Extra Deep Spark Plug Socket?

[bob_the_builder]

I have a 2008 Subaru Impreza which was experiencing some random mis-fires on cylinders 1 and 2 according to the check engine light. I looked at the spark plug wires and noticed that two of the four were really loose. When I pulled on the loose ones I noticed that the metal piece inside the spark plug wire was broken and stuck to the end of the spark plug. I am not sure if this is the root cause or not but I know it needs to be fixed.

So know my question is what is the best way to get the spark plug out so I can replace it. I tried a bunch of my spark plug sockets and my deep regular sockets but since there is the metal crimp of the wire stock on the plug the sockets do not go down deep enough. I notice that some companies sell extra deep spark plug sockets something like:

Are these sockets hollow in the middle to help with this problem? Or am I better to try to reach into the spark plug hole with pliers and try to pull the crimp off the end and then use a regular spark plug socket.

Bob

 

[Finky198]

They are available, but I'd try a long pick or 2 (like chop sticks) lol, or a good long set of hemostats might be perfect in this situation

Give it a go before you go buying a socket ( which I doubt you'll be able to find locally)

 

[shockwave]

Grab some 45 degree needle nose pliers and grap tip that snaps on to electrode tip

Use regular spark plug socket and remove rubber insulting and use external hex on spark plug socket by using other socket with ratchet

Common problem with wires make sure to use dielectric grease at tip of plug where the wire meets

 

[bwringer]

Depending on the size of spark plug, you might be able to find a deeper spark plug socket on the shelf at a motorcycle shoppe -- someplace that sells dirtbike stuff.

For example (this one fits spark plugs with 18mm hexes):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009D35UEQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20


As to whether this will help solve your problem... I have no idea.

 

[JBradley500]

The motorcycle idea seems like a good one but I don't think those sheet metal sockets have square drive for a ratchet so you'll need to make sure it's long enough to protrude out of the head.

 

[joe_padavano]

If you simply drop your current spark plug socket over the plug without an extension in the square drive, can you get the terminal to stick up into the 3/8" square hole? Once you do that, simply use a conventional socket on the outside hex of the plug socket.

 

[bob_the_builder]

Thanks for everyone input. The engine is a boxer engine so the spark plugs are deep into the engine and right up against the frame rail so there is very little room to go in with pliers.

If you simply drop your current spark plug socket over the plug without an extension in the square drive, can you get the terminal to stick up into the 3/8" square hole? Once you do that, simply use a conventional socket on the outside hex of the plug socket.

I really like this idea. I think I will need to pull out the rubber part of the socket and might give this a try. I am a little concerned if I can get a regular socket on the spark plug socket since I can only get a 5/8 socket into the hole in the valve cover.

Bob

 

[Pipe]

Bob they are probably 5/8 sized spark plugs.

 

[bob_the_builder]

So purchased new spark plugs tonight and yes they are 5/8. I tried the method use using the a spark plug socket without the rubber insert and then using a 3/4 to turn the spark plug socket but I could not get the 3/4 into the valve cover. The picture I took did not turn out well so I just found a random picture online. This is what I am dealing with but its probably 5 inchs into the engine.

I tried to reach in with needle nose pliers but since the plug is so far in I do not have alot of room to open the pliers. I do not have a pair of extended reach so I might have to invest in a pair now or I thought I would try an extra deep spark plug socket. I was wondering if the extra deep socket would have a thru hole so the end of the wire would not bottom out on the socket.

Here are some pictures of the room I am working with:

 

[stage20]

if you have the ability, cut a spark plug socket in half with your choice of saw and then weld a piece of pipe inbetween. or if you have another spark plug socket, mix and match the ends youve cut and make your own custom length socket

 

[bob_the_builder]

if you have the ability, cut a spark plug socket in half with your choice of saw and then weld a piece of pipe inbetween. or if you have another spark plug socket, mix and match the ends youve cut and make your own custom length socket

That's a good idea

 

[619DioFan]

I have one of those extra deep sockets ( 5/8 ) works great. is hollow all the way through. I believe I got mine at auto zone.

 

[WhiffySpark]

An extra deep socket might not make it past the frame rails. You don't have alot of clearance. It happens on those engines alot angled pliers can work or mini pliers sometimes. I can't tell you exactly what to buy

 

[JBradley500]

Can you hook it with a pick and pull the metal off?

 

[wayne55]

I bought the extra deep spark plug socket that Harbor Freight sells for my Kohler lawn mower engine. Works fine.

 

[Finky198]

Can you hook it with a pick and pull the metal off?

I said the same thing and even sugested long hemostats even HF carries them. looks like were wasting our breath

OP seems dead set on the socket idea....