# Close to doing a Hulk-smash on spark plugs: help! **URL:** \ **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:** 3
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2017, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/41 "2017-08-27T16:53:39Z")
[http://\) ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2017, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/42 "2017-08-27T19:54:07Z")
This will work better. 🙂 [![](https://i.imgur.com/9CMWKIj.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/9CMWKIj.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2017, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/43 "2017-08-28T02:43:40Z")
It’s possible when you were monkeying around with the sensor you “fixed” a loose connection. Whether it was at the harness, a connection inside the sensor itself or partially broken wire just about anywhere. Any of those can be checked (and “fixed”) via a wiggle test you just did on it. ETA, unrelated, but I just picked up a set of Rhino Ramps and highly recommend them to anyone regularly working under their car. Life is so much easier driving up a set of ramps (tossing wheel chocks under the other two wheels) and climbing under. I just did a fuel filter the other day on a big pick up. As high as it is, it’s still to low to get under it comfortably, but throwing it up on some ramps [works perfectly](http://imgur.com/mxs1dOX). ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2017, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/44 "2017-08-28T12:40:02Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > This will work better. 🙂 > [Imgur: The magic of the Internet](https://i.imgur.com/9CMWKIj.jpg) How did you fix this? Much appreciated 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2017, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/45 "2017-08-28T13:28:25Z")
Your links started out “[http://https](http://https)://” etc. It was pretty obvious that was junk. So I just trimmed the extra “http://” bit off the front. When you quote a post you get to see all the internal mess. Kinda like sculpting an elephant, I just cut away everything that didn’t look like a url. When I got done whatever was left really was a url. 🙂 I oughta post pics of my newish ride, but I haven’t taken any good ones yet. I’m not big on selfies or pix of my stuff. Feels too much like egomania to me. The modern fixation on building one’s social media “brand” horrifies me. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2017, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/46 "2017-08-28T14:46:28Z")
> [@Jennshark](#): > > I just drove about 50 miles without the SES coming on. I scanned for codes again – nada. I’m curious about why the scan wouldn’t come up with the 02 error code again if there is truly something wrong . . ? Because not every problem shows up instantly, or soon. For some faults the code-setting protocol includes the computer seeing a reading that lies outside of a specified range for a certain period of time under certain conditions and having this set of parameters repeat at least once. This is typical of situations where the computer is monitoring and evaluating the performance of some aspect of the system, such as running lean or a catalytic converter not functioning properly. Such codes may take weeks of normal driving to reappear. Other situations, for example a short or open in a particular circuit, will set a code immediately. So did you ever get the plugs out? Did you carefully inspect the plug wells to see if there was something in there blocking the sockets you were using, that could have been removed for access, or gotten around by using the proper special tool? ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2017, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/47 "2017-08-28T19:55:37Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > Because not every problem shows up instantly, or soon. For some faults the code-setting protocol includes the computer seeing a reading that lies outside of a specified range for a certain period of time under certain conditions and having this set of parameters repeat at least once. This is typical of situations where the computer is monitoring and evaluating the performance of some aspect of the system, such as running lean or a catalytic converter not functioning properly. Such codes may take weeks of normal driving to reappear. Other situations, for example a short or open in a particular circuit, will set a code immediately. > > So did you ever get the plugs out? Did you carefully inspect the plug wells to see if there was something in there blocking the sockets you were using, that could have been removed for access, or gotten around by using the proper special tool? Thanks for info. I’m keeping an eye on recurring SES, I’m learning DIY stuff all the time. Pretty certain the pre-cat 02s need to be replaced. Nope on plugs. I got the special socket/breaker bar/muscled neighbor guy but those suckers ain’t coming out. I’ll need to get a mechanic to pull plugs and 02s so I can install the parts myself. This car doesn’t want to give up her old parts without a fight. ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2017, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/48 "2017-08-28T19:57:40Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Your links started out “[http://https](http://https)://” etc. It was pretty obvious that was junk. So I just trimmed the extra “http://” bit off the front. > > When you quote a post you get to see all the internal mess. Kinda like sculpting an elephant, I just cut away everything that didn’t look like a url. When I got done whatever was left really was a url. 🙂 > > I oughta post pics of my newish ride, but I haven’t taken any good ones yet. I’m not big on selfies or pix of my stuff. Feels too much like egomania to me. The modern fixation on building one’s social media “brand” horrifies me. Ah ha! Thanks muchly. I would like to see your new wheels . . . ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2017, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/49 "2017-08-28T20:31:09Z")
