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replacing spark plugs

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 3:49 pm
by blkmx3_v6
i'm attempting to replace my spark plugs...what the hell. i cant get the socket to get a good hold of the plug. im using 3/8" Dr. should i pushing down harder?

Re: replacing spark plugs

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 3:55 pm
by jschrauwen
blkmx3_v6 wrote:i'm attempting to replace my spark plugs...what the hell. i cant get the socket to get a good hold of the plug. im using 3/8" Dr. should i pushing down harder?
What size socket are you trying to use? Have you not done this before on the MX? Do you have deep enough extensions, especially for the rear bank?

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 4:02 pm
by blkmx3_v6
16mm(5/8)s.p.socket

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 4:04 pm
by blkmx3_v6
that should say 5/8, dont know why the smiley face showed up and yes i have extensions and yes this would be my first time.

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 4:16 pm
by bmwm3guy
first time is always messy... they have special sockets for spark plugs that "grab" the plug with a rubber thingy inside..

Try it with one of the plugs you have in your hand and see if it fits it properly first... ;)

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 4:33 pm
by blkmx3_v6
i bought a ignition tune up kit and the socket has the rubber in the inside. that's what i dont get, the new plugs fit good but for some reason the old ones wont hold. i guess i'll just have 2 spend 80 bucks and let pep boys do it. just doesnt seem that complicated to me.

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 4:39 pm
by lakersfan1
You're going to pay $80 to get your spark plugs changed because you can't buy a $3 magnetic pick up tool? If you want to waste $80, give it to me and I'll kick you in the nuts.

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 4:49 pm
by blkmx3_v6
i didn't say the plug is loose inside the chamber. which post are you reading?

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 4:50 pm
by jschrauwen
Let's start on the front bank cause it's easier. Have you pulled out all of those long extension plugs that snap to the top of the valve cover and to the top of the spark plug. At the end of those extensions is a fat insulating rubber piece. Make sure that one of these did not get left behind and is still attached to the top of the spark plug. By pulling all 3 front plugs you should be able to eassily determine if one of those insulators was left behind. BTW, the spark plug socket I've been using for years is 5/8's

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 4:56 pm
by mitmaks
is there oil in there? theres little rubber gaskets on ends of ignition wires, make sure its pulled out with ignition wire, sometimes they get stuck in there

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 5:01 pm
by blkmx3_v6
thanks for the tips, i finally got the first one done.

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 5:16 pm
by jschrauwen
blkmx3_v6 wrote:thanks for the tips, i finally got the first one done.
It's OK, you can tell us how you sorted it out. :oops:

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 5:26 pm
by blkmx3_v6
insulating rubber piece- you were right.

Posted: August 10th, 2005, 5:48 pm
by jschrauwen
blkmx3_v6 wrote:insulating rubber piece- you were right.
:2thumbsup:

Posted: August 13th, 2005, 1:45 am
by kkyin
The plastic piece that's in the socket now came loose and now is stuck on the spark plug, any good way to get it out?