Something I am missing about a spark plug change?
 

On a 1.7 I should NOT need to remove the tins to change the plugs right?

Seems to make sense to me. Yet none of the plug sockets seem to get a grip on the plug?

So long dumb question made shorter... what side plug socket should I be using?

Thanks

No.
13/16" is the usual spark plug socket size, but someone may have modified the heads and used a smaller plug.

Can you get a borescope in there for a look? You can get fairly inexpensive ones on Amazon now, or maybe at Harbor Freight.

You may need to put the socket on a 6" extension to get is all the way down on the plug, but it should still take a standard size socket.

--DD

exactly, there will be no tin removal for changing spark plugs