I have no problems changing the plugs on the 4 cyl where just one plug may be a bit obstructed by an alternator, but what tool set will allow me to handle all, or nearly all, plug changes without getting underneath the car or becoming a contortionist. I have one swivel socket, 5/8, an extension, and a red plastic thng I use to start the plug I%26#039;m placing into the socket which i then turn by hand, followd by a turn from the socket wrench to tighten completely. I%26#039;ve been asked to do plug changes for the local senior complex..Thanks.|||Here is a basic list of tools that will cover most of the situations you encounter:
- 5/8%26quot; thin-wall spark plug socket
- 13/16%26quot; thin-wall spark plug socket
(There are 2 different sized plugs. Make sure they are thin-walled as some plugs are recessed in small holes. Good sockets will have a rubber grip insert inside to hold the plug while you remove it so it doesn%26#039;t fall, you could also use it as a plug starter %26amp; leave it on the plug and just plug in the extension %26amp; tighten. You can also get sockets that have built-in swivels on the ends that you can use with the one you already have if needed.)
- 3/8%26quot; drive ratchet
- 3/8%26quot; drive extensions of various lengths (1%26quot;, 3%26quot;, 5%26quot; 11%26quot;, 19%26quot; are the ones I have and can be combined together as needed. The reason for the long ones are that sometimes the best way to access plugs are through the wheel well with the car jacked up slightly. Also nice for plugs in the back so that you aren%26#039;t crawling onto the car to reach them.)
- flashlight
- mirror on an pivotable extension shaft (they make them just for automotive type of work. Get a decent sized mirror of 2%26quot;x4%26quot; or so to make it easy to use.)
- plug gap gauge (usually around $1-$2 at an auto parts store)
- can of compressed air (to blow dirt out around the base of the plug before removing it (find at most computer stores around $2-$4)
- plug wire puller may help for those tight spots
Sometimes it is necessary to move or remove engine parts (i.e. alternator, PS pump, A/C compressor, etc..) to gain access to certain plugs. A good set of metric and SAE combination wrenches and 3/8%26quot; drive sockets can come in handy.
Hope that helps. Best of luck.|||quality sockets with a nice fitting rubber, preferablly with an extension built in so as not to drop or pulloff...and a way to clean the area around the plug before removing.. allways hand start the new plug (after a gap check) with a low torque devise like an old plugwire boot or length of fueline hose.. if it doesn%26#039;t FEEL right going in it may be crossthreaded...and always wait for the engine to cool... best is overnight before removing plugs from allow heads..|||the basic tools are a socket, extension, ratchet, and a spark plug gap gauge....don%26#039;t take for granted that the plugs will come pre-set. you may also want a wire puller...just so you don%26#039;t mess your spark pug wires up. i know it sounds easy to change plugs in your car, but there is much more to it than you think....best of luck
