I was changing spark plugs this evening, and found the previous person who worked on the car left a rubber boot inside the spark plug well. It must be the rubber boot inside of his spark plug socket. It is round, and tightly fit around the spark plug like this (The H is the spark plug).

| H |
|/H\|

My socket cannot reach the spark plug because of it.
What is the best way to get it out?

 

push the socket over the rubber and pull it outt? or, get some long needle-nose pliers..that's about the best one can do.

 

My socket cannot reach the hex nut. That boot covers the hex nut very well.

 

you need an extension. they are deep down in there. be sure to tape your socket to your extension otherwise you'll have the socket and the rubber insert stuck in there (ask me how I know )

 

The name escapes me, but you need one of these.



It's a flexible grabber claw, I guess.

 

Love the MS paint art...

One of those probably doesn't have the grabbing power needed. But it is an excuse to buy a tool!!

 

nabeshin makes my night again!

 

<golf clap!>

 

Got it out by placing a few drops of crazy glue at the bottom of a socket. Insert it into the well. Let it dry overnight. It came out with the rubber boot this morning. Need to be careful so you don't glue the socket inside the well.

Someone suggested pulling the engine, turn it upside down and let the rubber drop out. Didn't try that.

Thanks everyone.