DIY leak down/compression tests

[gulkster]

grrr. I'm getting annoyed at this double post stuff already...

[T77911S]

no, what are you using to remove the plugs? i use a standard craftsman plug socket with a swivel and a short extension. check to make sure nothing has fallen down in there keeping the socket from going on.

[gulkster]

I'm using the exact same thing, craftsman socket, swivel and short extension. I guess I will need a mirror to see if there is something down there. I hadn't thought of that. thanks.
Jamie

[911pcars]

Make sure there's nothing stuck on the porcelain part of the plug, like an old spark plug rubber insert.

Try using a SP socket without an insert and see if it goes deep enough to engage the hex. If so, be careful to extract the plug without dropping it into the engine recesses. A powerful magnetic p/u tool will be handy.

Hope this helps,
Sherwood

[911pcars]

Make sure there's nothing stuck on the porcelain part of the plug, like an old spark plug rubber insert.

Try using a SP socket without an insert and see if it goes deep enough to engage the hex. If so, be careful to extract the plug without dropping it into the engine recesses. A powerful magnetic p/u tool will be handy.

Hope this helps,
Sherwood

[gregwils]

Here is an option for compression/leak down testing for the spark plug well on a 911 or any other ohv/ohc car with a deep plug well.

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=27885&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=INN7881&utm_campaign=googlebase_18u

yes, it's $15 + s&h, but if you spend $50 - $60 on a tester and $20 for the extension, it pays for itself in one use and next time it will be free. for the guys that are innovative enough and have the time to make their own tools, I salute you. for the rest of us, this is still a good deal.

[gulkster]

Originally Posted by 911pcars

Make sure there's nothing stuck on the porcelain part of the plug, like an old spark plug rubber insert.

Try using a SP socket without an insert and see if it goes deep enough to engage the hex. If so, be careful to extract the plug without dropping it into the engine recesses. A powerful magnetic p/u tool will be handy.

Hope this helps,
Sherwood

I have tries a socket with no rubber too, and still not able to get it on the plug. Good call on the magnet, I will pick one up today when I'm out.

[911pcars]

A regular deep socket may not have enough room inside to accommodate the entire spark plug. If so, try a regular spark plug socket w/o the insert.

Sherwood

[RSWiser]

Also when replacing the plugs, I kept having a problem with my socket coming off in the hole and having to try and fish it out.

So I wrapped the socket and Universal adapter with duct tape and everything came out perfect.

[gulkster]

I never thought about the regular deep socket not having enough room. It was fine in the other five, but #1 does seem a bit more awkward.

Originally Posted by RSWiser

Also when replacing the plugs, I kept having a problem with my socket coming off in the hole and having to try and fish it out.

So I wrapped the socket and Universal adapter with duct tape and everything came out perfect.

That is a great idea. I was having to fish out the socket with needle nose pliers. I was planning on just welding the extension on, as fishing it out takes forever.

[aadrew10]

Originally Posted by gulkster

I realize this is a bit off topic from my original post, but its still within sight Can anyone give me some tips/explanation on how to get the socket on to the #1 spark plug? For some reason I cannot get the socket on. The other five are fine, so I'm not really sure what is going on down that hole. It feels like the socket just can't grab the plug. Do I need a really thin walled one due to the odd angle maybe?
TIA.
Jamie

I'm having the same problem. Did you figure out how to get the #1 plug off?

- Andrew

[gulkster]

Originally Posted by aadrew10

I'm having the same problem. Did you figure out how to get the #1 plug off?

- Andrew

Not me so far...but I haven't had a chance to buy a mirror to look down the hole. I will send you a message if I ever figure what is stopping the socket.
Jamie

[aadrew10]

I was able to get all the plugs out except for number 6. Bought a universal joint and that solved my problem. You really can't orientate the sockets on the plugs unless you have this flexibility.

- Andrew