# Close to doing a Hulk-smash on spark plugs: help!
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [July 15, 2017, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346 "2017-07-15T20:43:17Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)
#### Post date: [July 15, 2017, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/1 "2017-07-15T20:43:17Z")
I can’t pull the freakin’ spark plugs out of my 2002 BMW (530I).
Everything is pulled out to get at plugs, but I can’t get a grip with a 5/8, 3/8, 10mm or 5/8 special plug socket. It’s not that they don’t turn, there’s no purchase on the threads.
I assume plugs are Bosch or NGK.
I stopped before I took a sledgehammer to the block :. What do I try next?
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### Author:  [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)
#### Post date: [July 15, 2017, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/2 "2017-07-15T20:58:21Z")
If you didn’t live so damn far away, I’d come over and help you!
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### Author:  [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)
#### Post date: [July 15, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/3 "2017-07-15T21:01:58Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#):
>
> If you didn’t live so damn far away, I’d come over and help you!
I’ve said over and over you need to live next door!
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### Author:  [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)
#### Post date: [July 15, 2017, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/4 "2017-07-15T21:04:30Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#):
>
> If you didn’t live
> so damn far away, I’d come over and help you!
Should I try a plug wrench instead of ratchet? These modo DPs are so deep ☹
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### Author:  [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)
#### Post date: [July 15, 2017, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/5 "2017-07-15T21:04:41Z")
I wish you had moved into the house next door to me. The new guy seems like an asshole to me.
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### Author:  [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)
#### Post date: [July 15, 2017, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/6 "2017-07-15T21:07:52Z")
The only thing I can come up with, is if you are using a spark plug socket, they usually have a rubber insert to secure the insulator. You might not be pushing it down far/hard enough for the socket to engage the “nut” of the plug.
(why can’t I come up with the correct term?)
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### Author:  [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)
#### Post date: [July 15, 2017, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/7 "2017-07-15T21:38:18Z")
> [@Jennshark](#):
>
> I can’t pull the freakin’ spark plugs out of my 2002 BMW (530I).
>
> Everything is pulled out to get at plugs, but I can’t get a grip with a 5/8, 3/8, 10mm or 5/8 special plug socket. It’s not that they don’t turn, there’s no purchase on the threads.
I assume you mean there’s no purchase on the spark plug hex.
My info lists the recommended plug as NGK BKR6EQUP (stock # 3199) which should have a 5/8" hex. A 5/8" spark plug socket, or a deep 5/8" socket, should engage the hex. If it does not, try 13/16" and 9/16" sockets – someone might have installed the wrong plugs.
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### Author:  [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)
#### Post date: [July 15, 2017, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/8 "2017-07-15T22:22:36Z")
Have you looked at the plugs?
Use an inspection mirror - you might find that something has fallen into the well, and is prevent the socket from engaging.
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### Author:  [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/9 "2017-07-16T02:16:47Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#):
>
> I assume you mean there’s no purchase on the spark plug hex.
>
> My info lists the recommended plug as NGK BKR6EQUP (stock # 3199) which should have a 5/8" hex. A 5/8" spark plug socket, or a deep 5/8" socket, should engage the hex. If it does not, try 13/16" and 9/16" sockets – someone might have installed the wrong plugs.
Yes, I opened to post something similar. Be sure you have the correct size socket on there. You mentioned you tried 5/8", though from your OP, it’s not exactly clear (to me) what’s going on.
Also, as **Gatopescado** mentioned… check that the foam/rubber bushing (within the socket) isn’t keeping you from making purchase.
Did the sledgehammer help?
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### Author:  [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/10 "2017-07-16T03:12:36Z")
> [@Jennshark](#):
>
> Should I try a plug wrench instead of ratchet?
What exactly is a plug wrench? The normal set-up is a socket, extension, and handle (ratchet or breaker bar).
> [@](#):
>
> These modo DPs are so deep ☹
Modo? DP? I have no idea what this is supposed to mean.
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### Author:  [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/11 "2017-07-16T06:42:57Z")
C’mon, Jenn! We gotta know how this turned out! Don’t keep us hangin’!
> [@Gary\_T](#):
>
> Modo? DP? I have no idea what this is supposed to mean.
My neighbor’s dog is named “Moto”, but pronounced “Modo”, and DP is… well…
Google it. 😃
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### Author:  [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/12 "2017-07-16T15:45:09Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#):
>
> What exactly is a plug wrench? The normal set-up is a socket, extension, and handle (ratchet or breaker bar).
>
> Modo? DP? I have no idea what this is supposed to mean.
LOL, fat fingers + phone! Spark plug wrench is a manual tool Bosch sells.
Today’s plan is to try different socket sizes, look into the wrench option, then say bad words if nothing works.
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### Author:  [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/13 "2017-07-16T16:00:47Z")
You could always send me a plane ticket. I ain’t never been back there.
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### Author:  [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/14 "2017-07-16T16:02:58Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#):
>
> You could always send me a plane ticket. I ain’t never been back there.
I would if I wasn’t supporting my BMW fleet 😃
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### Author:  [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/15 "2017-07-16T16:08:38Z")
well, if it’s any consolation, your car isn’t a Mustang GT with the 3 valve 4.6 V8. Spark plug changes on those engines are _legendary._
> **[The Ford Three-Valve Broken Spark Plug Blues](https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/129-1012-ford-three-valve-broken-spark-plug-blues/)**
>
> If you are the owner of a Ford truck with a three-valve (3V) modular V-8 or V-10 engine built from 2004 thru 2007, you have either faced the misery of broken sp
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### Author:  [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/16 "2017-07-16T19:16:04Z")
> [@jz78817](#):
>
> well, if it’s any consolation, your car isn’t a Mustang GT with the 3 valve 4.6 V8. Spark plug changes on those engines are _legendary._
>
> [http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/engine/129-1012-ford-three-valve-broken-spark-plug-blues/](http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/engine/129-1012-ford-three-valve-broken-spark-plug-blues/)
HOLY CRAP THAT’S SCARY!!!
Reporting in: couldn’t get sparks out, even with neighbor guy help. We checked plugs with sensor and they were ok, so screw that.
Got new ignition coil boots in, which took care of an 0BD code. There’s still a code for 02 sensor, which I don’t care about for now.
Thanks for advice, guys. I think the theory that someone crammed in the wrong spark plugs is a good one; the previous owner put the front brake rotors on backwards suggests he’s the culprit :dubious:
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### Author:  [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/17 "2017-07-16T19:20:47Z")
> [@Jennshark](#):
>
> There’s still a code for 02 sensor, which I don’t care about for now.
It’s a BMW. We know.
How is it possible to put a brake rotor on _backwards?_ 😕
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### Author:  [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/18 "2017-07-16T20:05:46Z")
> [@Jennshark](#):
>
> We checked plugs with sensor…
Kindly explain.
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### Author:  [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/19 "2017-07-16T20:21:54Z")
There’s got to be a way to take the plugs out if the plugs were put in…right? Like in **jz** ’s Ford link, perhaps enough carbon or other deposits are causing them to seize?
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### Author:  [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)
#### Post date: [July 16, 2017, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/20 "2017-07-16T21:20:18Z")
I wonder if running the engine to full temp before pulling the plugs would help. I know, you might need oven mitts to avoid burning your hands, but it might expand the metal enough to make removing them possible.
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