I replace my spark plug (ngk coppers) last year. So I wanted to replace them today. I noticed my rubber gasket in the back of spark plug socket is missing. Weird I thought, so I purchase another.

So I changed 1, 2, 3... and now the fourth one. But the socket wont grip on the hex plug nut. Then it hit me, the gasket must of fell in from last year!!!!

I used my cell phone took a picture confirming the rubber gasket melted on the hexagon nut of the plug, so not allowing the socket to fit over it.


Here's some of the stuff going in my head..

- I had about 18k miles on the last plug so far. Is the one plug dies (while driving), while I still be able to complete the drive?

- Replacing engine is one expensive idea.

- What solution can liquidfy the gasket?


Update: used a heat gut, heat it enough so I can press at the rubber to cut it. I switch to the socket to tried turn it, but not lock. Pulled the socket back up and to my surprise it the rubber was attached to the socket. I guess when tried to cut the rubber it loosened from the plug and it was hot enough to attached to the socket.

 

I would do this: Use the longest extension between the ratchet and the spark plug socket that will fit (to keep heat away from your hands as much as possible), then use a propane torch to heat the spark plug socket. The hot socket will melt its way through the rubber and allow full contact of the socket with the hex head of the plug.

 

good idea! If that didn't work I was also thinking just just taking that torched right into the plug hole and hope it melts or burns away.

 

I'm thinking that most of the melted rubber will come away with the plug because of oil vapor around the base of the plug acting as a non-stick surface. If you melt it with the torch first, that might make the burned rubber really stick to the surfaces of the head. You will want to keep as much rubber scrap out of the combustion chamber as possible, but a little of it probably won't do much, if any, harm Good luck!

 

Oh yeah, one more suggestion. Buy a magnetic spark plug socket. No rubber o-ring to lose or slip to let plugs drop to the ground or down onto some impossible place to reach for it in the engine bay. They are available everywhere, and I got mine at Amazon about 10 years ago.

 

wow that sounds like a pain... let us know how it went

 

And another suggestion. Quit changing your Plugs so much. Plugs should be fine for 100k if you use OE equipment

 

76K should I fu-k with them? 2008 1st gen

 

I have another idea. I'm going to use a soldering iron with long tip to try and melt it.

 

fixed. see original post.

 

Congratulations. Now, you need a magnetic spark plug socket to keep this from ever happening again.