Change Back Bank of Plugs on 328

Is the tool provided in the tool roll in the trunk

 

Scott a little confused here. The plug size should be the same. There are 2 types of plugs with the smaller ones being used in the later cars so my bet is you have the wrong plugs. Also compare the plug seat. The smaller ones have a tapered seat wher the larger ones usually have a crush washer. So after you extract the plug socket with the magnet and get the new plugs try using a 2" extension. I put the plug into the socket (spark plug socket has a rubber piece inside that holds the plug) and attach the 2" extension then put this into the hole . Turn the extension by hand and after the threads are engaged attach the socket wrench and crank it down.

 

I meant to say "USE the tool provided in the tool roll found in the trunk." The factory provided spark plug wrench has a knuckle in it, and works great!

 

Spark plug socket, swivel, small extension, swivel, small extension, ratchet.

Works for me, did them last weekend.

I've found that the spark plug tool included in the tool roll doesn't fit the plugs that are available these days, or at least not the Champions recommended by my mechanic.

 

Curious, may I ask what type of plugs you used?

 

I use Champion RA6HC plugs and change them yearly. They work fine for me, and were recommended by Norwood Performance. The hex size on them is smaller than the original spec plugs, and so the original socket tool doesn't work anymore.

 

The NGK plug has a 18mm end on it. Where did you guys find a spark plug socket that is 18mm. All the ones I found are for domestic cars which is 5/8. Need to change mine out, but without a spark plug socket it is next to impossible. The socket in the tool kit is the right size but the NGK plug will not fit in the rubber part hole far enough.

 

One thing that might help is........ NAPA carries special 3/8" drive sockets for plugs that are deep seated, center of valve covers...etc. The socket then requires no extension to be attached (which is why it was made to avoid a typical plug socket from disconnecting and then spending the next 1/2hour fishing it out).

Its made from impact quality material (not that you need that kinda force), and has an excellent rubber seat inside to hold the plug............Plus has a 5/8" hex end on it just in case you dont have clearence for a socket head itself to snap on to it.

 

Buddy of mine told me a trick he uses. Take a piece of rubber hose big enough to fit the plug in tightly. Make it about 6" long. Slid it down the hole and get it started then pull off the hose and tighten with socket. He said he does it all the time and works great.

 

.......actually I do the same...... (forget what size the I/D hose is..... may be 5/16")...... but yea, using the hose gives you a very good feel as to whether its going in properly or not. (I also keep the hose stored with a pencil inside to keep it straight as possible)......Then I will keep turning until it bottoms out and where the hose starts to twist w/o plug movement.......... then grab the regular sockets. (plus you'll not drop it accidentally)

 

I bought a magnetic socket similar to this one..http://www.toolsource.com/ost/product.asp?sourceid=googletoolsource&dept%5Fid=500&pf%5Fid=91166&mscssid=0V56BAU98E119MQR2AVUD2158WNH72A5

I had to grind a little material off the outside diameter so it would fit down the hole in the valve cover but other than that it works great. It holds the plug well enough to get it in the hole but not so tight that you lose the socket on the way out. Been meaning to post about it but kept forgetting!

 

I found an 18mm plug socket at AutoZone (3/8 drive).

 

I also found out the hard way that the currently available plugs have gone back to the standrard small size instead of the original non-standrad size that was somewhere between both normal sizes, someone said it was motorcycle size ? Anyway I resolved the problem by making a swivel out of an old 3/8 inch extension, it works great. Anyone figured out a trick to install the pug extenders ? some times it can take ages fiddling around untl you get the thing to mate to the plug, like fishing in the dark with boxing gloves on.

 

I will try that.

 

This works for a 308 QV:
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Sears also carries a 18mm spark plug socket.

Milton

 

Just changed all 8 plugs-----38 minutes---not bad for my first time ever!!!!!

 

To make this combination perfect, wrap duct tape around the socket/swivel/extension (just one piece wrapped one time) . This will prevent them from separating and avoid a lot of frustration trying to remove a socket that has stayed on the plug after you've tightened it down and withdrawn the tool.

 

Nice tip- good idea. Thanks

 

did you put the plugs side by side to make sure the depth of the electrode on the new plug is not too long.....