Can you take out spark plugs with a regular socket?

A traditional socket would not hold the spark plug snug enough and it would fall out upon installation or removal, which could cause damage to the spark plug itself.

What kind of socket do I need to remove spark plugs?

You'll need just a few tools to change out the spark plugs on your car. The most important tool is a socket wrench with an extension and a spark plug socket. Spark plug sockets come in two sizes: 5/8 inches and 13/16 inches. Most spark plug sockets have a rubber insert that holds the plug snugly in place.

What is the difference between a spark plug socket and a regular socket?

As their name implies, spark plug sockets remove or fit a spark plug into an engine. Spark plug sockets are longer than standard sockets, and frequently come with a rubber insert that prevents the spark plug from becoming damaged while the wrench is working. A socket bit is a hex socket with a bit inside.

How do you get a spark plug out without a socket?

Are all spark plug sockets the same size?

Spark plugs come in different sizes. While there's no standard size, most spark plugs will be either 5/8 inches or 13/16 inches. Specialized engines may also have other sizes. As such, the size of the spark plug sockets will be made to accommodate one of these sizes.

DIY: Make Your Own Spark Plug Socket

How big is a spark plug socket?

While there are many different possible sizes of spark plugs, in most cases a spark plug will be either 5/8” or 13/16”. The 5/8″ covers most newer vehicles, including makes like Nisssan, Chevy and Subaru, as well as most small engines that you might encounter in lawnmowers and the like.

How tight should spark plugs be?

Tighten the spark plug finger-tight until the gasket reaches the cylinder head, then tighten about ½ – ⅔ turn more with a spark plug wrench.

What is special about a spark plug socket?

A spark plug socket is a special type of socket that is made specifically for removing and installing spark plugs without damaging them. Spark plugs are delicate and sensitive and require a special approach and tool when installing and removing them.

What do you need to change a spark plug?

Can I spray wd40 on my spark plugs?

WD stands for Water Displacement, so if your spark plugs are wet or you need to drive moisture away from ignition distributors, WD-40 will do the trick. Turn off the vehicle and spray the spark plug wires and the inside and outside of your distributor cap with WD-40. Start the car back up to see if that did the trick.

What happens when you over tighten spark plugs?

Simply put, over-tightening your spark plug can cause damage to the wire. Specifically, it can damage your spark plug thread, which means you'll have to replace the spark plug wire repeatedly. To avoid this, learn the torque recommendations for your vehicle, as suggested by the manufacturer.

Can you touch spark plugs?

Don't touch the spark plug when the ignition is engaged. The low amperage probably isn't enough to kill you, which is good. However, on average, about 20,000 volts are running through the spark plug. So, even it isn't likely to kill you.

Do I need to disconnect battery to change spark plugs?

It's also good practice to disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery when working on anything electrical. Be sure to let your car's engine cool thoroughly before replacing your spark plugs. This will make removal of the plugs and the spark plug wire or ignition coil boot easier.

How often should you change spark plugs?

Spark plugs are designed for long-term durability, meaning that they only need to be replaced between every 80,000 and 100,000 miles. However, they can become damaged earlier than expected and require replacements to avoid pricey engine repairs.

How can you tell if a spark plug is bad?

Is it OK to change spark plugs when engine is hot?

The simple answer is no—you should not change spark plugs while the engine is hot. The spark plug and the head it plugs into will expand and contract as they heat up and cool down. Since they are made of different materials, they won't expand or contract at the same rate.

Why do spark plugs foul quickly?

Causes of a carbon-fouled spark plug include a dirty air filter, excessive driving at low speeds, too rich of a fuel/air mixture, dirty fuel injectors or idling your vehicle for too long.

Are spark plugs universal?

While you should buy spark plugs in matching sets for your vehicle, not all spark plugs are universal. Spark plugs come in different sizes with different gaps and are manufactured using a variety of metals.

What are the most common spark plug sockets?

A plugs hex size determines the socket required for installation. While 5/8" (16mm) and 13/16" are the two most common plug hex sizes, plugs can have a hex as small as 8mm or larger than 1".