Problem changing spark plugs
#1
Problem changing spark plugs
I was changing the spark plugs on my 2000 F150, got the first 6 in with little trouble (passenger 4, and front 2 on driver side). After getting the back driver side plug out, I was trying to remove the 2nd from the back. The 7mm ratchet head fell off and I'm worried it may have fallen in where the spark plug goes and through the hole onto the piston. I didn't hear anything to suggest this, but I cannot find the ratchet head anywhere, and usually when it falls off during this process it just lands up somewhere around the coil packs and fuel injectors. Is it even possible for the 7mm head to fall down through where the spark plug sits, and if so, how to find out if it actually did and remove it?
#2
Do you mean the spark plug socket fell off the rachet somewhere on the engine? The socket wouldn't fit down the spark plug hole. I'll bet it's laying around on the frame somewhere. 50% of my shadetree work is looking for tools I've dropped and can't find. Take a flashlight and go under and look for it. I found taking a flashlight with me when I grab my tools usually saves me another trip back into the garage. Good luck.
#3
Do you know any tech guys at the local Ford dealership? If you do then you can borrow the borescope ( it is a scope that goes in the spark plug hole and you can see the piston top and combustion chamber). If you don't know any techs then take a really powerful magnet and place it through the spark plug hole and fish it around. Hope this helps good luck!
Rock
Ford factory trained master tech
Rock
Ford factory trained master tech
#4
#5
When I changed my sparkplugs I managed to drop the small bolt that holds the coil down the spark plug hole into the cylinder. I wasn't sure where it went either so i spent time looking for it until I found it. An easy way to see if it fits down through the head is to compare the size of the socket to the sparkplug threads size. I would dare to bet that a 7mm 1/4" drive would fit down there.
To find mine I took a strong light and a small mirror and looked down the sparkplug hole and saw the bolt setting there. I bought several types of magnets and a flexible grabber and two hours later I got the bolt out. If you buy a magnet take a spark plug with you so that you can be sure that the magnet will fit down the sparkplug hole. It won't take a hugely strong magnet to get that out, it will just require a lot of dedication and swearing to get it done.
Good Luck
Tim
To find mine I took a strong light and a small mirror and looked down the sparkplug hole and saw the bolt setting there. I bought several types of magnets and a flexible grabber and two hours later I got the bolt out. If you buy a magnet take a spark plug with you so that you can be sure that the magnet will fit down the sparkplug hole. It won't take a hugely strong magnet to get that out, it will just require a lot of dedication and swearing to get it done.
Good Luck
Tim
#6
#7
Trending Topics
#9
#11
#12
Be careful with the magnets. I went to use mine one day and the magnet was not in the flex holder. I remembered where I last used it and sure enough the magnet came out of the holder and was stuck to the underside of my front seat where I was using it last. Sure wouldn't want to get the magnet lost in a cylinder. Glad it worked out for you. With my luck I'd have a socket and a magnet in the cylinder.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Crewcabber
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
4
07-06-2014 06:32 PM
RubberDuck
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
79
01-11-2013 07:20 PM
mister-v-man
1997-2006 Expedition & Navigator
42
01-26-2012 01:55 PM