Bright idea needed! - modern car

[StagnJag]

Hi All,

I need some advice!

I am part way through servicing my modern car - an X-Type Jag with a transverse V6. While changing the spark plugs the rubber insert in the spark plug socket got stuck on one of the spark plugs. I didn't notice initially so I have compounded the problem by trying to push the coil pack back on and pushed the rubber insert firmly onto the spark plug. (There is a coil pack for each spark plug which pushes directly on to each spark plug). The spark plugs are recessed due to the engine being DOHC.

At the moment I can't get the plug back out because the rubber bit seems to be stopping the spark plug socket back on, and I cant get the coil pack on so I am currently stuffed.

Any bright spark (Sorry ) got any suggestions.

The only thoughts I have are to get the hammer out and see if I can get the socket back on, but that will be tricky as it is only six sided, or remove the cam cover to increase access ant take it from there, although I am reluctant to do this.

I've given up for the time being as it is hosing down with rain and I was getting a drenching!


All ideas welcome!

Cheers

Dave

[stag8manod]

Hi Dave, Could reach it with an extra long pair of longnose pliers to grip the end of the rubber tube ?
Cheers Ian A

[AlanD]

Hi Dave,

last time i did this, i flatened the end part of a wire coat hanger and made a small hook, slid it down the side and managed to pull it up and out a bit at a time with some wd

dont know if it will work for you, best of luck

alan

[martin]

Have you tried a rubber magnet ? How about a longer piece of rubber tube super glued and left for a bit, rubber loves super glue. Martin.

[StagnJag]

Done it. :-)

Thanks for the replies guys.

I tried the coat hanger idea, but that wasn't getting me anywhere, so I opted for my first idea, I put the socket back on and tapped it back onto the spark plug with a rubber hammer. Annoyingly, I managed to crack the ceramic getting the plug back out of the socket. so no chance to get back on the road today. Looks like I'll be driving the Stag to work tomorrow! :-). The rubber insert was a sod to get off the plug - there was no way the coat hanger trick would have worked. I'm happier than I was earlier this afternoon though!!!

Martin - Rubber magnets are one important item missing from my tool box!!!

Cheers

Dave

[ChasR]

Done it. :-)

Thanks for the replies guys.

I tried the coat hanger idea, but that wasn't getting me anywhere, so I opted for my first idea, I put the socket back on and tapped it back onto the spark plug with a rubber hammer. Annoyingly, I managed to crack the ceramic getting the plug back out of the socket. so no chance to get back on the road today. Looks like I'll be driving the Stag to work tomorrow! :-). The rubber insert was a sod to get off the plug - there was no way the coat hanger trick would have worked. I'm happier than I was earlier this afternoon though!!!

Martin - Rubber magnets are one important item missing from my tool box!!!

Cheers

Dave

After owning 2 Mondeo V6s (now on my second) I do feel your pain (on the assumption that the engines are meant to be related). They are awkward to change at the best of times. On my current 3.0 (and ST220s for that matter) it's an inlet manifold off job to change the rears (or the HT leads for that matter). The manifold has already been off twice for this reason, and I fear I will be taking it off again to change the HT leads soon :S.

I do soon forget about the chores however when an unsuspecting boy racer comes across me mind you, or a rep in a derv.

[StagnJag]

Hi Chas,

Yes, it is an inlet manifold off job in the X-type as well. No HT leads on the Jag though - coil packs for each plug that push straight on the top. First time I have delved that deep into the mechanicals of a modern car. I didn't fancy another Jag dealership servicing bill so I thought I'd have a crack at it myself! Not technically difficult, but a disproportionate amount of stuff to take off to get at those rear plugs!

Rgds

Dave

[elvimto]

I had this happen on another car I had after that I removed the rubber insert from my plug sockets I use a short bit of rubber tubing on the top of the plug to start the plug and turn it as far as it will go then put the socket on it and tighten. So far I never have ahd any problems.

cheers stuart

[StagnJag]

Hi Stuart,

Good tip!

After the above debarcle I didn't use the insert and used a pair of long nosed pliers to get the plugs out, much safer! I dropped the plugs in and used the socket with an extension on it to hand tighten the plugs before applying the ratchet.

Sods law is working in full effect today. Firstly I have a lunchtime deadline at work followed by a meeting all afternoon so popping out at lunchtime to get a replacement plug is looking doubtful and the weather forecast is gale force winds and heavy rain. . t'riffic!

[bprasil1]

I know you got it out already but if it ever happens to anyone else in the future what about connecting a piece of garden hose to a vaccuum cleaner and sucking it out?

Just a thought.

[martin]

I know you got it out already but if it ever happens to anyone else in the future what about connecting a piece of garden hose to a vaccuum cleaner and sucking it out?

Just a thought.

I've got a better idea for the future, do what I've always done, take the insert out, keep it, it's good rubber. They're supposed to stop you breaking the insulator but that's a rare occurrence anyway. I always do as Stuart does, a length of soft rubber pipe. Martin.

[Guest]

X-Type Jag with a transverse V6.

[StagnJag]

Yup, all of the V6's are.

I've been trying to find a good pic, but couldn't find one on the net. I will pull one off my phone this evening when I get home (If I remember)

[72BLUE]

X-Type Jag with a transverse V6.

I have the 3.0 Ltr Sport version, it is 4WD and a pretty awesome car in general. 0-60 in 6+ seconds (IIRC) and no turbo either. It is also very good around the twisty bits. I think it bothers the Ford ST boys because the Jag flavour of the 3.0 engine gives out more BHP?

One of the downsides is fixing electrical gremlins that 'modern' cars suffer from, I need to fix an engine warning light and worst of all, an airbag fault light on mine. On the upside, I bought a complete passenger side seat in the right colour/trim for £15 which should fix the airbag fault.

Worst of all though is the corrosion that affects the sills, at 9 years old I have had to replace the full drivers side one (quadrupal metal for front part, triple for rear) and repair the rear third of the passanger side. If I can find the pics I will post them.

Keith

[StagnJag]

Blimey, mine's 10 years old and the only fault I've had was an o2 sensor - luckily at the front of the car, but still a sod to get to!

Rust wise I have some bubbling on the lower edge of the front passenger door but other than that its all very good. It's even still on its original exhaust and clutch. The original battery was replaced two years ago. On the minus side, I did have to replace the transfer box a couple of years ago which cost a small fortune!