I was working on putting the plugs back in and on the #2 passenger side, I couldnt get the SP socket to slide down in the hole because of the duck tape. So I took the duck tape off and socket slid right in. Got the plug tightened down and then pulled the extension right out, but the SP socket stayed down in the hole. No biggie I think, so I try to put the extension back down the hole and try to fish the SP socket out. Well, I I've somehow manage to push the SP socket further down on the plug and I can't get the extension to fit back into the SP socket. I shine a light down in there and the first thing I see is the plug. How the hell do I get that socket out of that hole when it's moved even further down onto the plug? I'm worried here.

 

try a magnet, or one of those tools that liiks like a snake with a "grabber" on the end. if all else fails flip the truck over and shake. the magnet trick worked for me

 

Marc,

I have no idea if this will work on the Lightning heads b/c I've never done a plug change with them, but on my old DOHC '96 Cobra, I had the same thing happen. I had to invest in some _really_ long needle-nose pliers. Then I was able to work the socket out (once I got a hold of it, I'd rock it back and forth, I'd lose grip...start over, rock back and forth, pulling up slightly althewhile...eventually it was freed up).

 

I think that'd ordinarily work - but not in this case. I have a telescopic magnet, but the pull isn't enough. The reason - because of that stupid little rubber gromet or whatever you want to call it that's inside a spark plug socket.

That had actually crossed my mind, I just didn't know if they made something that long. I have 2 pairs, but neither of them will reach down that hole - of course - they're not all that long either. I'll have to call someone to take me to a store because the wifey is gone. No transportation at the moment.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

But thank the Lord - or my parents - that I'm not hard headed!! I went and gave it a try for luck's sake and came right out - plug and all. I could have sworn I had the plug secure down there - because it stopped turning. Or at least I stopped when it was hand tight. All is well for the moment!

 

put some super glue on something maybe and stick it down there and see if it will stick to the socket? i dunno just an idea

 

Marc,

Glad you got it out, my friend!

If I was a bit closer and didn't have my afternoon planned, I'd have brought you my long needle-nose pliers to try. These things I got from H. Depot and are about 15" long and very thin...which should allow you to get down into the plug hole.

Hang in there. You've almost completed the plug change.

 

Many spark plug sockets have reduced shoulders that allow a wrench to be used on the end of them. If yours happens to be one yo could put a thin wall socket over the outside of the spark plug socket and screw it and the plug out.

 

Fortunately, your afternoon is planned!

I live right on Bush and go to Allen all the time because the wifey likes the outlet malls. It's only 15-20 mins away.

I'm thinking I'll never do a plug change again...this is very trying.

 

Mark, have you visited the TALON board? Big club for the local DFW area. Check it out...

http://www.talonclub.com/forum

You could have posted over there, offered beer, and would have had a house full of help!!

Keep us in mind. We've alwas got something going on, and there is a lot of help for the offering.

Tom

 

Do yourself a big favor and go to Snapon.comonline catalog. And order this deep socket not cheap but worth the agravation ! part#S9720KA

 

Yeah, I posted over there actually asking where to get it done at...then I decided to tackle it myself. I've been registered over there for almost 2 years, but never really posted til now. Since I didn't have any posts, I didn't want to make my first post a request for help.

I did however ask for help over on DFW Stangs...where I have nearly 10K posts...but the best offer I got for help was someone offering to do it for $150.

I got 6 of 8 completely done, then I lost a screw and couldn't find it, so I stopped for a while.

 

Biggest part of this job the first time is having the right tools and "patience" with yourself. And don't tighten those coil pack screws down too tight. Just relax and stick at it and you'll be done and all will be well!

 

Well, I'm done and I probably set the record for the LONGEST plug change on an L ever. From beginning to end was about 13 hours, although there was a lot of down time along the way because of my daughter. I still estimate that I got at least 9-10 hours involved for that change.

 

Mark
Glad you got it done
Make it to the next TALON meeting and you can get some hints to help trim the time under 90 minutes. Ive seen it done in under 20

Doug