911sc: Socket/spark plug stuck in #1 hole
 

Somehow got myself into a pickle this morning. I was attempting to remove the #1 spark plug on my '83 and somehow got the socket and spark plug stuck in the hole. No matter how I try, I cannot remove the socket or spark plug. Even tried bent needle nose pliars to pull on the socket. The socket seems to move fairly freely in there, but it is somehow lodged within the hole in a way that won't allow it to pull out, despite some hard pulling.
It all started with an odd feel while attempting to get the socket to seat, and then unscrew the spark plug, from there, it all went down hill. At this point, I've removed the valve cover hoping for better access, that didn't help. Starting to wonder if the only way to do this is to drop the engine, which I've never done before.
Anyone ever had this happen? I'm guessing not, but thought I'd ask...
Thanks,
Christian

No but it's a crime removing and installing plugs in a 911.

Have not had it happen either, but if it were me I think I'd start by seeing if I could get the spark plug to thread back in. if you can, that may give you the clearance to remove the socket.

as a side note I find that the factory spark plug wrench works quite well, and I have never had an issue using it to get to any of the spark plugs.

Thanks for the responses. I did try to get the spark plug to screw back in, but I think it is cockeyed in such a way to not screw back in properly. At any rate, when I attempt to get it to seat and screw back in, I hit resistance right away so am reticent to try to wrench it back in from where it is. sigh.

Careful not to cross thread it going back in.

You got a mirror and light to get a better look? That or a inspection camera / borescope.

after a little finessing, it appears that I can get the spark plug to screw back in, but the socket still gets stuck in the hole when I try to pull it out. I can't get the socket off the spark plug far enough to freely maneuver the socket out of the hole. catching on the block somewhere. I appear to be a master of being able to screw things up that shouldn't be screwupable.

Thanks, yes, I have a mirror in there, it is just ridiculously catching on the block somehow. i have a boroscope camera somewhere that I have never used. guess, i need to find that.

Is the socket catching or is it that the rubber insert in the socket, designed the grip the plug, is holding too tight? If so maybe worth spraying something like WD40 is to break the grip. Just a thought

Thanks. The socket is definitely catching in there. when I screw the plug in all the way, i can pull the socket far enough off of the spark plug for the socket to spin freely, but can't get the socket past whatever the widened part of the socket is catching on. I had no problems pulling plugs 4-6. 1, for whatever reason allowed the socket to go down without any force, but not back out. I can fully tighten the plug down, but can't remove the socket. I can fully unscrew the plug but then also can't remove the socket.
i put a boroscope down the hole. it is clearly very tight at the bottom, on the bumper end of the hole. sheesh, i am completely at a loss for how to get this out. this is crazy.

I like the oem spark plug tool.
What brand and size drive are you using might be a factor.
Somewhere I read that Milwaukee sockets and wrenches were beefy, oversized walled tools and not automotive friendly in some instances. Generally tight fits can be overcome with thinner wall on 1/4” drive sockets.

Thanks. Yes, i agree that a thinner socket would probably have not had an issue in retrospect (but didn't have an issue going in. Unfortunately, I cn't get the socket out to even try something thinner. It is not an oem socket, I don't know what brand, but it is 3/8 drive.

Do you have a 1/2” breaker bar? I suggest you get that into the socket vs a ratchet wrench. Then try to wiggle jiggle the socket to see if you can maneuver it out of the well. Frustrating for sure.

Inspection Camera………
 

Christian,

Take a picture of the spark plug socket wrench with an inspection or endoscope camera. You might see the culprit that’s causing the problem. Whatever you do, avoid using force and regret later. This type of problem needs complete understanding of the situation and finesse. Not brute force.

Tony

Thank you Tony and rokemester. I appreciate the responses. Many hours now with no change to my predicament. Going to step away from the car for a while. Will try again after the frustration has passed. I'm at a complete loss.

I wouldn't use a breaker bar anywhere near this.

