tool to remove spark plugs

[CER927]

As per the thread title, I have a 16mm plug socket,which fits the plug fine, but the wall of the socket is too thick to fit the aperture within the head. What do you use? Help!

[scotty_d]

I use my Halfords 16mm plug socket and it works fine. Just use a flexi and a extension and it works well.

[CER927]

Thanks Scotty, off to Halfords I go!!!!

[pmessling]

you'll need a thin walled one, i got one but can't remember where i got it from.

[Ireland]

I got one like this from one of the tool promotions in Lidl / Aldi a couple of years ago.



I can't remember how much it cost but it was cheap and it works fine.

[TVdinneR]

scotty_d said:

I use my Halfords 16mm plug socket and it works fine. Just use a flexi and a extension and it works well.

pmessling said:

you'll need a thin walled one, i got one but can't remember where i got it from.

buba said:

I had trouble getting the spark plug spanner past about 3 of the head bolts hoping what Matt used is slimmer than the one i own.

All of the above.
Decided as it was a nice evening to change the plugs.
As chance had it I started on the drivers side bank.
Thats as far as it got.
Have 3 deep 16mm sockets, one of which is the Halfords Spark Plug Socket 1/2" drive, another a Snap-On 1/2" drive and the other a regular deep socket but 3/8" drive.
The problem is, the Halfords one is the slimmest of the 3 and fits very snuggly into the recess on the forwardmost plug recess, drivers side.
Nothing hampering it lining up at all.
Decided to check for access to the others before loosening any of the plugs.
Moved to the drivers rear/bulkhead plug and found what is apparently one of the head bolts not allowing the socket to line up correctly and therefore would not fit into the recess and onto the plug.
When you say "thin walled", how thin you talking.
My halfords socket as shown below,

Any tips/hints gladly accepted.

[scotty_d]

The only one i find a little tricky is the near side bank the plug closest to the bulk head. I have to push the socket on by hand then fit the flexi and extension and ratchet on. Reverse this procedure when it is lose remove all the extensions so it is just the socket you pull out by hand with the spark plug in tow.

Hope this makes sense it does in my head but i am not very good at explaining what is going on in my head.

[Tang Soo Tim]

I ordered from eBay a sealey thin wall 16mm plug spanner with 3/8 drive and it works perfect. Just google it or do a search on eBay for 16mm thin wall plug spanner

It's part no: AK6557

Will make the job much easier

[Tang Soo Tim]

You can see how thin it is


And yes drivers side rear ( number 8 was the hardest but still no problem )

[TVdinneR]

scotty_d said:

The only one i find a little tricky is the near side bank the plug closest to the bulk head. I have to push the socket on by hand then fit the flexi and extension and ratchet on. Reverse this procedure when it is lose remove all the extensions so it is just the socket you pull out by hand with the spark plug in tow.

Hope this makes sense it does in my head but i am not very good at explaining what is going on in my head.

Believe it or not, it makes complete sense.
I was attempting to push the socket alone on by hand then once it was on attach the extensions etc, but it wouldnt line up and go on.
Cant believe how tight for space they`ve made it.
Oh, wait a minute, its a TVR.
And I agree. When I was changing the battery last week I noticed the nearside plug closest to the bulkhead and thought that looked a bit tight too.

Tang Soo Tim said:

I ordered from eBay a sealey thin wall 16mm plug spanner with 3/8 drive and it works perfect. Just google it or do a search on eBay for 16mm thin wall plug spanner

It's part no: AK6557

Will make the job much easier

Thanks for that info too.
If perseverence proves fruitless with what I have then I`ll certainly give the sealey one a go. Ta much.

[TVdinneR]

Tang Soo Tim said:

I ordered from eBay a sealey thin wall 16mm plug spanner with 3/8 drive and it works perfect. Just google it or do a search on eBay for 16mm thin wall plug spanner

It's part no: AK6557

Will make the job much easier

Just checked.
Local factors has that exact one.
Will be picking up this afternoon.
Watch this space.

[TVdinneR]

Tang Soo Tim said:

part no: AK6557

As you said, did the job perfectly.
Taken me till today to get them done due to the car living outside and the rain persisting down.
Cheers.

[Tang Soo Tim]

Right tools for the job sure make it a lot easier

Would like to weld the correct combination together so I've got a setup all ready for use each time and no worries about it pulling apart when using it !

[buba]

I have a Sealey socket kit with a 16mm socket but this didn't fit 3 cylinders so i bought the one Tim suggested and bingo, thanks Tim.

[Basil Brush]

I don't know if the plugs are the same size as the S6 ones, but I use a Halfords pro 3/8 drive plug socket as it is thinner walled than the 1/2 drive equivalent.