Spark plug emergency

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by pk123, Jun 19, 2025 at 3:43 PM.

  1. pk123

    pk123 Member

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    So this is interesting. I purchased a 9/16” spark plug socket and the rubber stopper appears to have remained stuck around one of the plugs. It’s wedged in there now and I can neither get the socket back on the plug hex nor place the ignition coil. Any suggestions?

    Image of the socket below.
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 pk123, Jun 19, 2025 at 3:43 PM
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Yes I use mag sockets about ten yrs now . Usually a still round dowel like from home Depot it's metal 5 16 comes to mind you stick it down and you get it in between the plug rubber and the
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Jun 19, 2025 at 3:53 PM
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  3. pk123

    pk123 Member

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    Thanks…I eventually managed to finagle it out with a metal pick. Apologies for the panicked post!
     
    #3 pk123, Jun 19, 2025 at 7:48 PM
  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Take it back and get the magnetic none

     
    #4 ASRDogman, Jun 19, 2025 at 8:16 PM
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    It’s good to tape the socket to the extension too: the internal rubber grip can be tenacious enough to leave the hole socket down the hole, which typically means you’ve got to back the plug out, to rectify.

    I persevere with that style of socket, but I see a lot of mechanics use a plain socket, then fish plugs out with magnetic wand.

    I believe 14mm is the proper size, but 9/16” is close. I’m using the latter.
     

    Attached Files:

    #5 Mendel Leisk, Jun 20, 2025 at 10:16 AM
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2025 at 10:22 AM
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  6. Siward

    Siward Active Member

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    I am a newbie and was afraid of ever losing the spark plug socket, so I use lockable extensions:
    General PDP Template | Canadian Tire
    https://a.co/d/8wagICv

    Well, I bought them when they were on sale for $14 years ago. They are indeed expensive. I also have a larger magnetic pickup wand as a 2nd backup.

    I also buy the spark plug socket that is magnetized. I guess it is recommended to check for any loose spark plug socket rings prior to starting the job.
     
    #6 Siward, Jun 23, 2025 at 4:45 PM
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2025 at 4:53 PM
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