Factory spark plug socket?
 

My SC's toolkit seems to be missing the Klein spark plug socket tool (of course the most useful item). Can anyone tell me if this is the right thingy:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/SOCKET911.jpg

cheers,
Andrew

It doesn't look like what came in my '72 kit, but SC's may be different. Looks like what came in VW's to me. I guess the big question is if it works or not...unless you're into concours. ?

Actually, it looks like the spark-plug tool from the 944 tool kit. I don't know what the SC variety looks like (obviously my car didn't come with the tool kit ... surprise, surprise).

Jerry M
'78 SC

Yep that thing is about 6" to long to work on a 911!

I thought it looked pretty long. Looks like I need to go find a Hazet tool...

Andrew,

You might try watching eBay for one of the 'original' Klein 21 tools, like this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/Img00071.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/Img00072.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/Img00073.jpg

Cheaper options: spark plug socket (with rubber insert to hold plug) and 4" adapter.

My fgactory spark oplug tool looks like that except it is much shorter and has a gnurled flange at the back end for finger turning. Accepts the hex tool on the end. Has the spring thing. Look for one, or the Klein tool Warren suggests. both work very, very well.

A regular spark plug socket may not work. My favorite, padded socket does not work because it will not turn the corner to exit the #6 spark plug hole with the spark plug in it. Find one of the factory tools. It's the best tool for the job.

That looks like the one someone sold me at a swapmeet and told me it was for an SC. Of course once I got it home and tried it I realized the plug end was too small so now I have a worthless tool on the shelf.

Based on the plug end size I now think mine was actually for a 944.

That spark plug tool is from a Mercedes toolkit. Specifically a 450sl toolkit.

The Klein tool for the Pcar is a marvelous item. First, it has a decent rubber insert that grips the plug so it will not drop out when held plugside down. Next, it pivots so that you can "bend" the tool to access the hole and guide the plug in. Next, it has a set of cross hatches at the non-plug end that let you easily grip the tool and thread the plug in with a lot of "feel' available to you (read: no cross-threading). Finally, the 10mm companion hex wrench can fit very nicely into the end of the Klein tool since the designers provided almost a limitless number of catch splines in the tool itself - you can always find an angle to work with.

Plus, the 4-5" length of the hex wrench gives you a great feel for the crush washer and when you have performed the correct torquing.

Highly recommended. Changed my plugs in 35minutes (and gas filter: now is the time folks with Ethanol coming on).

John

Yep, and the only 4" extension I could find was made by snap-on. $17.35 off the truck. I'd also suggest the use of electrical tape to join the spark plug socket (13/16") and the extension together. This prevents you from losing the socket when removing the plugs. Might not be as handy as the proper length factory tool, but it works...a stubby ratchet can give roughly the same crush washer feel as the short hex wrench supplied in the factory kit. Suggest you carry this set-up until you can find a factory tool. What the heck, it doesn't hurt to have more than one way to remove plugs, and the 4" extension & a stubby ratchet can come in handy for other jobs. I find myself grabbing my Craftsman stubby ratchet all the time..it just feels good.

Hazet 2505-2
 

FWIW, I just picked up the Hazet spark plug tool (w/ rubber insert) on eBay from Samstag Sales for $32. Give www.Samstagsales.com a shot. You'll know it's right, and you won't be hunting around hoping to stumble on the proper/original tool.

Best,

JP

JP...what's the parts number of that socket? I clicked on the catalog, but they list several, dunno which works best on a 911...

I believe its the 2505-2 socket. Thats what I was looking at getting after searching the archives here.

Thanks. Lists for $36.80 in their catalog. Since I have the factory tool, plus the snap-on 4" extension plus Craftsman 13/16" plug socket (which costs less for both), I'll have to think about adding this to my tool box...but great info, love the website.

Tried the "spark plug socket and adapter" solution a couple of weeks ago. Bad move - it turned a one-hour job into an all-weekend nightmare. The socket came off on the spark plug inside the engine! Let's not talk about how I got it out again...

So cough up the few dollars, get the proper tool. I know I will next time round.

Alex,

You could get your friendly local welder to do this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/TimsSPTool1.jpg

Works a treat!

Cheers,

Tim.
____________
1983 SC Targa