Socket to remove spark plugs - EU3 K-series

[AntonyH]

My Halfords socket set contains a pair of what it claims are spark plug removal sockets.

However, having tried to use these yesterday it appears that the tops of my plugs are somewhat taller than the socket recess is deep - as far as I could feel, the socket was resting on the top of the plug and just spinning round, having failed to reach and engage with the 'nut' faces of the plug.

This is not helped by the fact that on an EU3 K-series the plugs are so far down into the block that you need a significant extension bar and also have no hope of actually seeing what you're doing, so there's a bit of guesswork here.

I'm therefore after recommendations of a spark plug removal socket that actually works...

[paul richards]

Halfords socket should work ok. Usually have a rubber insert which grips over the "pot" part of the plug to enable you pull it out. Are you sure you are pushing the socket on far enough?

[Mark Durrant]

I use a 16mm magnetic spark plug socket as it gives a better feel as to when the socket is on the plug.

[nickh7]

I had the same issue on the EU2 , you have to watch that the plug socket doesn't come off stuck to the plug . I got the cheap Drapper T top style one and it proved most successful .

[AntonyH]

Thanks all.

Paul, I will recheck the socket - you may be correct; I didn't want to lean on it too firmly and potentially damage the plug, given I've not removed them before.

Having done some googling, I'm thinking that a much longer, magnetic, variant may be better (as Mark mentions), given the added complexity of the hole depth to the plug. With my socket set, just reaching the damn things meant putting the supplied extension bar *and* the UJ piece onto the ratchet, as the extension wasn't long enough on its own. This, obviously, leaves three connections between pieces, i.e. more points of potential disconnection, and is rather clumsy.

[nickh7]

I'd be tempted to spay some WD40 /Plusgas down the night before if you've not had them out before

 

Nick h

[johnpbransfield]

I had the same problem on my Sigma, but what Paul Richards said is correct, I was not pushing the rubber insert home. Works a treat now with the Halfords set.

[Wrightpayne]

Before removing plugs I always blow out with compressed air to stop any debris falling into the cylinders.

Ian

[elie boone]

If u used a 21mm plug socket that would also lack of gripping the hex of the spark plug.

[SM25T]

A t-handle is safer on top of the extension, as you are more likely to be able to turn it squarely without applying a side load .... which can snap the ceramic part of the plug.

[Titanium7]

Also get one of these off Fleabay, many uses but brilliant if the socket doesn't pull the plug up.

[revilla]

@Titanium7 ... Remind me what those are called?

[Titanium7]

'Flexible Grabber' pulls them up on EBay

[revilla]

Thank you

[AntonyH]

Nick, they've been out before - it's just that I've never done it.

:)

[patneale]

Dear Antony H

 

I have just gone down to garage and have my K series plug spanner on the desk.  Hope this helps.  It ia exactly 12inches long and stamped "Halfords 10 mm"  It is round section all the way down to the bottom 1  inch which is pressed into 6 sided shape to fit the plug. Inside about 1 inch inside from the end is a rubber insert which grabbs the white part of the plug so that when you undo it it grips the plug and lifts it out.. You just drop the whole thing down the hole and when it stops push down a bit more and you will feel that the insert is gripping the white part of the plug. wiggle a bit so that the 6 sided bit slides down and grips the plug.   Have you checked that you can see the top of the plug down the hole and there is nothing else down there !! It should be very visible. If you have been screwing it round without the contacting the plug properly you might have unscrewed the little sleeve that is on the top of the plug and this has dropped down and is preventing the spanner locating.. Providing you haven't jammed it tight against the plug and the side you should be able get it out with some bluetack on the end of something long and thin.

As previously said spraying WD40 down the holes and leaving overnight helps a lot.

 

 

H Robinson     Hove  2003 140 BHP Xpower SV 53,000 miles.