Spark Plug Removal Question

[edlvrt]

Happy Thanksgiving all. I am in the process of changing my spark plugs. I imagine they are the original set at 76k miles. The #1 plug put up more fight than I expected, and when it gave, it was not smooth to unthread. I had a brief fear that I had stripped the alumnium head, but the plug threads looked clean when it came out, and the new one went in smoothly with anti seize.

The head/engine was only slightly warm as I had to drive around the block to park in front of my house, maybe 45 seconds of run time on a cold engine. Hopefully tomorrow morning when everything is cold it will be easier for #2-6.

Does it normally take a decent bit of force to unthread the old ones? Head work on these cars always makes me nervous. Thanks

[danewilson77]

A bit of force is to be expected. Nothing more than 15 ft-lbs I would say.

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[edlvrt]

Mmmmmm, to my uncalibrated hand, it felt like a decent bit more than that.

[Hermes]

Do you have a pic of the old one? I remember mine putting up a decent fight when I changed them

[danewilson77]

Do you have a pic of the old one? I remember mine putting up a decent fight when I changed them

Were you using the spark plug removal tool in the tool kit?

[Hermes]

No, I used one that I already had. Mine was missing from my trunk at that point

[edlvrt]

Spark plug tool? I used a 5/8 spark plug socket.

[danewilson77]

Spark plug tool? I used a 5/8 spark plug socket.

Ok. You should have SP tool in your tool kit. I was just curious.

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[Hermes]

Spark plug tool? I used a 5/8 spark plug socket.

It's this one

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/0f8a76a7.jpg

[danewilson77]

It's this one

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/0f8a76a7.jpg

Yup.

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[kayger12]

Mine were original when changed out around 50k and took a decent amount of force. Felt like more than 15 ft/lbs to me-- enough to make me nervous. I had the same worries you did on every single one.

Worked out fine, though, and I thing the next time around it should go a little easier with the anti-seize on there.

[edlvrt]

Mine were original when changed out around 50k and took a decent amount of force. Felt like more than 15 ft/lbs to me-- enough to make me nervous. I had the same worries you did on every single one.

Worked out fine, though, and I thing the next time around it should go a little easier with the anti-seize on there.

Thanks for the support. I'll let yall know how things go tomorrow morning.

[edlvrt]

Got em all out, but they all took a good deal of effort. Why is it the simple stuff that makes me nervous?

[kayger12]

Got em all out, but they all took a good deal of effort. Why is it the simple stuff that makes me nervous?

Because you know what a PITA it would be to strip the threads or snap it off, lol. Same reason I was nervous.

Glad it worked out.

[Hornung418]

It's this one

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/0f8a76a7.jpg

That's what I'm missing! So how do I find this spark plug removal tool?

[danewilson77]

That's what I'm missing! So how do I find this spark plug removal tool?


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/71111181460/ES184636/

Should have wheel alignment tool as well...

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/71111093774/ES184551/

My complete tool kit.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG0992.jpg

[Hornung418]

I'm missing the entire top row of the tool kit :( So it's just those two pieces?

[danewilson77]

I'm missing the entire top row of the tool kit :( So it's just those two pieces?

Yup. Yes sir.

[Hornung418]

So what can you use in place of the OEM tool in the trunk?

[edlvrt]

What is the space for on the far right side of the tray?

[Hornung418]

Wheel lock key.

[Hermes]

I found both of them at a junkyard in the trunk of a Z3

[redwagon]

So I'm missing the two top pieces in my tool kit as well (probably ended up in a toolbox somewhere...). So I can see that the left item is a socket, and the right one is the tool to rotate it, but it looks like more than just a rod to put through the holes......does it have any other function?

And BTW, we should be using torque wrenches anyway...... :-)

Tim

[edlvrt]

The rod on the right also functions to help you align your wheels onto the rotor/hub and hold them in place while you bolt them down.. Spin your rotor until a bolt hole is at the top, insert the plastic end of the alignment tool into the top bolt hole, then hang your wheel on the metal rod. You will then be able to thread three or four wheel bolts while the tire is held in place with the alignment rod.

