Spark Plug NOOB as hell question. 74 911S

wozzle · 10-27-2012, 08:51 AM

OK - so like an utter twit I have managed (it's a long story I won't wade through) to get a spark plug socket stuck in #1 cylinder (LHS Nearest rear of car) and can't get the bugger out.

I've removed the upper valve cover and still no luck.
She's on her way to the shop tomorrow but any thought's on likely removal methods? Am I potentially looking at an engine drop and head removal to get this thing out?

The tool in the tool kit that came with car (swivel joint plug socket) is after looking around here most definately NOT the correct bit of kit for the job although it did cylinders 2&3 just fine.

It's been an exasperating day. Made worse by the stupid error of not making sure the tool I had was in fact (despite first impression) the right one.
Lesson learned.

redstrosekNic · redstrosekNic's Garage

Try a magnet on a stick. It will come out, you will just have to take some time and be patient.

Good luck!

gsxrken · gsxrken's Garage

Sorry to hear it. I have had nothing but good experiences with my factory tool kit spark plug socket. In fact it is better than any of my snap on swivels etc for my 930 at least.
You might as well get medieval on your tool now in an effort to not remove the engine. It's hard over the Internet to see how something you did by hand cannot be undone by hand. There's nothing in there to fall in sideways and jam it up mechanically. Good luck man.

manbridge 74 · 10-27-2012, 09:11 AM

Easy. Tip car on side and it will fall out.

Kidding aside, is the spark plug currently in the socket? Is socket jammed tight or does it clank around? Can you use a hook tool to loosen it so a magnet can withdraw it? You'll get it.

Please post a pic for further assistance. (Another joke, we'll help regardless)

wozzle · 10-27-2012, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manbridge 74

Easy. Tip car on side and it will fall out.

Kidding aside, is the spark plug currently in the socket? Is socket jammed tight or does it clank around? Can you use a hook tool to loosen it so a magnet can withdraw it? You'll get it.

Please post a pic for further assistance. (Another joke, we'll help regardless)

Socket is little loose, the plug isn't firmly in it I can haul it out maybe 4mm then it sticks on what looks to be the end of the chain tension housing IE: The socket is a little long to get past the housing end if that makes any sense.
Then again - It got in there it can come out!
And thanks for the assistance.

manbridge 74 · 10-27-2012, 10:35 AM

I should've said we want to see a pic of your car.

Perhaps a mirror would help you see where it is hanging up.

Laneco · 10-27-2012, 10:52 AM

When I've had a stuck one, I've had pretty good luck with a pair of long needle nose pliers. Take out the extensions so just the socket is there, grab the socket on the inside (of the square where the extension was out) and the outside, wiggle a little, pull a little.

Hope that helps.

angela

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Same as Angela...used a pair of needlenose vicegrips.

Grady Clay · 02:14 AM

wozzle,
First, welcome to Pelican

As you can see, you are already getting great advice.

When (in the process) did this occur?
Were you removing the #1 sparkplug?
Were you re-installing a plug?
Anything else happening?

It may be that you were installing the plug slightly ‘crooked’ (cross-threading) and the sparkplug is now at an angle, preventing the socket from coming off.
Try ‘unscrewing’ (lefty-loosey) the sparkplug.

You may need to ‘expend’ (destroy) a ‘wobbly’ extension by removing the retaining ball. This will get you maximum connection to the socket for turning out.
Powerful magnets-on-a-stick, grabbers and needle-nose ViceGrips are your friend.

If it turns out that the sparkplug was installed 'cross-threaded', be sure to use a 'thread-chaser' (not a thread-cutting tap) to repair the spark plug hole threads.

Way off in the ‘unlikely’ realm is the possibility of the intake rocker arm shaft being loose and interfering with the spark plug socket. This should be easy to confirm or preclude. Feel (digital exam) the ends of the shaft for centering and compare to others.
Similar problems can occur if a head nut is loose or there is a broken head stud (with piece of stud, nut and washer interfering).
Another possibility is the shaft that supports the chain tensioner. This (epoxy) can break-free and the shaft move toward the cylinder head. Inspection from the underside can reveal if this is an issue.

The recommendation of a mirror and a digital camera may reveal the nature of the problem.

Again, WELCOME.
You have support here.

Best,
Grady

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

i did that once....ONCE

Brian in VA · 10-28-2012, 03:16 AM

Haha I had one get stuck on #6 and then to one up you a short coupler came loose and rolled back into some crevice. Needle nose like they said. Coat hanger and cursing got the other an hour or so later. Keep telling yourself this is fun.

NOLAsc · NOLAsc's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian in VA

I had one get stuck on #6 ... Keep telling yourself this is fun.

Wozzle, just be glad it wasn't #6. Good luck.

Concestor0 · Concestor0's Garage

I just ordered up one of these:

I've been thinking about getting one for a while but this thread convinced me. I payed about $20.00 on ebay.

Grady Clay · 10-28-2012, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Concestor0

I just ordered up one of these:

I've been thinking about getting one for a while but this thread convinced me. I payed about $20.00 on ebay.

Link please.

Best,
Grady

mreid · 10-28-2012, 06:13 AM

Been there. Take a piece of coathanger and put a 135 degree bend in the end that is just enough to slide it into the end of the socket so it compresses slightly and then engages the socket. Now it should be hooked on the socket and you can not only pull it out, but move it around enough to clear the blockage. Good luck!