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!

if you have an impact driver, put it on the socket and spray the socket with a bunch of wd or pb blaster (my preferred), without pushing on it run the socket F then R a few times. get it turning then gently pull while running the impact to turn the socket.

like bob said, it helps if you can freeze the socket too, not sure how to do that effectively though.

if you have a welder and don't mind sacrificing a socket and extension, weld the extension to the socket with 3-4 hard tacks.

I've been spraying with PB blaster and tried running it back and forth. It's far more stuck than a regular extension will allow for (extension just pulls right out even after PB blaster and running it back and forth). I'm going to try to pick up one of those locking extensions to see if that will help.

I've been thinking about freezing it, but it's so far down in there I'm not sure how I could do it.

This may be the direction we end up going....I'm just not sure we can get the welder that far down in there

What the heck was toyota thinking making those plug tubes irreplaceable....

Have you tried peeing on it?

Possibly a blind bearing puller?

update?

I guess my first thought was.
Why are you changing the plugs?

That’s all I have.

Gall or scruff up the end of the extension to a point where you need to tap the extension into the socket with a little force (LFH) so it would grab more. Use a different socket to gage just how much you need to deface the extension while still being able to get it in.

Maybe pour some lighter fluid in the hole and light it so it burns out the rubber socket insert while you try to pull it out. I would do several attempts at this.

Here is what I would try after exhausting all other ideas.

Get a long socket extension (like 12 inches) and align it in the socket and mark it so you know where it will slide in the socket (for the 2nd part if needed). Ground a welder as close to the socket as you can and then put the extension into the stinger. Push the extension in the socket and get ready to start pulling the socket out and have someone turn on the welder while you slowly pull up. Turn off the welder as soon as you feel it pulling out so you don't arc out on the walls. If that doesn't work, carefully slide the extension down into the tube (not touching the sides of the tubes) until you arc the extension to the socket for a few seconds then try to shove the extension into the socket (with a BFH if needed) while it is still hot and immediately shut off the welder.

A couple of recommendations for you - don't be sweaty while you do this in case you ground out and blow a fan across the engine bay to minimize any flammable fumes and have a fire watch standing there with a couple of extinguishers handy.

If it works you owe me lunch but if it don't and you either kill yourself or burn up your car than don't try to contact me as this is not to be construed as professional advice.

Can you spin it with an impact and apply upward pressure with channel locks ?

If all this fails, watch every Youtube video you can find. May be some new ideas there.

You say you can turn the socket if you put a lot of force on it.
Have you tried turning it down/clockwise to see if you can get the socket unstuck?

I'm guessing that was the first thing you did but its all could offer.

Vise grip and a slide hammer or pry bar.

All my guys voted. They said this.

Get a long screwdriver that is 1/2” wide at the tip. Flat blade. Take a grinder to the tip of the screw driver and make a big flat hook on one end. Stick the tip into the socket and turn it so that the hook engages the 3/8” square opening on the socket. Turn it while gently tapping the screwdriver upwards with a hammer. Spray a lot of liquid wrench down there while it’s going.

GENIUS!

Stored in my memory bank for later.

home depot, husky impact socket extensions. they have the locking feature and will stay with the socket, forgot I have a set and they are good.


they have husky cheaper, the socket end pulls to release and they do lock in good.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GEARWRE...-6-in-and-12-in-3-Piece-84927N/313787418

That is similar to the SnapOn, but looking at the SnapOn the sockets are designed to work with the extension.

Most sockets do not have a through-hole for the pin to latch into.

A regular hammer puller won't work?

Otherwise, I'd buy freeze spray on Amazon. Freeze the [censored] out of the socket. Then attach this tool to a puller (get the right size). Use an impact to drive the puller. If that doesn't work you'll have to go hydraulic.

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-270...76c444e&pd_rd_i=B004FDGU20&psc=1

Hydraulic? Hahahaa.

Drill out the sparkplug, seal the socket, pour some tannerite into the injector hole and fire away. Blow that socket off! Hell yeah!

for sale cheap ---used Camry , runs great on 5 cylinders , low mileage ---:)

I hope you don't have more than a stuck socket. It sounds like from your description, the plug's threads have seized in the head.

Manual said to change at 60k and it's almost at 70k

I told mom Camry plugs are just fine for much longer, but nobody listens to me....now I can see why

I need a pic of this, cant picture whats going on here.