[redwagon]

Way cool- that explains the extra material there........had no idea, thanks Ed.
Tim

[jayjay_dee]

to the OP, i had the same experience but was really really careful... my ZHP runs better now (placebo effect), thanks to the ngk iridiums...

need to find those 2 tools... very useful...

[echo46]

Indeed, the pucker factor was high when I changed mine, too. Everything came out and went in without a hitch, good job.

[edlvrt]

Yeah, made me a bit nervous, but that is all behind me now. I'm now happy with the car's current mechanical status in terms of reliability and drive line maintenance. Next up is taking her to the shop to figure out why the A/C is leaking (not looking forward to this one). Then, correcting the ZKWs and VANOS (still good, knock on wood, so I'll see how long that holds on). After that, I get to start spending money on fun stuff like shocks, struts, iPod kit, bluetooth, intake, shark injector..... yall know how this game goes. Drive on!:rockon

[echo46]

Why do you say the AC is leaking. Is the system not cooling? If so they will have to do a dye test. Good luck with that one.

[edlvrt]

yep. I'll let you know what the damage is when the time comes

[quikryptonite]

It's this one

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/0f8a76a7.jpg

Great, that is one of the pieces I don't have... ARGH. I did buy the wheel alignment tool from ECS. I love it.

I do have the wheel lock key though. Were wheel locks an option or included with the car?

[danewilson77]

Is this what the oem wheel lock key looks like?

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/113753_x600.jpg

[quikryptonite]

Is this what the oem wheel lock key looks like?

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/113753_x600.jpg

I'll take a picture at lunch and return with the result. IIRC, it is a little different.

[danewilson77]

Thanks

[quikryptonite]

Here is my key:

I don't know if it is OEM or not. It is a 17mm lug. It fits in the spot in the tool kit.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x428/dcrider48/BMW%20330i%20ZHP/WheelLockKey3.jpg

[danewilson77]

Looks a bit different, no?

[webster]

stupid question: where is the tool kit located in our cars?

[danewilson77]

Trunk lid. No dumb questions here.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG0992.jpg

:familysearch

[webster]

"only dumb people"

thanks! never would have thought to look there...

[RVAzhp]

i think all that's in my tool kit is a screw driver...ugh...not even that tow-hook screw in...can i purchase all that stuff off of ECS?

[danewilson77]

i think all that's in my tool kit is a screw driver...ugh...not even that tow-hook screw in...can i purchase all that stuff off of ECS?

Yup....all of it.

Get p/n's off realoem....

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[RVAzhp]

i feel i might need that tow hook at the very least...seems like a responsible thing to purchase.

[danewilson77]

Most are in here....

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0l/Tools/Hand_Tools/2

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[johnrando]

i think all that's in my tool kit is a screw driver...ugh...not even that tow-hook screw in...can i purchase all that stuff off of ECS?

Or try someone on e46f.c who is parting out their car.

[quikryptonite]

Looks a bit different, no?

Yea, they appear to be two different models.

[quikryptonite]

I need your advice. Since my spark plug socket is not in my tool kit, would you guys buy the Schwaben extended reach or the OEM socket that comes in the trunk? From my initial research, I'm leaning towards the Schwaben.

Schwaben (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Search/Spark_Plug/ES9340/)

OEM (http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/71111181460/ES184636/)

BTW, it looks like the OEM socket doesn't have a drive at all, just those two round holes... :dunno

[Hornung418]

The holes allow access to the tire guide that is used to line up the wheel when you put on your spare. Those two are used in conjunction and provide a lever arm to remove the plug. If you don't have it, I think you should buy it...just to complete the tool kit.

If you are like Keith and need them spec'd to torque (ribshot ;)), get the Schwaben. I wonder if they have them with 1/2" drive...

[kayger12]

If you are like Keith and need them spec'd to torque (ribshot ;)), get the Schwaben. I wonder if they have them with 1/2" drive...

So you're saying the fact that I torque my gas cap is a bit overboard? :biggrin

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3

[Hornung418]

:rofl :rofl

[Hermes]

So you're saying the fact that I torque my gas cap is a bit overboard? :biggrin

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3

do you torque your valve stem caps too?

[danewilson77]

I like the own one. It's what I use.

Sent from SIGFest USA