Spark Plug Removal

[davelebarr]

Hi sorry to ask but for the first time I am trying to remove the spark plugs on my 2009 T27 1600 petrol estate car (VVT engine).  I have many spark plug sockets but none of them engage on the hex of the plug. Tried 14mm AF and 16mm AF hex plug sockets thin wall but no joy. Have just lifted the coil pack out after removing wiring plug and 10mm hex setscrew and am presented with a narrow metal tube with the plug at the bottom of it. Am I missing something here? Have been working on cars and bikes for 40 years and this is making a monkey of me and I'm well short of time so greatly appreciate any insights many thanks, Dave.

[Konrad C]

You need the thin wall 14mm spark plug socket, like the one I bought from Machine Mart - https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/laser-4376-8mm-38-drive-thin-wall-spark-plug/

Here is when I replaced the spark plugs - 

Part of the cowling needs to be moved to access some of the plugs, due to the angle of the engine lean.

Hopefully you should be fine.

[davelebarr]

Thanks! that spark plug socket is the correct one. No taking off wipers etc. for me just bent the plastic out of the way no problem. The first plug I tried came out but was stiff and there was some galling on the bottom half of the thread. Bought a new plug lubed it with tapping compound and it threaded in sweetly. No obvious erosion on the plug I took out so going to leave the rest until the engine starts misfiring (if it ever does). Will crack the other 3 plugs next time and leave penetrating oil down the bore before I try winding them out. BTW though the plug socket worked perfect I had some trouble with my 3/8 extension drives coming out of it rather than it coming off the installed plug. If there is a next time will glue or otherwise fix these 2 bits together first as is a major pain faffing about down the tube the plug lives in.

[Konrad C]

20 hours ago, davelebarr said:

Thanks! that spark plug socket is the correct one. No taking off wipers etc. for me just bent the plastic out of the way no problem. The first plug I tried came out but was stiff and there was some galling on the bottom half of the thread. Bought a new plug lubed it with tapping compound and it threaded in sweetly. No obvious erosion on the plug I took out so going to leave the rest until the engine starts misfiring (if it ever does). Will crack the other 3 plugs next time and leave penetrating oil down the bore before I try winding them out. BTW though the plug socket worked perfect I had some trouble with my 3/8 extension drives coming out of it rather than it coming off the installed plug. If there is a next time will glue or otherwise fix these 2 bits together first as is a major pain faffing about down the tube the plug lives in.

I this tool to reach down the spark plug tubes to retrieve plugs or sockets. 

It is 2ft long (60 cm) long and is very handy for getting at difficult to reach objects.

[m456an]

I had the same issue with the extension coming out when I tried to pull the spark plug out, I normally put some tissue inbetween the extension and the spark plug socket. If the extension gets pulled out, it is no problem as a simple pair of pliers is all you need to pull out the spark plug socket.

[davelebarr]

Thanks guys appreciate your messages best regards, Dave.