The all new soon to be released 100% electric 2024 Toyota CamryEV has been reengineered so that all of the spark plugs are fully compatible with 5/8” sockets.

extension pulls right out when you try to pull up. I even JB welded the extension in there and it still pulled out

No the other 3 plugs came out just fine when I realized it was 14mm. I think this mis-sized socket somehow got jammed in between the tube wall and the spark plug and maybe in the area where there is a tiny step where the tube press fits into the head. And it just won't release upwards....

I think freezing it might make a difference. I'm going to give that a go. I also think the blind bearing puller has a chance. Never seen one of those. That's what I was talking about when I was talking about my drywall-ish kind of tool that you could run a thread into and it would expand.

Yeah I just ordered a bearing puller with slide hammer on amazon. Going to grab freeze spray on the way home. Hopefully that will do the trick. I think it has a decent shot.

I'll take a pic when I get home, but this is not dissimilar to the tool I made a few days ago. Found a spade bit with a hole in it. Cut off a nail and welded it in the hole and ground it down to where it would fit in the socket hole diagonal. Then turned 45 degrees so it would catch on the flat. It bent the spade bit rather than dislodging the socket...that's how firm this thing is in there. I couldn't believe it.

Good luck were rooting for you !

Well. Damn. That socket is stuck to the tube wall pretty good.

Maybe spinning it just heated it and expanded it a bit. Maybe the freeze spray could help.

You are leaning so much right now.

1. It IS a 14MM
2. Plugs last way past 100k nowadays
3. MacGyver was a class not to miss on a weeknight. Haha.


I predict you’ll get it whooped.

Oh. The screwdriver trick is because it is heat treated and won’t bend.

That was my thought also when I saw your description - much better solution than my cheap spade bit. I think it's worth trying for sure.

Maybe try Blue Nitro's fire advice, then pee on it.

So if I understand right, it’s seized to the outside of the spark plug tube, it’s not seized to the plug itself?

socket was a smidge too large for the hole, the hole is winning so far.

I think he said it started turning out then became lodged.
My first action would be to try and screw it back in a little and see if it loosened up.

My take from what he said was that the socket is wedged between the spark plug and the spark plug tube.
If the socket went on easily and it started getting wedged as you screwed it out, screw it in and maybe the socket will be loose enough to pull out easily.

At this point it should be said, check I new plug with the socket BEFORE you begin.

Probably should leave your standard sockets in the garage when working on a jap vehicle.

The Mexicans I work with would have had that socket out in 5 minutes. C’mon! They said they are Mexi-CANS, not Mexi-CANT’S!

You can do this.

I have both. Even American vehicles use metric. Bastages!

Since around 1979….most vehicles are metric. Varies with model to model, but that a good approximation. With exception to spark plugs. They are mostly 5/8”, some are 3/4”. A few Toyota oddball 14MM out there now.

Need pics

My fear at this point would not be so much about getting the socket itself out as it would be damaging something in the process. If you just want to get the socket out, probably the screwdriver tool shown, but I don’t know how you’re gonna pull it off with causing any more damage. And yes nearly every socket size on a vehicle is metric nowadays, most everything I can think of but the oil drain plug and the spark plugs on my truck are metric. On the newer vehicles, everything is metric.

This is the summary of it

Problem at this point is I saw some youtube videos where the tube was removable so the top of the tube is jacked up. Buddy is a welder and can fix that part easily, but doesn't want me cutting the tube because he wants a nice clean cut to weld to. So I am standing down til he's back in town next week June 10-11. Whoever suggested a blind bearing puller may be the winner. I picked one up at harbor freight. It fits into the 3/8 socket and latches on really, really tight. But I can't tight it without the tube cut off, so we're still at a standstill on it. I showed my buddy the screwdriver idea and he said we may try that as well. Worst case he's going to weld an extension to the socket after we cut the tube down.

Long story short about a half dozen of these ideas are in play - I'll report back once we solve it. We are definitely getting this thing out.

Yeah I haven't worked on newer vehicles as much. That's stupid

I haven’t really either. Mine is nearly 20 years old. From what I’ve seen dropping the pan for a transmission service on these newer vehicles requires an act of congress. A lot has changed from the 4 speed transmission and a naturally aspirated v8. I’ll say, as far as jap cars go, Honda has done a very good job with making their vehicles easy to maintain. You can change transmission fluid and engine oil in one of their cars with a regular automatic transmission in about 30 minutes, if not less. Regarding this situation, it sounds like to me it’s going to require a good welder to get this out. The next question is will the plug be rounded off, it’s one thing to extract a rounded off bolt (spent 2 days getting a rounded off transmission pan bolt out once), a rounded off plug you might end up leaving it in until it throws a misfire code. I can somewhat relate to this feeling, changing the spark plugs on my 5.4 and listening to them creaking as I extracted them, I remember all the guys at the auto parts store just saying “good luck”, I managed to get all of mine out without breaking off a plug. I know people who had to call out mechanics to extract a broken off plug. You may try blasting it with liquid wrench like was suggested above, might give you enough give just to get the socket out, once you get the plug out it’ll smoke like crazy, but nothing to worry about.

