2018 Camry (my mom's)....been a long time since I did a spark plug job but they were always 5/8" on every vehicle I ever had, so I just stuck a 5/8 socket in the tube and it felt like it broke loose. As I ran it a couple turns, it got firmer. I stopped but it is officially stuck. I can't get it out to save my life. Anyone got any brilliant tips for removing it? It will turn with a lot of force on the ratchet, but otherwise it's pretty tight. Turns out it's a 14mm nut on the spark plugs, so the remaining 3 plugs were a 10 minute job...but this last one has been stuck for 2 weeks. A 5/8 socket won't grab on 14mm nut so it's NOT on the threads...just jammed between the plug and the tube I think. The top spark plug piece where the boot connects is not sticking into the socket base either, so that's a good thing. I took pictures and brought to Toyota of Rockwall and they quoted me $6k for a new engine because the tubes are sold with the head (not separately), and they were unwilling to try to get it out. Things I've tried:

JB weld an extension into the socket and pull it out while turning - extension came right out
Built a tool that I could put into the socket diagonally and turn 45 degrees and pull up on it - it bent the metal tool trying to pull out
Buddy is going to bring over a snap-on easy out extractor set, but I am not sure how that's going to pull up on it since it's not on any kind of threads, and he can't make it over here for 2 weeks and I'm going to drive myself crazy by then

I'm thinking of trying to make some kind of tool, one of two designs: either a threaded piece that gets thicker at the end and expands when you run a screw/bolt into it (similar to a sheet rock anchor or vehicle trim screw system), or a beefier version of what I had before where I put it in diagonal and then turn it, but I'd like to have some kind of insert that goes in that locks it from rotating. Either of these would be a pain to make, so I'm mostly looking for ideas of how to get this thing out...

Welder and a slide hammer ?

The socket is stuck in the tube?

I’ll ask some of the guys at work in the morning and see what the best idea is.

I think there is an extension that has a locking ball on it. Maybe stick one of those into the socket and then use a gear puller on the extension.

I know SnapOn makes the extension that locks onto the socket. I have one, but the one I have is too small. You are likely using a 3/8 socket drive…mine is 1/4” drive. They do make one in 3/8”. I do know that. And once into the socket, you’ll need a pick tool to release the socket.

I'm not sure you can get a welder that far into the tube?


never heard of a locking extension. I'll look into that - might be just what I need! Yes I'm using 3/8 drive

I hope a free tuneup wasn’t your Mother’s Day present.

I would think a (tap) threader tool could twist itself tight enough in the end to work the socket out.

Freeze spray or a dry ice pack around the socket. You need to contract the metal. I've done this with some bushings and it works. If you have access to some LN2, put that on the socket. Try a toggle bolt, they make them fairly large and may fit into the end of the socket then open giving you something to pull against. Maybe a wheel puller to assist. I dunno.

I use mine all the time in hard to reach places. The sockets I use are SnapOn magnetic (expensive$$$), if I lose one it’s about a $40-$60 per socket hit, so this extension means no lost sockets in motors and stuff.

Also….WHO THE HELL DECIDED A 14MM SPARKPLUG WAS A GOOD IDEA?


The socket I have for those was $90!!! Magnetic/springloaded swivel socket. Gets into tighter places.

Freaking Asian motors!

Too soon....

This isn't a bad last resort idea either

Right...

So stupid...

Might give this a go as well, thanks!