Problem pulling a spark plug
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Problem pulling a spark plug
Howdy,
My 2010 with 150,000km has recently started pinging, so I decided to change the plugs. Dealers and private shops quote over $500 with almost 3 hrs labor
So, I decided to give it a shot. I started on the easy side, at the passenger side and got the front 3 no probs. Pulled the boot of the 4th at the back and now I can't for the life of me get the socket on the plug. Try as I might with any combination of extensions, swivels, etc, it never seems to grab. Seriously...i've been trying for like an hour...just to get the wrench onto the plug. I'm not talking about loosening..just getting the socket on. What could I possibly have done?
I mean it's a bit tight, but not THAT bad. Tried various angles with no go.
Suggestions?
My 2010 with 150,000km has recently started pinging, so I decided to change the plugs. Dealers and private shops quote over $500 with almost 3 hrs labor
So, I decided to give it a shot. I started on the easy side, at the passenger side and got the front 3 no probs. Pulled the boot of the 4th at the back and now I can't for the life of me get the socket on the plug. Try as I might with any combination of extensions, swivels, etc, it never seems to grab. Seriously...i've been trying for like an hour...just to get the wrench onto the plug. I'm not talking about loosening..just getting the socket on. What could I possibly have done?
I mean it's a bit tight, but not THAT bad. Tried various angles with no go.
Suggestions?
#2
Senior Member
I have had this happen before, but on another car with similar recessed plugs. My problem ended up being a piece of "something" sitting down beside the plug hex that would not allow my socket to drop down over the plug.
I used some compressed air and blew it out of there. Then my socket dropped down over the plug no problem. Worth a shot.
I used some compressed air and blew it out of there. Then my socket dropped down over the plug no problem. Worth a shot.
#3
One Bad MoFoMoCo Owner
What engine do you have? Is it the 5.4 with two piece plugs? These give guys I know fits. Go buy the tool for pulling the broken piece out when you break the top piece off before you go any further, ave watch the youtube videos on it. Two friends just did each if theirs, and the back plugs broke on both trucks.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
What engine do you have? Is it the 5.4 with two piece plugs? These give guys I know fits. Go buy the tool for pulling the broken piece out when you break the top piece off before you go any further, ave watch the youtube videos on it. Two friends just did each if theirs, and the back plugs broke on both trucks.
#5
One Bad MoFoMoCo Owner
I assumed this too, even after blowing the whole area clear beforehand. I have tried to blow it out with no luck...though I think you're right, this is probably the culprit.
The 2010 doesn't have 2 piece plugs. I've now finished the other 7 and they took no time at all, even the PITA rear drivers side was not too bad.
The 2010 doesn't have 2 piece plugs. I've now finished the other 7 and they took no time at all, even the PITA rear drivers side was not too bad.
#6
Senior Member
The nut on the sparkplug may be rounded off.Happens a lot on the 5.4.....google Snapp on 9/16/14mm extractor socket.Works like a champ!
#7
Keepin' the lights on!
Can you get a mirror and pen-light to look in the hole for anything getting in your way?
Trending Topics
#8
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I then used a coat hanger with a very small bend (hook) on the end to get under the obstruction and move it. Then I could get the shop vac hose in there and suck it out of the cylinder.
Finished it up quickly after that!
BTW the Blackberry worked too