This afternoon I started to change the spark plugs. It ends with a terrible nightmare.

As the picture shows below. The spark plug hole basically has a wide outter portion and a narrow inner portion. The socket I used is 14mm, 12 pt, and 1/2 drive. It initially went into the hole without any problem but turned out to be too big for the inner portion. I did not realize it had stuck in there until I could no longer turn the ratchet. Pulled, but only the extension bar came out, leaving the socket steady inside.

I rushed out and bought a long reach plier at Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/11-inch...aws-39538.html) . Tried multiple times with the the plier. The plier just slipped out, could not move the socket.

Any friend here have similar experience or can provide with any advice how could I deal with the socket?

 

Wow, did you ever solve this? How? Is the socket actually press fit/jammed?

I have had times where the o-ring in the socket to hold onto the spark plug was stronger than the socket detent/holder thing on the extension, so the socket was stuck to the spark plug when installing the new plugs. I found that pulling up quickly on the extension would cause the o-ring to let loose before the socket detent.

 

If you haven't shoved this yet, I have your solution. Take a metal coat hanger, straighten it out and twist the end almost completely back on itself. As it fits through the socket hole, it will slightly compress until it slips through the hole and decompresses. It's stuck now so pull it out. Good luck!

 

They do make socket extensions that only release when you press down on a button, as opposed to the ones that simply pull apart.

But this happened to me too around a month ago, and I used a large flat head screwdriver to slowly wiggle the socket out. I would try this method if you can't find an extension like the one I mentioned above. Maybe a little WD-40 or something that can be burned off if it drips down inside the combustion chamber. I know that panicky "oh ...." feeling when stuff like this happens. Keep us updated!

 

I too have now succumbed to the dreaded stuck socket...

I was checking spark plugs (on a cold engine) this morning. Was loosening the second plug, it oddly started to feel like it was tightening. I stopped, pulled out ratchet, socket stayed on plug and won't budge

I've tried: needle nose, locking extension, locking extension with light upward hammering on ratchet, oil lubricant and tapping, turning in opposite direction to try to unseat the socket.. no luck.

I'll try the coat hanger idea but I don't have much confidence...

 

I'll just note for the reference of any who read the thread:

Mini plugs take a special multi-point socket, not a conventional socket. Do not change plugs without getting the correct socket, even if a convention socket seems to fit.

 

Yes, the correct socket is extra skinny and allows for the proper clearance. They're available through ECS tuning.

 

To avoid the risk of this happing, I bought this long skinny socket.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301871338281...84.m1439.l2649

 

Nice tool!