pukka

A few weeks back I had some free time and decided to replace the spark plugs with a set of new OEM Bosch ones.

On my first attempt, I found out I didn't have the correct spark plug socket and none of the local tool shops had it either. I ended up ordering the part from Sears.

On my second attempt, I found out the socket I just got doesn't quite clear the metal ring/sleeve around the plug - thus it can't seat properly. I found this out the hard way because after applying too much force the socket got stuck in the cylinder and I spent almost 2 hours getting it out.......NOT FUN :thumbsdown:

Who here has done thier own spark plug replacement - and what brand spark plug socket did you use? (A Craftsman 12pt socket is a bit too thick to seat around the plug correctly) Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Pincousion

I bought the bmw brand just to be sure of fit. I have heard the schwaben doesnt fit either with the magnet installed in it, works if you knock it out though. burger tuning sells them also i think they fit. requires a thin walled 12 point.

pukka

^^^Funny you mentioned BMS since I was browsing their website when I read the post. Looks like my problem is solved - thanks!

AchtungE60

I use a cheap socket set and a rubber o-ring in to catch the head of the plug. 12 point? i use the standard just like the plug is. Never had an issue. I changed TOO many plugs to count. Takes about 30 min to do 6 plugs. start to finish. unless you're a newb

Stephen Max

I just use the right size regular socket. Once the spark plug is all the way unthreaded, I use a magnetic pick up tool to fish it up out of the well. For installing the new plug, I stick the plug into about a foot long piece of 3/8" fuel hose and use that to get the threads started. Works great.

pukka

OEM Bosch plugs have 12 "lobes", or points - the correct description of the socket is 12pt, 14mm. As least that's what Craftsman calls it.

Agreed - changing plugs is easy on an inline-six. Now changing plugs on a V-8 with headers?.....different story, even with the right tools.

AchtungE60

I have replaced about 12 sets (At least) of Bosch platinum +4 in BMW's and don't know what you're talking about. Mine are all hexagon and so is every other sparkplug in the world I've ever seen is too. Perhaps I'm misunderstand you but all you need is a set of deep well spark plug sockets and not to make a science out of it. Here it looks like this....

http://www.google.co...ved=0CHgQ8wIwBA

and here's an image of a plug

pukka

^^^Then you have never done this on an N54 motor before, and until now neither have I.

You can see the sparkplugs that were factory installed and the special socket I need to replace them with another OEM set here.

Sometimes science (or the understanding of it) is needed to figure out German engineering