The 5/8 socket isn't even close to grabbing on the plug, so I don't think it'll be rounded off. The other 3 broke loose pretty easily. And worst case there are a number of options on amazon for sockets that grab on stripped bolts so I think we'll be able to figure it out if it's an issue.

This whole thing has frustrated mom. I think she's actually debating trading the Camry in on a Honda CR-V once this episode is over

If you could install an air fitting on the socket, then inject compressed air, it will blow the socket back out. There is probably no way to seal off any type of fitting though.

I thought about filling the area underneath the socket with gunpowder, but again you'd have to seal it off so that wouldn't work.

Maybe you could drill the square hole on the socket round, then tap it. Then get a Cup puller and run a bolt down through the metal cup on top of the hole and tighten. It may pull the socket out.

There is a youtube video where a guy grinds away the socket but I don't know what kind of grinder would get down in there.

How far down below the top of the Tube is the socket?

Put some gorilla glue on that extension stick it in that socket and lube the tube and pull it out

Blind bearing puller for the win! TFF saved me $6k

Whoever suggested blind bearing puller and/or the freeze spray (this stuff loosened it up a good bit) holler at me on PM - 24 pack of your beverage of choice on my porch next time you're coming through east side of town.

I love it when a plan come together....
.

I knew you’d beat it!!

Way to go.

Now quit with the crazy thoughts about getting rid of the Camry.

Hell yah !

Now what about the spark plug you were originally trying to pull ? Did it break ?

It looks ok. I broke it loose just to make sure it wasn't going to have anything wonky going on with it, and it broke loose fairly easily just like the other 3 did, which confirms the socket was just binding against the tube walls like it was barely an interference fit.

The tube is going to need a little bit of metal repair up top so it will seal on the valve cover gasket. Fortunately a good buddy of mine is a top notch welder on class car restorations, and this will be a piece of cake for him. Once that's done, I'll get compressed air and blow out the plug tube really good so no debris goes into the engine when I remove the plug. Then I'll replace the plug and put it all back together and I expect it will fire back up.

Mom is just tired of cars. Wants to go back to a small SUV. Otherwise I think she'd keep this thing and drive it forever.

Problem is Rav4 is really expensive and I just hate the way they drive. CR-V has a CVT which we've had a bad history with. Mazda CX-5 gets less than stellar gas mileage compared to anything in its class, and even though they're made pretty well, they get lower reliability ratings than Honda and Toyota. So I'm not sure what direction she's leaning.

look at the hyundai santa fe, drove one a couple of times and they are pretty nice.

In lieu of a beverage, how about an equivalent kid’s MX gear donation for my 2Stroke hobby shop’s Young Rider’s Program. We’re gathering bikes and gear to host an occasional track day, at our expense, for families to bring out their peewees to gear them up, photograph, and ride our Yamaha PW50’s - a couple with training wheels and a few others without. Benefits the kids and young families never exposed to this challenging opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

PM me if you’d like to participate/support.

Thanks…

Mojo of the month thread fo sho.

Pick May or June, don't matter.

Wait... So who was the official winner here? Was it wsimpson, or did you get the tool I linked to on Amazon? I can't quite tell from the picture! I am far less charitable. I'll take the beer.

I hope your mom made you pay for her Uber the last three weeks. Poor lady hasn’t had a vehicle for a month or maybe you loaned her yours.

I loaned her mine. I'd walk before I'd let mom go without a ride because I'm an idiot

Luckily my daughter plays club soccer and it turns out there is so much driving, it's cheaper to get a commuter car for that. So I have a Mazda CX-5 that we take to soccer stuff so I don't have to drive my F-250 halfway around the world and back. So mom has had the mazda this whole time.

Bob Davis was the first one to recommend freeze spray (which loosened it up some for sure) and wsimpson was the first blind bearing puller suggestion, as far as I can tell. I'll hit up wsimpson via PM - owe him a donation to the bikes project for sure.