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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

That's good then!

 

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!

 

Can you get a mirror and pen-light to look in the hole for anything getting in your way?

 

Get an iPhone in there for a picture. Turn on the flash first. I use this method a lot for getting a view in a tight spot.

 

Yeah I thought of this last night after realizing I couldn't find a small enough mirror to use. It actually work PERFECTLY and I could see exactly where the obstruction was.

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

 

what was in there? good thing you did not get the plug out and have something go ito the motor.