What spark plug socket would I need?

[Raf565]

Hi on the c63 amg w204 2008
I want to change my spark plugs
What size sockets would fit 14" and would it be 1/2 or 1/4 as it's quite a small space for a socket to fit

 

[colinallcars]

Hi on the c63 amg w204 2008
I want to change my spark plugs
What size sockets would fit 14" and would it be 1/2 or 1/4 as it's quite a small space for a socket to fit

14” is over a foot, that’s a big socket. Suggest perhaps 16mm but check against your plugs.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Buy the spark plugs then you will know.

 

[BigJase88]

You also get a 3/8" socket set. However not my favourite. Duno why i always either use a 1/4" or 1/2".

Spark plugs probably require something beefier than a 1/4" to get them out. I would probably opt for a 1/2" drive myself

 

[Raf565]

14” is over a foot, that’s a big socket. Suggest perhaps 16mm but check against your plugs.

Is it a 1/4 or 1/2

 

[colinallcars]

Is it a 1/4 or 1/2

If you mean the drive side then 1/2”, as suggested above, would be the best option.

 

[colinallcars]

A further point - plug sockets are usually hex rather than 12 point to ensure maximum grip on the soft metal of the plug.

Don’t you have a socket set? They generally come with a couple of plug sockets and all the basic accessories for the job.

 

[grober]

Spark plugs are frequently over-torqued on installation and should be fitted with the aid of a torque wrench This means that to remove them may require hefty 1/2 " drive sockets??? ---fitting can normally be achieved with smaller 3/8 1/4 drives.

Spark Plug Installation - NGK Spark Plugs

Torque is one of the most critical factors in spark plug installation. Learn more on our resource page.

ngksparkplugs.com

 

[BigJase88]

Spark plugs are frequently over-torqued on installation and should be fitted with the aid of a torque wrench This means that to remove them may require hefty 1/2 " drive sockets??? ---fitting can normally be achieved with smaller 3/8 1/4 drives.

Spark Plug Installation - NGK Spark Plugs

Torque is one of the most critical factors in spark plug installation. Learn more on our resource page.

ngksparkplugs.com

Yeah but then you also have to consider thermal expansion / contraction of dis-similar metals and chemical reactions. So getting them out is harder than putting them in. Hence 1/2" drive

 

[grober]

I imagine the problem has got worse since the introduction of long life spark plugs. In the past spark plugs might be changed at 25,000-- 30,000 miles. Now the change intervals have been extended 70, 80, even 100,000 miles the thermal expansion and contraction problem has more time to develop. It has been suggested that a shorter period of time to routinely remove and inspect them-- but not necessarily replace them----might help to alleviate the problem. Needless to say many people would reject this on the grounds of excessibility/labour cost but might be a possibility for the DIY mechanic thinking in the longer term?

 

[ToeKnee]

Food for thought, if you need to use an extension bar try and use a locking one to save the plug socket getting stuck on the plug itself (rubber insert).