads deep, then you should be able to remove the socket easily as it was only lightly pushed onto the spark plug. Now switch over to the socket with the rubber insert removed and tighten the spark plug up. Been using this method for years

[QUOTE=Bryzed;3974005]Just get another spark plug socket and pull out the rubber insert that grips the plug. Use the original socket (with the spark plug lightly pushed into it ) to put the spark plug in the head a couple of threads deep, then you should be able to remove the socket easily as it was only lightly pushed onto the spark plug. Now switch over to the socket with the rubber insert removed and tighten the spark plug up. Been using this method for years[/QUOTE

I already fixed it. I had found a stronger magnetized extension and it did the trick but I do understand your method. Thanks alot man. Also should I be putting any type of anti-seize or lube on the OEM Denso plugs before installing??

[QUOTE=Wabbyy;3974027]Apply a small amount of nickle anti-seize to the plug threads. Do not get any on the electrodes'.

[QUOTE=Wabbyy;3974027]
Apparently no anti seize lube should be used, I personally never use anti seize lube but others do

[QUOTE=Bryzed;3974041]You never had a plug stuck in an aluminum head.

Nothing wrong with using anti-seize on spark plugs IF you apply it correctly. Use very sparingly and avoid the first thread to prevent getting any into the combustion chamber or fouling the plug.

Remember to use a little less torque when tightening (torque specs are usually specified for dry threads). More info on the Web.

[QUOTE=Rusty;3974043]Not in 20 years no but I'm aware people have had that issue.

I don't know if you read my post earlier, but here it is again.

You can grind down your socket wall with a bench grinder. Doesn't take long or in need of high skills.


SPLINED sockets work as well. Instead of 6 points or 12 point contact faces, they will have splines extending the length of socket. Will work on 6 or 12 point bolt. Your local Auto parts should have those.

It's low torque, so you shouldn't strip even with 12 point.

Antiseize is a must. Don't need a lot.

[QUOTE=Rusty;3974043]I’ll add to this to always remove the plugs with the engine hot, you’ll have much less issue with stuck plugs.

This is the 14mm socket you want for doing spark plugs. O'Reilly's has them. They are magnetic instead of having the old rubber boot thing inside. A god send for install and removal of deep in the Cylinder head plugs. I use this one with a 3/8 12" extension. No issues at all with removal or installation.

See the link.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...g+socket&pos=3

Only $7.99. I think they will ship them.

Tape the socket onto the extension when you put the plugs in. Get done, take the tape back off.