today i decided to get my spark plugs changed. took out the coils, but when it comes time to put in the 5/8" socket it doesnt fit? there looks to be some outer ring in the socket that is creating this problem?

 

let me just add, this is the first car where i did not have to buy the wireset, rotor and distributor cap, so this is new to me and to the person actually trying to change them for me. i hate to seem so n00bish, but first car where i had a setup like this.

 

Did you try a metric based socket that fits your spark plugs?

 

the rubber ring inside the 5/8 is there to help remove the plug after its loose try and put a little pressure on the 5/8 on the plug while turning it.

 

we cant even get the socket in the hole. it never touches the spark plug at all. it's as if the socket tool is too big, but it's clearly a 5/8" socket tool. that's why we are both like

 

If you can't get the socket into the hole then you're using the wrong size socket.

Or are you using a regular socket, instead of a spark plug socket?

 

he was using a 5/8" socket. does it matter if it's a "spark plug" socket if the size is correct? i take it its the same one he uses for any other spark plugs he takes off. /shrugs

 

I have two sockets in my tool set for spark plugs that are listed as 5/8". Only one works, so I would say you have the wrong one . I am guessing the 5/8" refers to something else on the socket, though I am not sure what.

 

ok, i will have to verify that with him them. he had his toolbox with all his other tools and just grabbed the 5/8".

 

There are TWO sparkplug socket sizes - 5/8" (the correct one) and 13/16" (too big). There is rubber inside of the sparkplug socket to hold the plug in it while you take it out. With out this rubber you would be unable to remove it after it is unscrewed (unless you have very long thin fingers to reach in and pull it out).