I have two spark plug sockets - 16mm and 21mm. The 16mm fits spark plugs 1 & 2 but not 3 & 4. The 21mm socket won’t fit down the spark plug hole - it’s too wide. Has anyone heard of an 18mm (or other size) hex on a plug for an MX5 or does the fact that the socket doesn’t grip mean that something else is happening. When I try to extract them with the 16mm socket it feels like either it’s not on at all or it is too big and slips round…But who would fit odd spak plugs?
By the way, 3 & 4 have quite a bit of oil down them, I just changed the rocker cover gasket to cure this and only thought of checking the plugs after I had replaced it, I don’t really want to take it off again if I don’t have to.
Grateful for any advice
It is the same size socket for all the plugs; the problem you have is that the lower portion of the plug lead that fits over the ceramic part of the plug has become stuck to the plug and remains there after you’ve taken the leads off.
I would suggest getting a piece of stiff iron wire, an old wire coathanger is ideal, and form a sharp hook, abouf 10mm, on the end, then fish in the bottom of the plug wells until you can extract the errant portions of plug lead.
Good Luck
Thanks - I’ll give it a try - presumably this happened to you? Does the oil rot them? Do I need new leads?