Problem changing spark plugs

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Aug 6, 2004 | 10:21 PM

g33uu

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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?

Aug 6, 2004 | 11:34 PM

dennisinmo

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From: South of KCMO.

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.

Aug 6, 2004 | 11:35 PM

Rock2005

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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

Aug 7, 2004 | 08:40 AM

Tom

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From: Isanti, MN

a 7mm socket? A 7mm is way too small to change a spark plug with. Something that small could have fallen in, but to be sure, I'd find another 7mm and CAREFULLY see if it could fit into the hole.

Aug 7, 2004 | 10:59 AM

tvvbsn

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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

Aug 7, 2004 | 11:29 AM

g33uu

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Thanks for the help everyone. It was the 7mm head that is used to remove the bolts from the COPs that I *think* fell in. I'm going to get a ride to the store and pick up the magnet and mirror as recommended. I appreciate the suggestions, I'll let you know how it goes.

Aug 7, 2004 | 03:48 PM

g33uu

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Well, I went and got one of the antenna-looking magnets, stuck it down there and pulled the socket out first try. I just finished up and everything is running fine. A little $3 tool saved me thousands of dollars in engine repair.

Thanks again for all the help.

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Aug 7, 2004 | 09:35 PM

sgarcia

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From: ansonia Ct

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racerguy

Good to hear that you got the socket out before you tried starting it

I bet that the next time you replace spark plugs you'll only remove one at a time

OH yeah! good thing i read this post before i went ahead and did mine.

Aug 8, 2004 | 08:06 PM

#10

tvvbsn

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Good thing you got it out. It would have made a hellava racket for a very short time if you hadn't got it out before you started the engine.

tim

Jun 6, 2006 | 04:16 PM

#11

shellback86

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From: McKinney, Tx

I have the same problem. I "THINK" I dropped the #4 COP bolt in the #3 cylinder. I went fishing with the magnet but no bites. Does anyone around Dallas know anyone with a borescope? I would like to rent one if you do. I would only need it for a day.

Let me know please.

Semper Fi

Jun 6, 2006 | 04:25 PM

#12

dennisinmo

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From: South of KCMO.

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.