stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

I attempted to change the spark plugs today on 05 wrx wagon and got stuck straight away.
I tried the drivers side rear and although I thought the spark plug socket was fully on the plug, I'm now thinking not.
I have been turning the socket on the plug for ages and it's squeaking as I turn which I thought was the plug but I'm assuming that it must be the socket rubbing on the chamber as the plug isn't coming out.
But now the socket is stuck in there.
I just used a socket from my socket set is that ok or is there a skinnier version.
I've searched loads and can't find anything on socket size.
proper pain in the ****.boo hoo.

jjayokocha

I was the same 15mins ago lol, I just pushed the plug socket on tight, 2" adapter then used a vice grips to turn it as my ratchet wouldn't fit between engine and chassis leg anymore.

JDM_Stig

iTrader: (3)

If you have the new plugs to fit cant you just use one of those to check your spark plug socket size ?

stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

Hi.yeah I did check on a spark plug but I'm just not sure it's coming out and I'm thinking the squeaking and slight resistance is the socket rubbing on the chamber sides.
does the chamber taper down?

stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

Did you use standard socket?
either my socket is spinning off the plug or the plug is spinning and not coming out.

jjayokocha

I used a 10mm 3/8 spark plug socket

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/gar...10mm-3-8-drive

kevo10

Got a classic v5 and theyre a pita to do. Thought the newer ones were easier.

gazzawrx

iTrader: (11)

You need to use a 3/8 spark plug socket as the walls on the 1/2 are too thick and it gets stuck in the head.

stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

Ok.cheers.I'll buy one tomorrow. Mine is stuck.

DIPSY

5/8 16mm plug socket and 75mm extension 3/8 drive .Clears the head for 3/8 ratchet to go on and I don't use rubber insert

stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

Anyone tried a 16mm box spanner?

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Never had a problem on any of my 4 imprezas. Having the right tool for the job is essential though.

Just get yourself a correct sized spark plug socket for a few quid and you will be fine.

stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

Well the socket is stuck in there now.
The half inch one.
I've tried a few things to get it out with no joy.
any ideas or help appreciated.
Nightmare.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Long screw driver and small tap with a hammer to loosen it off.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Surely if you just undo it, the spark plug will come out?

stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

It's not biting on the spark plug it's spinning in there. But only spinning with force as it's wedged.
I used the 1/2 inch drive which is apparently to fat for the job.
I bought a little hook screwdriver today and that didn't work to pull it out.
proper pissed off.
I've turned an ok job into a nightmare.
Luckily I don't need the car.

gazzawrx

iTrader: (11)

Use some long nose mole grips to grip it and pull it out.

stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

Yeah I bought some today.I might have a go tomorrow.

forgedmarco

iTrader: (10)

The extensions I use for tight areas have the push release so they can't leave the socket behind unless you physically release it.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Any luck?

stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

Not yet mate didn't get a chance today.
days are so short with light.
definitely going to tackle tomorrow.
I'm just looking at the smallest mole grips you can get as well.
There 5 inch so need to measure tomorrow if that is small enough.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Tap gently both sides with a hammer, it'll loosen.

stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

Got it out.hurrah.
I super glued an impact driver attachment into socket 2 days ago then got some mole grips on it and it came out.
The plugs in there were denso ik24 which I've looked and are a colder equivalent.
The gap looked a lot bigger on the old ones and they were quite manky.black etc.
The car has been decatted but I've not been driving it.
It only had a cat in uppipe and downpipe.
It had a slight lumpy idle as I'm assuming it is running rich from decat which is why the plugs are black.
I only managed to change drivers side 2 today so won't start it until I've done all 4.

piehole1983

iTrader: (7)

Nice one! Glad you got sorted. Did you gap the plugs before fitting them?

stamina_daddy

iTrader: (3)

No I didn't. Thought they were pre gapped. Got the 3500 coded ones.
I haven't used a feeler gauge for about 20 years I reckon.

piehole1983

iTrader: (7)

I think you'd be best gapping them considering the amount of trouble something like spark plugs can cause. When I bought new NGK plugs I gapped them to 0.7mm I believe. A couple of them were ok and the others were 0.9/1mm or so.

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Yes, always check them. I know you probably won't want to take them out again, but it is best to check.