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ooooo dem dam spark plugs !

flyerphil

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Derbyshire, United Kingdom
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2002 Honda Accord SE
Adjusted the valve clearances today. They were all fine except one cylinder needed a slight adjustment on both inlet and exhaust.

Anticipating this job, I bought a new Draper 10mm spark plug socket (I had a 16mm in my toolbox). They came out easily using a short extension plus ratchet. The problem came when putting them back - what a struggle. Each time I had screwed them in and went to nip them up with the rachet - as soon as tried to withdraw the ratchet plus extension bar and socket, the socket was left in the tube. So had to unscrew the plug and try again.

I tried everything. Lubricating the outside of the pug spanner, but each time the socket was left behind. Tried putting some tape on the end of the extension to make it a tight fit - nope still left behind.

In desperation went to local garage - "yes they do that said the mechanic, the tubes are too tight, I usually try a pair of very long nose pliers to extract the socket left in the hole, but there is nothing to grab"

After much cursing and swearing, I managed to do it by vigorously shaking the extension bar whilst gently applying an extraction force. What a silly design. It took a long time.

What is needs is a long box spanner the length of the plug tube, that will fit in the tube. The extraction force required with a plug socket is just enough to exceed the ball spring in the end of the extension bar, thus leaving the socket behind. Ahhhhhh

Anyone else had this problem !!
 
The same thing happen to me.
Usually I just fit a bit of the sparkplug in the socket, so it wouldn't fall off of it. Usually this does the trick!
 
Leave the plug socket and extension outside in the rain may be it will rust up!! LOL Or if the socket has a rubber "keeper" to hold the plug remove that, and use a bit of grease to hold the spark plug.
 
edgeoftime said:
Leave the plug socket and extension outside in the rain may be it will rust up!! LOL
Haaaaa What a good idea!

No it needs one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/T-HANDLE-BAR-SPARK-PLUG-SPANNER-SOCKET-FOR-10mm-PLUGS-16MM-/181136559263?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2a2c948c9f


By the way for anyone doing the valve clearances, I found that with the plugs out you can turn the engine over using a 19mm spanner on the power steering pump nut. No need to have a long extension and uv joint on the bottom pully via the wheel arch.
 
PVC tape or PTFE tape around the end of the ratchet/extension bar (the bit that clicks into the socket). Works a treat!
 
I just have two sockets, one with the rubber insert and the other without
 
synaesthesia said:
PVC tape or PTFE tape around the end of the ratchet/extension bar (the bit that clicks into the socket). Works a treat!
I tried that Nick - but it still was left behind. :angry:

No I have since found a T handle socket or deep box plug spanner plus tommy bar are available. They don't cost much. Problem is you cant torque them to the correct 13 ft lbs with these. However in my experience, I find that if you seat the plugs and then add another quarter to half turn, this is sufficient.
 
maybe it depends on your kit...once the plug is in I take the torque wrench off the extension bar, and then I find if you use the right combination of upwards and sideways force at the same time (you sort of drag it) the socket will come off the plug without coming off the bar.
 
TypeR said:
I just have two sockets, one with the rubber insert and the other without
This is what I do as I had the exact same problem of the socket being stuck that was with some cheap and nasty Silverline tool. Now what I do is use one with rubber insert to drop it in then slightly tighten it an dthen pull it out, and use non rubber socket to tighten it.

By the way for anyone doing the valve clearances, I found that with the plugs out you can turn the engine over using a 19mm spanner on the power steering pump nut. No need to have a long extension and uv joint on the bottom pully via the wheel arch.
Thanks for this tip, will come in real handy!
 
can't you just tape the socket to the extension bar? Agreed a dedicated one piece spark plug remover is best.
 
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