Denso Sparkplug issue with tightening / socket?

If you get a good spark plug socket, it will work.

 

I went through this same nonsense with a bunch of sockets with name brand manufacturers as a matter of fact I have one out in the box I don't remember what the resolve was but I for some reason I want to say it's not 9/16

SM-A715F ?

 

Maybe long enough?

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-and-specialty-tools/spark-plug-socket/p/duralast-3-8in-drive-9-16in-spark-plug-socket/914145_0_0?cmpid=LIA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:TLS:8367255572&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn7ak6evb9AIVChmtBh1D_AvQEAQYASABEgKGy_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

If you have a NAPA autoparts store nearby, this is what I got:

Balkamp/Evercraft, insert this part number in the search bar at napaonline.com, BK 7745866

It has a universal joint on it. There's also standard ones available.

Search BK 7741466

Take a spark plug to the store when you pick up the spark plug socket to ensure it is deep enough to engage the hex section on your spark plugs.

FYI, I had a problem with the insert gripping the sparkplug a bit too tightly, where the adapter would come off my socket extension and stay on the sparkplug after the sparkplug was tightened down. I had to tape the adapter onto my socket extension with some tape (duct/electrical/painter's, whatever is available) so that the adapter could be pulled off the sparkplug when it was seated.



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That's always a good idea. Especially if your socket is near-new, the rubber insert can be grippier than the socket extension lock, and without the tape, if the extension just keeps pulling off (after torquing the new plug), your only option is to back the plug back out, and then apply the tape.

 

The Repair Manual (more info) specifies a 14 mm spark plug wrench, Toyota part number 09011-3C220. Like many Toyota hand tools, I don’t think this is sold at U.S. dealers, but for reference, it’s a six-point, 3/8" square drive socket, with outside diameter 18.5 mm and length 62.0 mm. The KTC equivalent is B3A-14SP, also shown on page 277 of their catalog (56 MB PDF).

 

That's exactly what I had to do, I was able to re-engage the adapter with my extension and back the sparkplug out. It was trickier due to the universal joint on my sparkplug adapter, but I was using a wobble extension, so it didn't need to be exactly aligned with each other.

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I had trouble with an older spark plug socket where the rubber "plug gripper" came off, stuck to the installed plug. (Different vehicle brand). I couldn't think of a solution, so I went to a local auto parts store, I think O'Reilly's, and got a magnetic one.

REVVL V+ 5G ?

 

Oh, that would be annoying.

 

I would think you should still have some kind of soft material in the sparkplug socket to protect the ceramic insulator?



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I hear you. Every time the socket would "suck" a plug into place you could hear a clink and I would cringe, but it was pulling the plug inwards parallel to the ceramic surface and not once damaged one. (There are 8 plugs in that car). I tried my best not to let it snap into place but couldn't help it at times. (No there isn't any cushioning in that particular one that I bought, pretty sure it was O'Reilly's but I forget the brand)...

REVVL V+ 5G ?

 

First time it ever happened to me so I was definitely frustrated:

Stop work research (thanks for the internet and O'Reilly's online in store inventory system) find and purchase magnetic spark plug socket, under COVID conditions. Procure other family vehicle to retrieve it. Decide whether to use new or used/old torque specification. (Ultimately went with used). Deal with new snappy concern of new socket....

REVVL V+ 5G ?

 

I’ve sometimes used electrical tape to keep plug in socket. One just need to remember to pull socket out and remove tape before plug is all the way down. Just few rounds is enough. Those rubber ”holders” are real PITA. Always stick to plug and sometimes so hard that even the extension comes off(!).

And yes, make sure to wind the tape strongly to socket so that tape does not come off..

 

Obviously have the correct socket will make the job a whole lot easier..
But a 14mm deep socket will loosen and tighten spark plugs, and a magnetic pickup tool can be very helpful for pickup and install.

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Yes! A magnetic pick-up tool has saved the day many times for me, I can't count how many times I've dropped nuts, screws, gaskets (EGR pipe/cooler), sockets, and other tools down hard to reach areas.

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Up until yesterday I didn't realize you and Mendel were having a different 1st world problem than I. I happened to have these on hand and they definitely help with yours':

3/8 in. Drive Quick-Release Extension Bar Set, 4 Pc.

REVVL V+ 5G ?

 

Any Toyota tools needed can be purchased here:

https://toyota.service-solutions.com/en-US/Pages/home.aspx

I got my oil filter wrench/socket there.....

REVVL V+ 5G ?

 

Asian cars with "small" spark plugs need a 14mm plug socket (don't remember if I have snap on or matco). The 9/16" plug socket (I got mine for Fords) will not work right for Toyota.

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