Technical removing spark plugs

[red1]

Can't see this in previous posts so maybe I am being stupid but why has it taken me an afternoon to remove no2 plug from a UNO 1.0 ?
The other three were no problem but on this one the plug socket has to go at a silly angle due to the throttle cable assemby metal work getting in the way. I got it loose eventually with a swivel joint but then couldnt get the joint and plug out because it fouled the engine. Is there a special spanner for this, are you supposed to remove the cable assembly or have I missed the point of what should be a simple job?????????
Thanks for looking.

 

[Louie Bee]

It is a silly design - more in the way on the Single point injection than the carbed fire engines..

First time I did this it took me ages to work it out. think I ended up using a spanner on the plug to get it turning then a short extender bar on the spark plug socket.

When I got the plug out, I found the Number 2 plug was a different brand to the other 3 perhaps the original plug .

I now use a Universal joint
http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/3-8-Square-Drive-Universal-Joint-13207-Draper-D76B?sc=9

But still worry the plus is about to snap

Copper grease the thread in ready for next time

Well done for not missing plug 2 .

 

[red1]

Thanks for your help.
I have just bought one of those long T handle plug sockets to try as its whole body is narrow. I found the problem with the standard joint was that its width fouled the engine as the plug screwed out ie it was OK to loosen the plug but then it jammed.

 

[Chas Uno]

I have one of those mini socket sets (1/8" drive?) that comes with a spark plug socket and an extention bar. I find that those work fine as they're smaller than a 1/2" socket set though clearance is still a bit tight on no.2 plug.

 

[alexGS]

I have one of those mini socket sets (1/8" drive?) that comes with a spark plug socket and an extention bar. I find that those work fine as they're smaller than a 1/2" socket set though clearance is still a bit tight on no.2 plug.

I can feel 'Alex's Socket Set Guide' coming on

There are four socket-set square drive sizes:

- 3/4 inch - bloody massive. Usually used with sockets hub-nut size and up. Few people own these sets - hundreds of pounds to buy. Not really required for work on an Uno, or any car for that matter - you can get 30mm and even 36mm, 41mm sockets in 1/2 inch drive as 'one-offs' when you need them.

- 1/2 inch - large. Necessary for 17mm/19mm sockets, and impact drive sockets (which are usually matt black). I notice that later Unos have a few odd sizes (such as 16mm) cropping up in the suspension - again, those need 1/2" drive for best effect. Everyone should have a 1/2" 'breaker bar' - a swivelling head with solid bar about 750mm long, over which you can place a piece of tubing to get more leverage (never do this to a ratchet handle!) Dunno why a breaker bar is seldom included in a socket set.

- 3/8 inch - medium. Ideal size for 13mm and (in my experience) spark plug sockets. 3/8" socket sets often include a great range of socket sizes (most of which you'll never use) but horrid coarse ratchet handles abound. So two worthwhile additions are a long extension (about 3x longer than the set-included extension), and a quality ratchet handle (I use Snap-on). I never use a universal joint (even though I have one) - 3/8" would be the size in which to get one of those if you're keen.

- 1/4 inch - small. Ideal for 10mm deep socket (probably the 2nd-most frequently-used tool in my toolbox after the Philips screwdriver). 8mm is also common, 7mm and 6mm exist on FIATs (mainly on electrical fittings e.g. the alternator). Again it is sometimes useful to have an extension for 1/4" size.

Try to avoid those 3/8-1/4" 'reducers' at all cost. Nothing but grief ensues (the 1/4" square just shears off). Most sets include a reducer and a screwdriver handle instead of a 1/4" ratchet. Get a 1/4" ratchet when you can

Chas I think you were referring to 3/8" drive - I would be very surprised if you had a 1/8" socket drive, as that would be TINY (less than 4mm!)

Inches never come naturally to me (oh no, what have I just said...) and I always have to think really hard about fractions like 5/16", 17/32", etc. Millimetres are so much easier...

-Alex

 

[jimboy]

I can feel 'Alex's Socket Set Guide' coming on

There are four socket-set square drive sizes:

- 3/4 inch - bloody massive. Usually used with sockets hub-nut size and up. Few people own these sets - hundreds of pounds to buy. Not really required for work on an Uno, or any car for that matter - you can get 30mm and even 36mm, 41mm sockets in 1/2 inch drive as 'one-offs' when you need them.

- 1/2 inch - large. Necessary for 17mm/19mm sockets, and impact drive sockets (which are usually matt black). I notice that later Unos have a few odd sizes (such as 16mm) cropping up in the suspension - again, those need 1/2" drive for best effect. Everyone should have a 1/2" 'breaker bar' - a swivelling head with solid bar about 750mm long, over which you can place a piece of tubing to get more leverage (never do this to a ratchet handle!) Dunno why a breaker bar is seldom included in a socket set.

- 3/8 inch - medium. Ideal size for 13mm and (in my experience) spark plug sockets. 3/8" socket sets often include a great range of socket sizes (most of which you'll never use) but horrid coarse ratchet handles abound. So two worthwhile additions are a long extension (about 3x longer than the set-included extension), and a quality ratchet handle (I use Snap-on). I never use a universal joint (even though I have one) - 3/8" would be the size in which to get one of those if you're keen.

- 1/4 inch - small. Ideal for 10mm deep socket (probably the 2nd-most frequently-used tool in my toolbox after the Philips screwdriver). 8mm is also common, 7mm and 6mm exist on FIATs (mainly on electrical fittings e.g. the alternator). Again it is sometimes useful to have an extension for 1/4" size.

Try to avoid those 3/8-1/4" 'reducers' at all cost. Nothing but grief ensues (the 1/4" square just shears off). Most sets include a reducer and a screwdriver handle instead of a 1/4" ratchet. Get a 1/4" ratchet when you can

Chas I think you were referring to 3/8" drive - I would be very surprised if you had a 1/8" socket drive, as that would be TINY (less than 4mm!)

Inches never come naturally to me (oh no, what have I just said...) and I always have to think really hard about fractions like 5/16", 17/32", etc. Millimetres are so much easier...

-Alex

eh..yes alex we do have & know about said sizes of socket sets ect here in the UK

 

[alexGS]

eh..yes alex we do have & know about said sizes of socket sets ect here in the UK

Good

-Alex