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Post by andymaslen on Jan 12, 2007 18:40:47 GMT
Another noddy-level question. I want to get a plug spanner but Halfords have two sizes - 10mm or 14mm. Which is the right one please?
Cheers,
Andy M
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Post by harvey on Jan 12, 2007 18:54:25 GMT
14mm is correct, it refers to the thread size not the spanner size, that's 13/16" If you buy a socket you'll probably find it needs to be turned down to fit in the recess in the head
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jan 12, 2007 19:50:29 GMT
Buy 3/8" and a short wobble bar - its makes it easy
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2007 15:02:43 GMT
Buy a proper 3/8 drive socket with the rubber insert. A ratchet helps do the job in no time. Some of them have hexagonal tops for those hard to move plugs. Those cheapo t bar types are rubbish and not to be considered.
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Post by dorsetflyer on Jan 14, 2007 18:56:21 GMT
I must say I haven't had any problems with my cheapo 'T' bar plug spanner. I've been using one now for over thirty years, and it's just been retired and replaced with another one due to the rubber insert going hard and being unable to grip the plug.
If I do find a tight plug I use my 14mm Socket (1/2drive) with a short knuckle extension just enough to free it. The diameter fits in the recess without any bother.
That's from a socket set which is well over fifty years old.
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Post by lagain on Jan 16, 2007 18:30:34 GMT
I only use the one in the tool tray, which seems to be better than all the odd ones that I have collected over the years.
When refitting plugs always put them back in by hand. As you turn them into the threads make sure there is slight wobble as they tighten. Then use the plug spanner. This should avoid cross threading, which will ruin the cylinder head !
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jan 16, 2007 21:29:59 GMT
Excellent advice as is also not to overtighten but then remember to check them as I had one blow out as 70 mph as it loosened off. It was lost on the road of course
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Post by harvey on Jan 16, 2007 21:47:30 GMT
I can remember as an apprentice being told to put a P5B on the ramp and check for where the exhaust was blowing. There was no fault with the exhaust, but what there was was a sparkplug hanging in the end of the pluglead down the side of the engine.Re-fit plug, blowing exhaust cured!
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jan 16, 2007 21:55:55 GMT
Yes it does sound like a holed exhaust - very noisy!
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Post by Smallfry on Jan 17, 2007 0:55:17 GMT
You definately need a thin walled type........3/8 drive ?
I always use a piece of rubber hose pushed over the plug insulator to make them easier to hold while starting the thread........helps to make sure they are not cross threaded.
Then nip up with the socket.
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