spark plug socket wedges and sticks

overlook637 · 08-29-2021, 02:45 PM

Working on spark plug change. I've got the Schwaben designed thin wall narrow socket with internal magnet - crucial for spark plug removal on N54, N55, S55, S63, N20, B46/8, B58 engines, as well as select Gen 2 and Gen 3 MINI.

The socket won't come off of the plug once its inserting into the engine. My extension will pull off first.

The only way I can remove the socket is to remove the plug.

overlook637 · 08-29-2021, 04:27 PM

Took a grinder to the top of the socket. Made is about .4mm shorter then chamfered the top edge. Now it pulls off.

Mintsopoulos · 08-29-2021, 04:59 PM

I got a locking extension to solve this as well as grinding down the OD.

TopJimmy · 08-29-2021, 06:11 PM

I only use the socket for the break-free or the final tighten-down. To thread in the plug or to spin it out I use a 1ft length of silicone tubing.

FriedPiston · 08-29-2021, 06:52 PM

Used to run into this issue (same brand socket) until I learned not to push too hard when re-threading the spark plug. Hasn't been an issue over the last 5 spark plug replacements.

Kilabyte · 08-29-2021, 07:04 PM

I use this socket, problem solved:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...f_=as_li_ss_tl

The extension is non removable.

overlook637 · 09-03-2021, 08:25 AM

I purchased some quality (best I could on short notice) harbor freight Icon extensions and with the grinding off the top of the socket it worked.

Second tip- Put a tiny little bit of dielectric grease on the first 1/2" of inside coil pack. This makes the coil packs go on and will later pull off with ease.

BzsBimmer · 01-04-2023, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlook637

I purchased some quality (best I could on short notice) harbor freight Icon extensions and with the grinding off the top of the socket it worked.

Second tip- Put a tiny little bit of dielectric grease on the first 1/2" of inside coil pack. This makes the coil packs go on and will later pull off with ease.

I know this is an old bump but just in case for those searching… per TIS, it states to not lubricate the coil with oil or grease as it (assuming OEM) is coated with talc to ease in install.
Premature failure of coils can ensue.

Normally I would have put dielectric grease as well but I referenced the TIS just in case.

tomas3314 · 01-25-2024, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kilabyte

I use this socket, problem solved:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...f_=as_li_ss_tl

The extension is non removable.

Just ordered.

08-29-2021, 02:45 PM	#1
overlook637 Lieutenant 245 Rep 466 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	spark plug socket wedges and sticks Working on spark plug change. I've got the Schwaben designed thin wall narrow socket with internal magnet - crucial for spark plug removal on N54, N55, S55, S63, N20, B46/8, B58 engines, as well as select Gen 2 and Gen 3 MINI. The socket won't come off of the plug once its inserting into the engine. My extension will pull off first. The only way I can remove the socket is to remove the plug. Last edited by overlook637; 08-29-2021 at 02:51 PM..
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08-29-2021, 04:27 PM	#2
overlook637 Lieutenant 245 Rep 466 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Took a grinder to the top of the socket. Made is about .4mm shorter then chamfered the top edge. Now it pulls off.
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08-29-2021, 04:59 PM	#3
Mintsopoulos Captain 669 Rep 606 Posts Drives: '15 MW F80 6MT Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I got a locking extension to solve this as well as grinding down the OD. __________________ #TMGPS For The Gram
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08-29-2021, 06:11 PM	#4
TopJimmy Major General 5462 Rep 5,154 Posts Drives: 2023 M3 Comp xDrive Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Chester County, PA iTrader: (5)	I only use the socket for the break-free or the final tighten-down. To thread in the plug or to spin it out I use a 1ft length of silicone tubing. __________________ '18 F80 Base 6MT \| '19 F82 Exec DCT \| '18 F82 Comp Exec DCT \| '23 G80cx
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08-29-2021, 06:52 PM	#5
FriedPiston Colonel 1973 Rep 2,711 Posts Drives: Scraper Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: East Oakland, CA iTrader: (26)	Used to run into this issue (same brand socket) until I learned not to push too hard when re-threading the spark plug. Hasn't been an issue over the last 5 spark plug replacements.
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08-29-2021, 07:04 PM	#6
Kilabyte I'm Batman! 3948 Rep 1,477 Posts Drives: Mineral White M3 6MT Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (1)	I use this socket, problem solved: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...f_=as_li_ss_tl The extension is non removable. __________________ S55, 2JZ, M48.00
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09-03-2021, 08:25 AM	#7
overlook637 Lieutenant 245 Rep 466 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I purchased some quality (best I could on short notice) harbor freight Icon extensions and with the grinding off the top of the socket it worked. Second tip- Put a tiny little bit of dielectric grease on the first 1/2" of inside coil pack. This makes the coil packs go on and will later pull off with ease.
	Appreciate 0 Quote