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Help socket stuck in spark plug tube

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Theregulator187, Aug 15, 2023.

  1. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    Is there space between the tube and socket? Can try the finger trap? Unless you’ve JB Welded the outside of the socket to the tube?

    I’m pretty sure I’ve used this in the past for a very similar situation…
     
  2. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Active Member

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    And/or the socket is glued to the tube.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  3. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Is this what you are referring to?

    Southwire - 58280840 GRIP, PULLING 3/4" https://a.co/d/8gSc7vG

    Screenshot_20230827_171118_Amazon%20Shopping.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    These:

    MilesMagic Chinese Finger Trap Magical Comedy Gimmick for Kids, Teens or Adults Surprise Birthday Party Favors Goodie Bag Novelty Stuff Gag Funny Prank Toy https://www.walmart.com/ip/2873312638

    I think these are cheaper:

    12 Chinese Finger Traps - Assorted Colors https://a.co/d/09myAkM

    Not joking…

    Get two decent pliers one on each side (flat head not needle nose), the faster you yank the more force it grasps the socket with. (As a kid playing around I accidentally panicked once and could really feel like it could dislocate your fingers)….
     
    #44 jzchen, Aug 28, 2023
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2023
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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  6. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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  7. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Not if there's too much of it, agreed.

    But only one guy in the thread has actually had eyes on this...
     
  8. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    What's the depth to the top of the socket from the top of the plug well?
     
  9. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    If the socket is not tightly wedged or glued, there are plenty of niobium(?) magnets that are crazy strong that should be able to lift it out.
    I have some in the shop that are like 3/4 x 3/4 x 3/16 inch that are absolutely ridiculously fun to play with!! Haven't met anyone yet that can pull them apart without sliding them sideways.

    maybe cut the end off a screwdriver or get a small round rod, put superglue on the end and lower down to seat somewhere on the socket and let it cure. Would be important to keep the rod straight and lift it straight when the time comes.

    Or just break the dang sparkplug so you can grip the socket and snatch it out. Use good compressed air and a long tipped blowgun to blow the hole out before you remove the bottom section of the plug. Keep your face away when doing that or you'll eat ceramic pieces.
     
  10. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    I thought of breaking the plug too.
    To me, in this case not knowing if the plug is still screwed in, I think carries too much risk.
    Those super magnets are worth a try, but....
    Repeating IMO ..... removing the valve cover is the best DIY option at this point...but I do not have a factory service manual to confirm.
    Yes, the OP's thread is my favorite post of the week....I wish him luck and look forward to the resolution.
     
  11. Theregulator187

    Theregulator187 New Member

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    Ok so update it is fixed ended up getting the spark plug tube off took a lot of wiggling the tube was a disaster after it came off. Went to Lowe's and got a piece to pipe that was 6 inches long and about 3/4, in diameter inside and hit it back in to place with a piece of wood and a mallet. What caused the socket to stick was the metal ring on my regular 5/8 swivel socket fell of and when I put the other socket in there it wedge to it so the walls of the tube was so tight it was holding both in place. Thank you for all your suggestions and help.
     
  12. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    rejoicing.gif
     
  13. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Did you use any sealant on the end of the pipe that went into the cylinder head? Just wondering if you will end up with oil seeping into the spark plug bore...

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  14. Theregulator187

    Theregulator187 New Member

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    No sealant tight fit just like the one that came out it didn't have any sealant on it because it is pressed in.
     
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Theres a specific part and install procedure in repair manual; I can dig it up in a bit if you’re interested. Pretty sure it involves valve cover removal, and a sealant.
     
  16. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    Thanks for the pic, a flashlight down the tube will help get a better image. The flash on the camera (if used) probably didn't get light directly on the subject due to angle of lens to flash unit.

    So it's not even a deep socket that's stuck on the plug?
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I'll jump the gun, before I forget:
     
  18. ws309

    ws309 Junior Member

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    Mine got a little bent it wasnt that bad.its still usable
     
  19. plai7778

    plai7778 Junior Member

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    2015 Gen 3 @125k miles I decided to proactively change the spark plugs and now I'm in this exact predicament.

    However, the difference is I used a 14mm deep socket, the very top of that socket is 1-2mm below the top of the spark plug round tube.
    I do not know if the spark plug is dislodge or if it is still threaded in maybe stripped, i am able to turn the socket left and right

    I have a locking extension that i'm going to use to try to wiggle it loose but i'm scared if i yank it, it will strip the spark plug if it is still threaded on
     
  20. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    They sell spark plug sockets with magnets, or inserts, to hold the spark plugs for a reason.

    Save yourself the aggravation, use the correct tool for the job.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #60 xliderider, Aug 31, 2023
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2023
    Mendel Leisk likes this.