_brian_
Well-known member
Anyone used a 17mm spark plug socket for its intended purpose? What vehicles is this used on?
Tool: Matco / Silver Eagle B17MSP6SE
Tool: Matco / Silver Eagle B17MSP6SE
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Spark Plug Socket - 17mm
- Thread starter _brian_
- Start date
whateg01
Well-known member
I see reference to a Mercedes 17mm spark plug wrench on Amazon, so maybe related
WWheeler
Well-known member
1980s Suzuki originally had 17mm plugs that used that socket. IIRC most USA available replacements were 11/16.
Interesting. From what I am seeing, 11/16 spark plug sockets come most often double sized as 18mm - 11/16, so they market them 0.5mm over the SAE size as the same. At least I know of and have used my 18mm spark plug socket, although not often. The 17mm size is puzzling to me, however, I see that it is not easy to find, especially in the US. Snap-On for example does not offer anything in that size. I did find availability in Australia from T&E, also see it available from Hazet. So it would seem that this size is regional and limited and not often, if at all, found in the US.1980s Suzuki originally had 17mm plugs that used that socket. IIRC most USA available replacements were 11/16.
bwringer
Well-known member
A 17mm hex doesn't even appear on NGK's chart:
17.5 (WTF?) appears on Bosch:
I've never encountered a spark plug with a 17mm (or 17.5) hex. 18mm is fairly common on motorcycles, of course.
17.5 (WTF?) appears on Bosch:
I've never encountered a spark plug with a 17mm (or 17.5) hex. 18mm is fairly common on motorcycles, of course.
17.5mm is almost exactly 11/16” (about 1 thou off). Still an oddball…17.5 (WTF?) appears on Bosch:
Qualitytools
Well-known member
My BMW M3 has an engine that takes “motorcycle” size spark plugs. The spark plugs Bosch X5DTC have an 11/16 size, I use a Snap-on socket for it. As stated above that’s a 17.5mm.
Hazet and Stahlwille Make thin wall 11/16 in 3/8 drive but I couldn’t find that size spark plug socket made by Koken.
Hazet and Stahlwille Make thin wall 11/16 in 3/8 drive but I couldn’t find that size spark plug socket made by Koken.
It makes sense that it is 11/16. I have a few 11/16 spark plug sockets.My BMW M3 has an engine that takes “motorcycle” size spark plugs. The spark plugs Bosch X5DTC have an 11/16 size, I use a Snap-on socket for it. As stated above that’s a 17.5mm.
Hazet and Stahlwille Make thin wall 11/16 in 3/8 drive but I couldn’t find that size spark plug socket made by Koken.
I have seen many applications for 11/16, 16mm, 18mm, etc. What is interesting to me is the specific 17mm plug socket. It is not even dual marked from any brand I have found, such as the 18mm dual marked with 11/16. It must be used somewhere, as the brands I have found actually have stock ready to ship.
For what it is worth, my query is educational. I am not trying to find out how I can use a tool I have, but what is it for. I have nearly all spark plug socket sizes in multiple configurations, so if there is something I do not have, AND something I dont even know what it is for... I am interested to learn. While it is not in most brands here, Silver Eagle has it, so there must be a reason and need, somewhere, for something.
For what it is worth, my query is educational. I am not trying to find out how I can use a tool I have, but what is it for. I have nearly all spark plug socket sizes in multiple configurations, so if there is something I do not have, AND something I dont even know what it is for... I am interested to learn. While it is not in most brands here, Silver Eagle has it, so there must be a reason and need, somewhere, for something.
I wanted to add some closing comments to this thread. As @WWheeler stated, this is a size, the 17mm, used on Suzuki (generally older) with original plugs. Here in the US, replacement plugs will not be 17mm. There might be some exceptions to this, but that is the results of my findings from that aspect.
Additionally, I heard from a few, here and elsewhere, that it is a good size to have for the 11/16 size plug. The 18mm is good and works well on new plugs, or those where the hex portion is still in basically new condition. However, once the plug ages and there is rust and degradation to the hex portion, the 17mm fits better. It is a common substitute it seems here int he US to use 18mm for 11/16, and it seems if you follow that, the worn ones are better with the 17mm. Of course, I would assume simply having the 11/16 spark plug socket is ideal for both cases.
I am sort of surprised that Silver Eagle even sells such a size, seems like a odd enough size that it is a specialty market, or regional specific thing. Regardless, that is what I have found, should it help anyone else.
Additionally, I heard from a few, here and elsewhere, that it is a good size to have for the 11/16 size plug. The 18mm is good and works well on new plugs, or those where the hex portion is still in basically new condition. However, once the plug ages and there is rust and degradation to the hex portion, the 17mm fits better. It is a common substitute it seems here int he US to use 18mm for 11/16, and it seems if you follow that, the worn ones are better with the 17mm. Of course, I would assume simply having the 11/16 spark plug socket is ideal for both cases.
I am sort of surprised that Silver Eagle even sells such a size, seems like a odd enough size that it is a specialty market, or regional specific thing. Regardless, that is what I have found, should it help anyone else.