Installing new spark plugs, over tightened my first one

Hello and Happy New Years fam,

I recently had a misfire in my 03 Tundra 2 wheel drive and it was because of cylinder 6. I was able to remove the old spark plugs from each cylinder, and eventually I started to install the new spark plugs, starting with cylinder 6.

As I finished hand tightening the spark plug, I used the rachet to get a snug 1/4 of a turn once and a 1/8 of a turn once as well. Now I can't put the boot on or untighten the spark plug, it just feels like the socket isn't connected to the spark plug.


HELP!!
Thanks Fam!

 

What exactly do you mean by that? You just turn the ratchet and there is no resistance? Try using your cell phone to take a picture of what exactly is happening down there.

 

Exactlty, theres no resistance when I am using the rachet. I tried to just get the socket on the spark plug, but it can't get to the hex nut on the plug.

 

It sounds like your socket is isn't deep enough. Are you using a spark plug socket or just a regular deep socket?...but if its what you used to put it in....I'm not sure why now its not reaching your hex nut.

 

Does it feel like the hex is rounded off or like the spark plug just keeps turning?

 

Yes. It feels like the hexs is rounded forsure. It also feels like im just spining my socket over the spark plug.

Also the new spark plug that I got from autozone isnt the exact same as the one I replaced.
(does it have to be the exact same spark plug?) ..

This is my first time replacing spark plugs for a vehicle.

 

Well, it just sounds like you don't have a deep enough socket.

And also, all your sparkplugs need to match. They don't necessarily have to be the same as what you took out, but they should all match each other, not just make but age. Go back to your parts store, get 8 matching plugs,(most people get NGKs) and a proper spark plug socket. (should be extra long and be lined with rubber).

 

If you got the old plugs out and a new one installed I would imagine you have a correct socket. If it's a "spark plug" socket check the inside of the socket and make sure the rubber insert is still there and seated fully. They will sometimes pull out and stick to the plug or partially come out of the socket and prevent it from going back fully on the plug.

 

Can you tighten other nuts with your ratchet, is your ratchet still good, has it settled in the mid position of cw/ccw. Silly question I know but having never changed plugs leads me down the road of how much of a rookie might you be....chit happens and no disrespect intended.

 

Go buy a magnetic spark plug socket with built in extension. Makes a Hand Model become a pro at replacing plugs.

Also, to lighten your situation or aggravate you? check out this thread on spark plugs.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/jus...revious-person-was-capable-of-anything.58838/

 

If you're going to change your own spark plugs, get (1) a good torque wrench, (2) a proper sparkplug socket, (3) some extensions of various lengths (4", 6", 12"? according to need), and (4) maybe a quality universal joint adapter. Make sure the socket is fully seated on the plug before wrenching. Look up the specified torque before replacing the plugs. Dial in the torque on the TW, quit turning when the wrench clicks.

Unlikely the hex on your plug is completely rounded. You might have rounded the corners if you didn't get it all the way on, but the hex is still there. In forged steel vs aluminum, forged steel is going to win every time. If the entire socket/plug is turning, you will need professional help to get the miss on that cylinder stopped. If the ratchet wrench is turning easily without the socket moving, you need a new ratchet.

 

This right here. The exact thing happened to me on #8. Couldn't figure out why the coil wasn't seating till I looked in the socket and the rubber piece was missing. Had to dig it out with a pick set and get a new socket.

 

Get this spark plug tool ($14) from Autozoned. Magnetic with built in rubber. Not some goofy old school type.

 

Same here. Great tool. I've used it on 3 different Toyota vehicles now.