So , 3 of my 8 spark plugs I want to change are proving very challenging because a standard 5/8” spark plug socket is to long to slip over the plug because the ceramic coated headers I have are making the clearance to tight. I tried using a 5/8” wrench but I cant get enough of the spark plug head to loosen it.
Does someone make a special 5/8 wrench or some other special tool to use in this case.
I have to think this has been a problem since headers existed and someone has a solution, I sure hope there is something .......

thanks in advance

 

https://www.jegs.com/i/SLP/847/30102/10002/-1

 

Or if you have access to a lathe, buy a spark plug socket at Harbor Freight and drill out the square and shorten it up. Use a wrench on the hex to turn.

 

lathe?! Sure that's great if you have one but a bench vice and a cut-off wheel is all you need to get it done.

btw sometimes you have to grind/turn them down to fit between the header flanges. (lathe, grinder, or a drill press, sandpaper, & patience... LOL)

 

There is no "magic bullet".

Get every variety of 5/8" tool you can find. I used to have particularly good luck back in the day with offset box-end wrenches. You can even buy a straight one and use your torch to heat it up and put just the exact right offset you want onto it.

Using an open-end on a spark plug socket was always another worthy strategy. You can cut the socket down with a wizz wheel if need be.

Use silicone dielectric grease on the plug threads when you put them back in. It'll ease the pain next time... maybe all you'll have to do is break it loose, then you can get it the rest of the way with your fingers.

Patience, Grasshopper.

 

No. No. No. That's how you make a distributor wrench, but with a 9/16".

The SLP tool is just a Craftsman 5/8" spark plug socket with half the deep well cut off and the 3/8" square drive bored out round to allow you to slip the socket over the porcelain. Takes a few minutes with a cut off while, carbide burr, rat tail file, etc. But these days I'd use a HF or other Taiwan grade tool, like something off the shelf at Advance Auto that you won't feel bad about hacking. Even the red/yellow/green tool bin grade sockets should be more than good enough. Or hit the pawn shop or flea market and find some no name Chinesium socket to murder.

 

Heck yes, offset wrenches! Before special plug tools hit the market, I found this broken offset wrench in my father's roll-away. A bit of heat-and-beat and some sparks yielded this:



I have a few other specialized tools that I purchased for the job but I've found the wrench the most efficient.

 

That is how I made my shorty socket. Socket meet Vice & Hacksaw.

Sadly, I did not cut it 100% straight, but it works.

The good news is I left it long enough that I can cut it again!

 

I got tired of waiting for SLP to send me the spark plug socket when I ordered my Tri-Y headers way back when (was supposed to be included with the header installation kit)

The first attempt at a modified spark plug socket yielded this. I had to machine the sliding ring to keep the socket from spreading under torque. It works but it's a two handed job - pardon the expression.