Socket stuck in plug hole

calling911 · 05-08-2009, 08:21 AM

69 with original motor.. left side towards the rear of the car.. is that #1? Anyway.. well.. I pushed the socket passed a tight spot and now the it wont come out.. its not stuck on the plug.. I can take the plug in and out no problem..

It doesnt look like the valve cover will get me access?? Never looked.. and Im not sure the locking extensions recommended here will work..

Anybody??

I obviously used a socket that is too thick..

Fast Corners · 05-08-2009, 08:32 AM

Sounds like you pushed a large soket past the access hole in the valve cover and do not have enough "bite" on the extension to pull it back out. If that is the case, just remove the 6 - 13mm nuts from the valve cover and pull the valve cover off. You will be able to retrieve the errant socket then. If you are careful and don't rip the gasket you can probably use it again without developing a leak (Don't use silicone or some other form of liquid gasket garbage). Just keep an eye on it for a while. If you get a leak...just order a new gasket for it.

calling911 · 05-08-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast Corners

Sounds like you pushed a large soket past the access hole in the valve cover and do not have enough "bite" on the extension to pull it back out. If that is the case, just remove the 6 - 13mm nuts from the valve cover and pull the valve cover off. You will be able to retrieve the errant socket then. If you are careful and don't rip the gasket you can probably use it again without developing a leak (Don't use silicone or some other form of liquid gasket garbage). Just keep an eye on it for a while. If you get a leak...just order a new gasket for it.

Thanks.. wasnt sure and didnt want to toast a gasket.. Appreciate it!

T77911S · 05-08-2009, 08:44 AM

i reuse the intakes many times.
#1 is the first one on the left

you said you could still get the plug out??

calling911 · 05-08-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T77911S

i reuse the intakes many times.
#1 is the first one on the left

you said you could still get the plug out??

thanks man.. yeah unscrewed not out.. the socked of course blocked it.. but I took the cover off and used the smallest vice grip I had and pulled the darn thing out.. now I need to find a proper socket..

thanks

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by calling911

thanks man.. yeah unscrewed not out.. the socked of course blocked it.. but I took the cover off and used the smallest vice grip I had and pulled the darn thing out.. now I need to find a proper socket..

thanks

Look in the tool kit for your car.

pwd72s · 05-08-2009, 10:30 AM

Hazet tool for next time

calling911 · 05-08-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruf-porsche

Look in the tool kit for your car.

Toolkit for my 69? Bahahaha.. dont got one. lol. I was thinking.. should I buy a new engine or a toolkit? LOL.. went for the engine.. j/k..

You know.. I think I have one somewhere actually.. I can see it in my head.. where did that damn thing go.. hmm might have been my miata or something.. nevermind..

calling911 · 05-08-2009, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Hazet tool for next time

Yeah that tool would have saved me about 2 hrs of BS.. I can get away with my socket in my 76'.. not my 69!!

DW SD · 05-08-2009, 11:01 AM

I have a socket extension which locks to the socket with a sliding release. The ball locks in place.

They come in a kit of three at Sears and made by Craftsman.

Doug

calling911 · 05-08-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DW SD

I have a socket extension which locks to the socket with a sliding release. The ball locks in place.

They come in a kit of three at Sears and made by Craftsman.

Doug

I dont know what motor you have but when I tighten the spark plug in #1 it locks the socket in place... I dont think a locking extension would work unless it locks really well and even if it does its just not wise to jam a socket in the there like that.. Now this is my 2.2l.. in my 2.7l this is not an issue..

DW SD · 06:40 AM

I think you are not understanding my setup. Certainly, I'm not into jamming something where it doesn't belong.

I use a thin walled snap-on spark plug socket which has a built in swivel. I bought it on ebay new for about $25. see picture below:

I don't think the motor I have makes much difference??

Do you remember seeing a ball on a normal socket extension? Most are springloaded. Mine locks with a switch. You cannot remove the socket without sliding the spring-loaded switch. Take a look at the picture below and you'll see a black switch near one end of the exteions. That releases the ball.

Could you use a socket extension which locks onto the "lost" socket and from there pull the combined package out? If not, the valve cover removal advice seems good.

Good luck! I know with absolute certainty my setup works reliably.

Doug

al lkosmal · 05-09-2009, 07:29 AM

For your 69T.....this spark plug tool (Klein 21) will work. (the tool on the top w/the right angle hex handle.)

calling911 · 05-09-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DW SD

I think you are not understanding my setup. Certainly, I'm not into jamming something where it doesn't belong.

I use a thin walled snap-on spark plug socket which has a built in swivel. I bought it on ebay new for about $25. see picture below:

I don't think the motor I have makes much difference??

Do you remember seeing a ball on a normal socket extension? Most are springloaded. Mine locks with a switch. You cannot remove the socket without sliding the spring-loaded switch. Take a look at the picture below and you'll see a black switch near one end of the exteions. That releases the ball.

Could you use a socket extension which locks onto the "lost" socket and from there pull the combined package out? If not, the valve cover removal advice seems good.

Good luck! I know with absolute certainty my setup works reliably.

Doug

I hear ya.. but yes, there IS a difference between motors.. as I mentioned my stuff works fine in my 2.7 but not my 2.2l on both plugs towards the rear of the car.. a thin wall socket might work but depends how thin.. Im guessing if its really called a thin wall socket it will indeed work... I have 3 plug sockets in my box.. all three hung up when I tightened the plug (could not get the socket out).. So...

anyway.. thats all Im saying

I did get the plug put back on the the old girl fired up.. #4 didnt want to fire but after a little bit if love and attention (much like a woman) she fired on all 6..

Been sitting for some time so Im happy to get the carbs wet.. and no leaks thank goodness. Damn thing smokes like a ***** though.. italian tune up in its near future

I'll take some pics and post them soon.. this is a fresh sand beige (glasurite)..

pwd72s · 10:09 AM

I know for certain that the Hazet tool works in VW, 356, 914-6, and a 1972 911S...

Use it with a stubby 3/8" drive ratchet.

Because of the collector thing, people want $$$$ for early 911 factory toolkit tools these days. You could replicate the stuff in the factory kit with snap on for the wrenches & screwdrivers and Hazet for the plug tool, and still be money ahead while having better tools than the cheaply made factory tools.

More than one way to get the job done...take your choice. Our host doesn't sell Hazet, but with a little web searching, you can find somebody who does.

safe · safe's Garage

When I changed my plugs, due to a coil-on-plug solution, I got new plugs with the smaller 16mm hex socket. MUCH easier to change!

bjmiz · 05-09-2009, 01:54 PM

Duct tape the socket onto the extension-Thats what worked for me.

T77911S · 05-12-2009, 03:42 AM

i use the craftsman plug socket on a swivel with the short extension. works fine. i do have to be carefull when putting plugs in. if i push the plug all the way in the socket, the socket will come off and i have to get something else to pull it off the plug. never had one get stuck to the point of removing the valve cover.