Spark plug socket

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Bhart
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Spark plug socket

Post by Bhart »

Another day in the garage, another question. I am preparing to measure my valve clearances so I thought I'd start by shooting some air down the plug holes and removing the plugs.

I purchased a thin walled, 18mm socket that I'd hoped would work in my S38 from http://www.lockitsocket.com/ - no such luck.

It seems to bottom out before the hex reaches the spark plug. It fits the new plug but it will not (seemingly) reach the bottom of the hole. The tool measures out at 22.5 mm wide at the base.

Any suggestions where I would purchase a suitable tool?

Brian
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socket 05.jpg
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socket 04.jpg
socket 04.jpg (230.48 KiB) Viewed 7351 times
socket 03.jpg
socket 03.jpg (57.96 KiB) Viewed 7351 times
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bpoliakoff
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by bpoliakoff »

M takes a special plug wrench at least the one that comes in tthe tool kit is. The original sell for huge $$ Here are a few pictures of one. I am sure Jose will chime in. I have a new one, but look on Ebay and see what they are selling for. If interested I am not looking for that kind of money but PM me
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spark plug wrench-3.JPG
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81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
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redrumm3
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by redrumm3 »

Snap On makes a magnetic plug socket that works for this application. I use it on the S14 in my E30 M3. It's not cheap but not terribly expensive either. I don't have a part number for it.

You can search here: https://shop.snapon.com/
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by brickwhite »

bpoliakoff wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2019 2:33 am M takes a special plug wrench at least the one that comes in tthe tool kit is. The original sell for huge $$ Here are a few pictures of one. I am sure Jose will chime in. I have a new one, but look on Ebay and see what they are selling for. If interested I am not looking for that kind of money but PM me

They are selling the OE tool kit ones new again, $50...

but the aftermarket one fits better...

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw ... 112225101/

18mm thin walled ....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motion-Pro-Spa ... 1175143460

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Bhart
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by Bhart »

brickwhite wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2019 1:40 pm
They are selling the OE tool kit ones new again, $50...

but the aftermarket one fits better...

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw ... 112225101/

18mm thin walled ....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motion-Pro-Spa ... 1175143460
Interesting - might check out the local Motorsports dealer for a thin/deep 18mm. Looks promising.
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Bhart
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by Bhart »

Problem solved! Someone slipped some NGKs in there so a 5/8" thinwalled plug socket managed the job. I was hesitant to just push the socket down there and hope it wouldn't jam so I pulled the rubber from the inside of the tool and tested the fit - relief. Plugs look OK except for some barnacles on #2... will have to keep an eye on that.
Attachments
plugs 01.jpg
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plugs 02.jpg
plugs 02.jpg (285.93 KiB) Viewed 7299 times
plugs 03.jpg
plugs 03.jpg (224.81 KiB) Viewed 7299 times
01/1987 M6

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1970 2800CS
1988 325is
1985 325E
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Bhart
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by Bhart »

BTW, I was surprised how easily the plugs all unscrewed. If you look closely at the crush washer, as compared to the new Bosch, they barely look squeezed.
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1970 2800CS
1988 325is
1985 325E
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by bpoliakoff »

brickwhite wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2019 1:40 pm
bpoliakoff wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2019 2:33 am M takes a special plug wrench at least the one that comes in tthe tool kit is. The original sell for huge $$ Here are a few pictures of one. I am sure Jose will chime in. I have a new one, but look on Ebay and see what they are selling for. If interested I am not looking for that kind of money but PM me

They are selling the OE tool kit ones new again, $50...

but the aftermarket one fits better...

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw ... 112225101/

18mm thin walled ....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motion-Pro-Spa ... 1175143460

Image
brickwhite wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2019 1:40 pm
bpoliakoff wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2019 2:33 am M takes a special plug wrench at least the one that comes in tthe tool kit is. The original sell for huge $$ Here are a few pictures of one. I am sure Jose will chime in. I have a new one, but look on Ebay and see what they are selling for. If interested I am not looking for that kind of money but PM me

They are selling the OE tool kit ones new again, $50...

but the aftermarket one fits better...

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw ... 112225101/
18mm thin walled ....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motion-Pro-Spa ... 1175143460

Image
Not knowing that makes me feel like a true burglar for the prices I have been selling the few I had on Ebay. Gulp!!
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos.
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by brickwhite »

More power to you.

If someone is willing to pay more thats what its worth.
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by bpoliakoff »

I agree. But the Guilt I expressed lies here!! Business is business, and the greater fool theory is fine but not with friends. As PT Barnum said" There is a sucker born every minute" but there has to be some morality as to when that is put into use!
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by Da_Hose »

I'm with Bert. We are a community of enthusiasts, and what I like most is that we focus on helping first.

I have tried a thin walled socket that was supposed to be correct for S38, and it binds in the hole. I have one that I'll need to turn down, once I get my friggin lathe cleaned up. I highly recommend getting your hands on the OEM tool if possible.

Jose
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by hornhospital »

Da_Hose wrote: Thu Aug 15, 2019 11:01 pm I highly recommend getting your hands on the OEM tool if possible.

Jose
Just ordered one. $59 shipped.

Don't be ashamed of what you charge, Bert. For years you and a very few others were the only source for those and other E24/E28-specific tools
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by bpoliakoff »

Well, Jose still has the right idea, unfortunately a lot of you guys don't have or have access to a lathe. Those of us that do are very lucky as they are major problem solvers. A drill press is a great aid as well.
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Re: Spark plug socket

Post by Brucey »

if you don't have a lathe you can get by (for jobs like this) if you have an electric drill and an angle grinder. Just mount the socket in the drill chuck (eg using a 3/8" bolt) and then spin the socket up. Bring the angle grinder wheel to bear against the spinning socket and have at it. With care (and some practice) you can do a pretty tidy job if you put your mind to it.

cheers
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