Pulling spark plug 4…aaarrrrgh!

[Splendid]

Trying to pull spark plug 4 tracing a missfire on that cylinder. There is a metal bar in the way meaning I can't get a socket over the plug to undo it. How the hell can I get it out!!!? I changed the plugs about 5000 miles ago and cant remember how I did it that time. I can only think that the metal bar has shifted and is now in the way:



Please help…thank you

[Jasen]

What is the bar, can you loosen one end or maybe carefully pry it out of the way?

[Splendid]

I dont know what it is, I cant see it from underneath the van or through the bonnet. Ive stuck my hand in and cant feel anywhere it can be undone from. It is very solid and will not bend out the way at all. Tried pushing a plug socket onto the spark plug and bending slightly against it but I didnt want to push too hard incase I snapped the plug.

[Splendid]

On second thoughts could it be the oil dipstick tube?

[astro1957]

What year is your van?

[Lumpy]

I believe that's plug #6. The "metal bar" is the dipstick tube. Look one plug forward and you'll see where the dipstick attaches to the exhaust manifolt. Remove the nut holding it there (9/16?) and you'll be able to temporarily move the tube. Pull the dipstick first before moving the tube.

EDIT:
I just double checked. It is #4, as you suggest. The mounting tab for the dipstick bolts to the #2 exhaust manifold stud.


Lump

[Splendid]

Van is a 96.

Thanks Lump, Ill give that a shot. I was pretty sure I couldnt see any mounting bolts though. I did have a good look around and removed any bolts i could actually see. maybe following the dipstick tube from the front will show me where it mounts.

cheers!

[chevymaher]

I know it don't help you get it done. But maybe a little moral support. Mine was easy to get to. Re-built the engine and same parts mind you. Now mine like yours. Dip stick tube blocking That plug. I ended up using a deepwell thinwall 5/8 socket on that one. Spark plug socket just wont go on anymore.

[Lumpy]

I think I remember doing that same 5/8 deep socket instead of sparkplug socket trick once myself. Last time I changed plugs, just a few days ago, I removed the upper part of that dipstick tube. Remove the nut from that exhaust manifold spot and the upper most part of the tube will separate from the lower part of the tube. The lower part is what interferes with the sparkplug but with the upper piece removed, you can push/pull the lower part so it's a little more out of the way for the plug socket.


Lump