How snug should a spark plug be in the socket?

Question

Changing spark plugs in a 2000 Acura TL. When I insert the socket I can’t feel it catch onto the coil. I don’t want to push to hard and break anything so I tried to fit a new plug into the socket to make sure I was using the correct size socket. The new plug was tight before even being completely inserted. The rubber inside the socket is extremely tight so I’m unsure if I should ‘gently’ force it or if the socket should be a different size. I’m using a 5/8 spark plug socket with the rubber insert. 

Answer 1

PUSH it on! 

Or get a "magnetic" spark plug socket. 



If the rubber insert spark plug socket is too tight, the socket will stay attached to the spark plug after you try to pull the tool out of the valve cover after installation.  You'll have a ratchet and extension in your hand and the socket will be down the spark plug well.  Lol!  Then what? 



Some places sell locking 3/8 inch drive extensions (like Harbor Freight).  You might want to get one. 



I always use a standard deepwell 5/8" socket (no rubber insert) to tighten spark plugs so there is no problem. 



I use a 12 inch piece of 3/8 inch rubber hose to install spark plugs (and sometimes remove them). 



Not sure what you're talking about when you say you 'can't feel it catch onto the coil'?

Answer 2

Affirm that the string reach of the sparkle plug is the correct one for your motor. Fix the sparkle plug finger-tight until the gasket arrives at the chamber head, at that point fix about ½ – ⅔ turn more with a flash attachment wrench.

Answer 3

I am assuming you are using a socket wrench with a ratchet?  Check to see what is in the tool kit of the car.  Theirs may be different because it is LONGER  than yours.  Because the sparkplug is longer.  Then take the socket off the ratchet and put the socket over the plug you want to remove.  If the electrode sticks up into the ratchet area then your socket needs to be LONGER or you lift the socket up with your fingers so the ratchet catches in a bit of the socket.  You will feel resistance when you turn it.  Maybe your socket is 6 sided on the top so you can use an open end wrench on it to turn it?  The socket that comes with the car is totally open on the top and has a handle to the side. A simple tool. It has the rubber insert to hold onto the plug.

. Otherwise, give it to your sister. She can do it.

Answer 4

1/4 turn more when it is ratchet tight.

Answer 5

You need the socket able to hold the spark plug nut enough for the wrench to tighten it without slipping off. Push it on as far as it goes to be sure. Think about the purpose of the wrench in the first place. There isn't any coil involved with installing a spark plug.

Answer 6

Just insert the plug in the spark plug socket and then screw the plug into the cylinder head by hand. Only after making sure the threads are started should you put a ratchet wrench on the socket extension and tighten it down so you don't strip the threads in the head. The coils just push back on the spark plugs and many times you don't feel the coil snap onto the spark plug just tighten the bot holding the coil in place and it will be fine. You should only use NGK or Denso brand spark plugs in Asian made motors. Buying Platinum or iridium spark plugs is your choice.

Answer 7

Gently push the right sized socket down onto the plug until it mates with the flats of the plug.  You won't break anything that you are not already changing (namely the plugs). 

Answer 8

You need the correct socket to fit the plug. It only needs to go on far enough to grip the plug hex