1977 2.7 Plug Change Problem
 

Changing plugs in my 1977 project, I got them all changed fine except #3. I was unable to get my socket around the plug to get the old one removed

When I look down the tube it appears there is some rubber coming up over one side of the plug where the socket would engage. Seems like it's coming up from below, and is wedged in pretty tight.

Questions are:

1. Could this be a plug socket protector that got caught in a previous plug change?

2. Could it be the previous owner's attempt to cover up stripped threads?

3. Should I try to remove it, and if so, any suggestions how?

I think #1 is it. Take the rubber plug out of your spark plug wrench and try again. It will probably seat. Or alternately you could use a deep well 13/16 socket. Good luck.

Jim

I've tried that, even put as much pressure down on the socket as I could muster given the angle.

Think it's OK to try and pry the rubber out with a thin blade?

"Could this be a plug socket protector that got caught in a previous plug change?"

That would be my conclusion although these rubber spark plug socket elements act more like a retainer (they hold the plug so it can be inserted into the spark plug head thread) than a protector and as you obviously know they sometimes stay on the plug instead of coming out with the socket.

An additional concern is the rubber element forced the spark plug over to a side while it was being installed and tightened and this may have damaged the spark plug head thread.

I would extract/dig it out using straight forceps, or very long needle nose pliers or a three-clawed reach tool (Sears sells this tool). The reach tool may not work if the rubber element is too tightly wedged in place.

Good luck.

Jim said it.
A tool that might work is a small oil seal remover that looks like a corkscrew on an extension. They come in various sizes.
The idea is that you screw it into the seal (The rubber piece in your case) and pull.
You might also try a thick wire like a coat hanger, sharpen the end and bend it into a small hook. Patience, a light, and "Fingerspitzengefuehl" will do it.
After you get the pieces out, blow the area out with compressed air before removing the plug. It is a good idea to blow out the holes before changing plugs to prevent dirt from falling into the cylinders.
I use antiseize lube on the plugs. Don't overtighten!

Thanks everyone, after an hour or so of fishing I was able to extract it whole with a sharpened crochet hook.

The old plug didn't match the other 5, so I suspect this has gone unchanged for a long time.

Now come the best part, the test drive. Makes it all worthwhile.

Regards,

Dave