Spark Plug Socket Stuck!
 

Hey all,
So I was removing my spark plugs today and all was going well. . . too well! I got everything out except for plug #6. When I got to it, it didn't want to budge. I gave it a little tug but not too much force but it hardly turned. Okay, I thought, I'll just spray some PB Blast in the tube and wait, but then I realized my Spark plug socket wasn't coming out either! I tried many different extensions and even a needle nose plier but nothing can get it out! Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Michael

Maybe the plug socket is a little worn.
If so...try tightening a little to get the socket on the other side of the flats.
A few wiggles back and forth should loosen the socket on the plug...then maybe a magnet retrieval tool to grab the socket?
Bob

what bob said, and instead of a ratchet type socket wrench used a fixed one

Try tapping it toward tight and then drawing it out with an extension or needle nose. Don't worry your engine is not doomed and it will come out eventually. Next time get a long spark plug remover (Honda mowers and power equipment come with the perfect wrench).

Leave it in there while the penetrating oil works and then use it to remove the plug. When the plug comes out the socket will too.

-Andy

Yeah, that's kind of my hope. We'll see tomorrow! :)

Did you try bubble gum at the end of a stick? ;)

Ehh! it'll come out. like they said....

Carl

take the valve cover off

It doesn't sound like you are using the factory spark plug tool. Once you get out this plug I highly recommend you purchase the factory tool. Not that expensive ( used ) and you won't have this problem again ( stuck socket ).

Sometimes the extention will get loose in the socket...so what I do is put one piece of black tape (plastic electricians tape) on the end of the extention to tighten up the connection from the extention to the plug socket.
This will help keep the socket on when pulling on the unit.
Bob

After having to fish out othet types, I started using the factory one and it works the best of all. Almost like Porsche knew what they were doing! :-)

Does our host sell the spark plug tool? (I don't see it on the 'tools' page of the parts catalog)....

the one from Hazet works wonderful. get it from Zelenda. http://www.zelenda.com/

Well to update on my situation, I have tried all day to free the socket with no luck. The only things I have to show for today's effort are a few bruised knuckles. I think what I'll do tomorrow id run to a tool store and buy a locking socket extension, something like this: Amazon.com: Neiko Pro-Grade Locking Extension Bar Set - No More Dropped Sockets!: Automotive . Perhaps that will do the trick!

After I get the socket out I will buy the Hazet tool and try again to remove the plug.

Thanks for all the feedback,
-Michael

I dropped the spark plug in mine once and worked on it for an hour before pulling the valve cover which is what I should have done from the very start. Pulling the valve cover gives you full access and you can see what you are doing thus causing no damage.

Removing the valve cover was the first thing I did. The problem is since it's cylinder 6, it's all the way at the front so you really can't see down there without a inspection mirror and a flashlight. My problem isn't that the the socket is dropped in the tube, it's full on stuck!

Yeah - you don't need this, but I like the tool from the tool kit so much, I bought a spare one off the board, and it sits in my tool box.

Good Luck. If it got stuck while trying to remove the plug - try to go the other way again. Wiggling it helps.

And shoot more PB down there.

What ruferst..... said above. I quit using my "fancy" socket set sockets for spark plugs and use the one in my OEM tool pouch. Might as well use it, they gave it to you ! Works great and will never have your problem. The flexi-feature and knurled nut thats easy to turn with your fingers is perfect to get them started without cross-threading.

Ahh that magical tool kit I've heard so much about! If only my car came with one! That was my first rookie buying mistake!

Watch the board and e-bay. They come up for sale all the time.

Buy two - one for the tool bag, one for the tool box!