> [@Jennshark](#): > > I’ll need to get a mechanic to pull plugs and 02s so I can install the parts myself. This car doesn’t want to give up her old parts without a fight. I think I see a flaw in your plan… ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2017, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/50 "2017-08-29T14:29:42Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > I think I see a flaw in your plan… . . . that it involves my incredible mechanical skills? :D:D:D ETA \> the plan will fail because I can’t drive the car home without spark plugs! (But I could without the 02s)!! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2017, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/51 "2017-08-29T15:33:54Z")
Just have the mech break them loose. Same way I just break the vacuum seal on unopened jars then hand it back to whoever to let them finish taking credit for muscling the lid off the rest of the way. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2017, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/52 "2017-08-29T15:43:00Z")
> [@SmellMyWort](#): > > I’ve seen some spark plug sockets specifically marketed as “thin-walled” indicating that in some cases there is very little space between the spark plug hex and the wall of the access tube. This, I recently had to start working on an E36 and somehow I ended up with a thin walled 16mm spark plug socket that worked, none of the other sockets I had would fit on there. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2017, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/53 "2017-08-29T15:45:40Z")
> [@Jennshark](#): > > . . . that it involves my incredible mechanical skills? :D:D:D > > ETA \> the plan will fail because I can’t drive the car home without spark plugs! (But I could without the 02s)!! You’ll be driving around with 2-4 (depending on car design) 3/4" holes in your exhaust system. Your ECM will probably go nuts and you’ll be driving around in “limp-home” mode. I hope it’s a very short drive. You’ll still probably need a 7/8" (or 22 mm) sensor socket to tighten the O[sup]2[/sup] sensor into the exhaust pipe, anyway. I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be more than finger-tight, and the wire means you need a cutaway or slotted socket. [Example](https://www.harborfreight.com/78-in-oxygen-sensor-socket-69022.html). ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2017, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/54 "2017-08-29T16:43:11Z")
> [@gnoitall](#): > > You’ll be driving around with 2-4 (depending on car design) 3/4" holes in your exhaust system. But just imagine that glorious sound! 😃 Actually, I think The Dean has the correct wrench. I recall reading that earlier. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2017, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/55 "2017-08-29T16:57:14Z")
Just throwing it out there but would one of [these](http://www.homedepot.com/p/Gator-Grip-3-8-in-Universal-Socket-with-Power-Drill-Adapter-ETC120A/100351756) work? It may address the odd sizing… ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2017, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/56 "2017-08-29T17:29:37Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > Just throwing it out there but would one of [these](http://www.homedepot.com/p/Gator-Grip-3-8-in-Universal-Socket-with-Power-Drill-Adapter-ETC120A/100351756) work? It may address the odd sizing… I’d be surprised if that could fit into the spark plug well of any car. There tends to be just enough room for the right size socket, whereas that universal design is inherently bulky. I really don’t think odd sizing is the issue here. Spark plugs are only made with certain hex sizes, all of which are common. Post #47 suggests that they’re not breaking loose easily; they may be (partially) seized. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2017, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/57 "2017-08-30T20:53:17Z")
Yeah, I get that as changing my Legacy’s spark plugs is always an adventure. I’m really happy I only have 4 to deal with. It was more a Hail Mary suggestion than anything else. ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/58 "2017-08-31T14:08:15Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > But just imagine that glorious sound! 😃 > > Actually, I think The Dean has the correct wrench. I recall reading that earlier. I bought the split-side socket recommended by BMW and the OEM spark plug company (Bosh). I also tried other deep sockets, a breaker bar, etc. I can say with confidence that these suckers aren’t moving. I also have the right tools to remove the 02 sensors – again, can’t budge 'em. This car came from an abusive situation and was on the brink of death when I got her; I would bet that these parts have never been replaced (the car had 132,000 when I got it; 144,000 now). ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/59 "2017-08-31T16:22:38Z")
Time for the impact driver…😃 So Kidding! This would likely be a RBI. Really Bad Idea! ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2017, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346/60 "2017-08-31T19:44:04Z")
PB Blaster™ & small impact wrench set low and 2/3 licks and a rest, 2/3 licks and rest. Be patient and let the penetration oil have time to work. Quality of opinion is related to what it cost you. 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/close-to-doing-a-hulk-smash-on-spark-plugs-help/791346.md?page=2)