You can always remove the valve cover for a better look, if needed.

Good move stepping away. I think at some point, I’ve managed to turn every 45 minute job into a 4 hour saga. Ask me about my tango with the rubber ashtray light boot this past weekend.

Check rocker shaft, perhaps it has walked out a bit and is blocking things.

Thank you. I do have the valve cover removed, that unfortunately hasn't helped. I'll have a look at the rocker shaft as well... Thanks again for the replies and ideas.

take a picture to let us see it

Ivan

Can you get a short extension onto the plug socket ?
If the problem is; the wrench wont pull the socket out without detaching from the socket, then the only thing I can suggest is to find a way of making the wrench or short extension fit tighter into the socket so that you can pull the socket out, anyway; as others have said a pick can say a thousand words, lets see what your dealing with and maybe go from there.
Ant.

Have you read this thread?? If nothing else, it may give you hope :)

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/670262-spark-plug-socket-stuck-2.html

Use an easy out ( spiral bolt extractor) first freeze it with a can of duster hold the can upside down. Screw in the extractor and use vice grip slide hammer.

Freeze the socket

If it went in it must come out, i would leave the spark plug screwed in by hand, there are locking extensions that capture the socket. And jiggle, swear at it. You will get this.

Are you using a universal joint on that socket or is it connected directly to an extension? Sounds like a U joint configuration has become misaligned. If so, move the joint around to try different angles.

as i mentioned we need to see the picture of the problem and the tool

Ivan

Thank you all very much for the responses. Sorry, I've been pulled away from this project for a water leak at a rental today...
I'm just using a 3 inch extension directly into the socket. As soon as I can get back at it, I'll post a couple of pictures. I'll also try the upside down duster to freeze the socket when I'm back at it.
Thanks again!
Christian

911sc stuck socket/spark plug in hole #1
 

It came out. thank God!!! I used Dpmulvan's method of attempting to freeze the socket with upside down dust cleaner can, but I used a small pair of vice-grips (used by another person on pelican having a similar issue). After spraying, and then wiggling around, I was able to shift the socket in such a way that it, with quite a bit of force required, slowly slid out.
A good 5+ hours of dealing this this crazy issue. Now I need to figure out why it happened in the first place, since I have never had this issue before in the 26 years of owning this car and doing my own maintenance.
I'm grateful for all the responses and encouragement...thank you all!

Here are two of several pictures that I took this morning, attempting to capture the issue of the flared part of the socket stuck in the back of the hole/well, as well as a picture of the socket removed.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1743007070.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1743007070.jpg

:)

Have these in the tool kit ?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1118700053.jpg

Thanks pmax. Can you give me the name of what those are called?

If you use the original toolkit spark plug tool, you will have a hard time overtightenting the spark plug, which will make it easier to get out. Although I have a 3/8" ratchet and appropriate length socket and extension, I make a point of using the tools above so that I don't over-do it.

Thank you. I'm going to order them now.

or get yourself tool like this.Craftsman socket and 2 extensions
No need for snap on -kinda expensive i would imagine these days,any other brand will do
I use mine since 1986 ..
Ivan

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1743019316.jpg

Thank you Ivan!

The factory tool is the best IMHO. I have a slew of plug sockets and revert to the factory one. Just make sure what ever socket you purchase is thin wall. Whenever I have used a socket and extension for plugs I duct tape them together.

+1...get the factory tool......works great

This is my favorite because it’s one piece, swivels, is narrow, and magnetic so no dropped spark plugs. SmileWavy

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1743034648.jpg

I have three or four of these in different lengths. I like them, because I’ve had the extension fall off the socket. Of course, you could tape them, but it’s nice to have the right tool.

I just love happy endings(not the massage type). They serve as a reminder of how things can go wonky but can be resolved with time, patience and the help/advice of others.

Lost a socket doing this but managed to get it out fairly easily. I have used the tool kit tool ever since with no problems.