linderpat

Search function is useless here I'm guessing this has been asked and answered before. Anyway, the spark plug #8 is stuck - can't remove it, the spark plug socket won't grab it. It's almost like the socket is a hair too big. The head on the plug still looks sharp, so I can't figure it out. I am using a 13/16 spark plug socket because the tool in the tray won't fit in my spark plug holes -it must be for an earlier model. The other 7 came out no problem with the socket. Any guidance appreciated.

soontobered84

Is it possible that someone used a 5/8" plug in lieu of a 13/16" one?

Billu

Shoot a bunch of penetrating lube (I like CRC Powerlube), let sit, find the right deep well socket.

Shark2626

Assuming that you are using a socket specific to spark plugs, look in it to see if it uses a rubber shim that grabs the top of the plugs and whether or not that has come loose and slid forward (distally) and is preventing your being able to push the socket on to the head of the spark plug easily.

Alternatively, just put a spare spark plug in to it and see if it goes all the way in.

Mrmerlin

could a part of the plug boot have come off and is still stuck on the plug?

linderpat

This is what it feels like. I will need to get a 5/8ths deep socket or plug socket and check. Also, I will borrow a 928 plug socket wrench and see if that helps. The one in my tool chest does not fit into the holes - too big (for a 16 valve engine maybe?). Weird that someone would have put in one different plug from the rest.

Did that the other day; all 7 other ones came right out, no issue. The plug isn't stuck, the socket just isn't making purchase on the nut of the plug. The nut is still sharp and not rounded, so I am puzzled.

See above. 7 others came out without issue. I tried using the plug socket both with and without the rubber boot, Same result either way.

No, see above.

Keep the suggestions coming! Thanks all.

WyattsRide

Do you want to use my Tool Kit spark plug socket? I've used it before on all my plugs and it works as it should on a MY 85.

Strosek Ultra

I have also had problems with the tool socket being too big for the plug holes (32V engines). The problem seems to be the valve cover gaskets. I usually put the socket up in the lathe and turn it off slightly.
Do remember this is a german car, only metric tools should be used. The standard plug size is 21mm (13/16" is slightly smaller 20,64mm). The next smaller plug size is 18mm.
Åke

Mrmerlin

do you have a 10YO person with good eyes let them have a peek into your plug well 8 ask them if it looks like plug well 7

drooman

Yes have a look in there... and get yourself one of these for your tool box...you'll use it every week.

linderpat

no joy. Tried Rick's 928 plug socket - it fit in the hole, but does not make purchase on the plug at all - it's like the plug is too tall! I even pulled out the rubber peice, and that did not help. I also bought a deep 21 mm socket and a deep 20 mm socket. I can't seem to get them into the hole though - the cam cover is slightly out of line with the head, so the opening is not perfect, and these sockets are just a hair too tight. Should I dremil the opening a bit on the cover/head to expose the plug hole better?

SteveG

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrmerlin View Post
do you have a 10YO person with good eyes let them have a peek into your plug well 8 ask them if it looks like plug well 7
Andrew: Yes have a look in there... and get yourself one of these for your tool box...you'll use it every week.

Between Stan and Andrew I thought they were referring to keeping a 10YO in the tool box . . . Editing Jim Bailey: "Punctuation, punctuation, punctuation"

What about borrowing borescope for local parts store? I think they are pretty cheap on Harbor Freight although I try not to go there.

dr bob

The camera in my phone does a pretty impressive job looking in places where my eyes don't go easily. Use it to help identify any extra stuff in the well or on the plug that would keep the socket from fitting all the way down over the hex. Know that sparkplug sockets usually have a rubber or foam ring inside to grab and hold the ceramic insulator. You may like a standard deep thin-wall 13/16" socket for this duty, with nothing up inside.

Secondary: Look carefully in the end of the plug connector on the wire to make sure nothing is missing.

dr bob

I'd be grinding on cheap imported sockets long before the Dremel would touch the cover.

Also -- try dropping the socket onto the plug without the extension, and see where the end of the plug is sitting. If it's up in the square-drive hole, that's probably what's keeping it from fitting down over the hex. A couple times in five or six decades, a plug has grown as the ceramic is pushed out of the steel shell. It was associated with engine damage underneath. But still a possibility. It's enough to keep the socket from going on all the way. In my cases, getting the plug out was a relatively small worry. As far as fitting the drive, a few of my plug sockets have a hex on the back in addition to the square drive; just use another socket over that and no worries.

G8RB8

Break off the insulator and while you're cleaning that out clean out the crud that's caked around the plug that's stopping the socket from going on.