Hi, Ive tried to change the plugs of my 308, but was unable. The original tool doesnt fit into the whole, because there is a metallic cylinder (where the rubber fits). Do I have to take these cylinders out? How? Saludos Rafa
The first thing I ever did on my car when I got it was to change the plugs. The rear bank is a breeze, the front bank took a little more effort. I didn't use the Ferrari plug tool because I didn't have one. I just used a spark plug socket and two extensions. On the front bank I would put the socket and the first extension in the hole first and then attache the second extension when it was already in the hole. I am sure you can figure out the rest as you just repeat the process or reverse the process when you are putting your plugs back in.
There is the spark plug wire, then the plug extension, then the plug. After you remove the plug wire from the extension, then the extension from the plug. The Ferrari pug tool or a standard plug socket will fit. The rear bank is easy compared to the front. I do the front bank in the space created by the engine cover being raised. Ideally you could remove engine cover that would make it eaiser and not so stressfull about scratching the engine cover, but then you need at least 2 people to remove the engine cover, safely. Hope this helps! stephen
What I'm doing wrong? why I can't introduce the socket? [img=http://img306.imageshack.us/img306/4269/hpim00710gs.th.jpg] [img=http://img327.imageshack.us/img327/3423/hpim00727gm.th.jpg] Saludos. Rafa
You first need to remove the plug extenders. Use a pair of pliers and gently grab the extender and pull it out. Then you have access to the spark plug itself. When installing the new plugs, I use a lenght of heater hose that fits snuggly over the plug to turn it the plug in. This way, you will avoid cross threading the spark plug hole. Good luck. The first time doing the front bank is a real challenge.
Perhaps the problem is the size of the spark plug socket that you are useing. About half of the sockets on the market will not fit into the plug well. Here is a pic of the Ferrari plug wrench. The multiple swivel joints really make it easy to fit, especialy on the front bank. I usually use the wrench to break the plugs lose, then as suggested, a short piece of hose pushed down onto the plug will usually spin it out. Image Unavailable, Please Login
When you mention the metal tubes, it will not allow a standard plug wrench, but the one shown above will fit even with the tubes. I believe if you don't have the stock tool you might be able to find one at a motorcycle shop as some of the plug wrenches that have come with my off-road race bikes have been able to fit, but did not have the swivel. Bob
i did a thread about this awhile ago. the 1974 Dino gt4 i had was a wierd car. the front bank holes were almost impossible to get a socket in. even the ferrari tool would not fit in the holes. i had to have a already thin walled socket turned down to get the forward spark plugs out. i was told there was a batch of cam covers made with very small holes. my gts was easy to get the plugs out of, while my GTB had smaller holes on the front cam covers than the rears. the darn Dino had REALLY small plug holes on both banks, but the fronts would make you swear!
Thanks, The only way is removing the tubes (I've tried 6 different sockets). But at this point I've been only able to remove one. Luckily it was the one where a plug was partially unscrew and that was the main responsible of the engine working improperly. Saludos. Rafa
Rafa, its late. tomorrow i will dig up my special socket and get an overall diameter for you. perhaps you can have one turned down to work like i did. the only danger is you cannot use alot of force on the thin socket as it will most likely crack. i only use it to break the plugs loose for the fiirst time when i get a "new to me" car. from then on i use anti sieze and a torque wrench on the plugs. they will then come out every time without fuss and without coming loose while in service.
yeah, as mentioned above, get a piece of rubber hose(about fuel line diameter, maybe 6 inches or so in length, check on a plug before usage) to extract/insert the plug when loose, then try a variety of extension sizes to use with a properly fitting socket and you should be all set. * socket in first.. * short extension in next, connect to socket. Socket end of extension may just -barely- extend above the spark plug well. * ratchet next to untighten, leave plug slightly threaded in. * extract ratchet, extension, socket, in that order. * insert rubber hose, feel it onto the end of the plug. * finish unscrewing plug(easy to finger untighten), then pull out, using rubber hose to hold plug on the way out. Reverse to insert a new plug. Used to take time/effort to work the front bank; after doing above, can do front bank in a matter of a few minutes, with no skinned nuckles.
