[rebdal]

Hi! New here — was trying to change my spark plugs, but when I went to remove the spark plug the socket got stuck on the plug.

I’m using a standard spark plug socket with a 10 in extension. When I try and remove it, the extension releases from the socket and the socket stays stuck.

Any thoughts? This is my first car and the auto shop quoted me an insane amount to change them, so was trying to learn/save a lot of money, but now I’m afraid of messing it up further.

 

[kmart017]

Maybe try using a fresh extender? Like a brand new one that still has some stiffness to it?

 

[rebdal]

This one was brand new :/
Good news is that after another 15 minutes of wiggling/twisting it around, it finally came out! Other quick question in case anyone knows — the plug itself didn’t come out & I’m worried about using this extension again just for the same thing to happen. I’m headed to the store to get an extra long spark plug socket.
I think the plug did loosen a bit, but it didn’t come out/seemed pretty stuck. Is it safe to drive it as is? (so long as I reconnect everything, obviously)

 

[Ignatz]

Makes you want to scream, doesn't it? No, I wouldn't run it with a loose plug, especially not with the plug wire connected. Really, I think you're better to use the wife's car or see if a friend or neighbor can lend theirs or give you a ride.

I don't quite understand what happened to your socket and extension. Did it actually twist off down there? Strange, unless the socket was the wrong size and it stripped itself or the plug. Could you explain a little more, or maybe post a pic of what it looks like now?

The first time I changed the plugs in my Patriot they came out hard. I had a torque wrench and I forget how much it took, but it worried me. They finally came out and I've used anti-seize ever since. Between my two Patriots I've probably changed the plugs at least half a dozen times.

Good luck, and please report back.

 

[mr_et2]

Try fitting the spark plug socket on one of the new spark plugs to make sure that it's the right size. Spark plugs and spark plug sockets come in a few different sizes and if your socket is a little too big it'll bind up like you described.

 

[Treegrower]

^^^^^^^^^^^ What Ignatz and mr_et2 says about possible incorrect socket size makes a lot of sense.

 

[afkjr]

Last plug replacement, the rubber boot on the bottom of the coil came off stayed on the plug, and I couldn't get the socket onto the plug!!!! Don't ask what I had to do to get the plugs out! Yes, it happened on 3 of the plugs!!

 

[Treegrower]

Last plug replacement, the rubber boot on the bottom of the coil came off stayed on the plug, and I couldn't get the socket onto the plug!!!! Don't ask what I had to do to get the plugs out! Yes, it happened on 3 of the plugs!

To prevent this, it's always recommended to put a very thin layer of dielectric silicone grease inside the rubber boot.

On the very first plug change on my previous Caravan, a plug wire boot was "welded" to the spark plug. My plastic boot remover broke trying to remove it. After a half hour wrestling with it, it let go and my elbow swung to break the plastic MAF or MAP sensor. $130 to replace that, LOL. So much for saving money DIYing, but this kind of stuff happens on occassion.

 

[u35828]

To prevent this, it's always recommended to put a very thin layer of dielectric silicone grease inside the rubber boot.

On the very first plug change on my previous Caravan, a plug wire boot was "welded" to the spark plug. My plastic boot remover broke trying to remove it. After a half hour wrestling with it, it let go and my elbow swung to break the plastic MAF or MAP sensor. $130 to replace that, LOL. So much for saving money DIYing, but this kind of stuff happens on occassion.

I have a telescopic magnetic pickup tool for the scenario afkjr cited.

 

[DeepCherry2015]

Even with the "right sized" spark plug socket, if it's a cheapo Chinese socket and extension (like about 99% out there nowadays) you will just frustrate yourself trying to use them, and possibly do damage in the process. Buy a new set of plugs, then head to an auto parts store or place that sells auto tools and look for a socket and extension that fits both snuggly together, and snuggly over the plug and has a GOOD rubber insert. Also, if you are a newbie, invest even in a cheap 3/8" drive torque wrench, and NEVER tighten a plug more than 30 lb. ft., or whatever the service manual says. While there is a big debate on never-seize on plug threads or not, even though modern plugs are supposed to have a coating on threads to prevent difficult plug removal next time, a tiny dab only ON THE THREADS, can help next time, as dissimilar metals between plug threads and aluminum heads, with thousands of heat/cool cycles can make things tough without it. This can also lessen chances of stripping or seizing threads. Oh, and NEVER trust the gap out of the box on new plugs. Spend a couple $ and get a gapping tool to check before installing.