Spark Plug Tool Dimensions | FerrariChat

Spark Plug Tool Dimensions

Discussion in '308/328' started by Vinsanity, Jun 24, 2022.

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  1. Vinsanity

    Vinsanity Karting

    Sep 9, 2013
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    #1 Vinsanity, Jun 24, 2022
    Sadly, my 308 long ago lost track of her original tool kit--and with it, the funny little spark plug tool pictured below. Could anyone provide me with the measurements A,B,C in this diagram?

    I feel a little silly paying upwards of $400 for something I should be able to build myself (unrefined welding skills not withstanding), but I am also tired of improvising solutions to pulling the 5-8 cylinder plugs that typically result in swivels and extensions coming apart, getting stuck in awkward places, etc. While I could certainly trial-and-error this thing, I figure the original tool is probably just right, so the easiest thing is to start there. Thanks in advance.

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  2. JC1720

    JC1720 Karting

    Jan 21, 2016
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    #2 JC1720, Jun 24, 2022
    Mine looks a little different (76 euro RHD) but guess does same job

    A = 200mm
    C = 73
    B = 115

    hope helps
    John
     

    Attached Files:

  3. WaltP

    WaltP Formula 3

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    #3 WaltP, Jun 24, 2022
    I have used off the shelf Craftsman tools to put together a perfectly working combination of tools which has served me well for the past 22 years. .
     
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  4. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
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    #4 thorn, Jun 24, 2022
    FWIW: some brands of sockets and extensions are less likely to separate when you're working.

    Takes more effort than I prefer to with my snap-ons, but kobalts detach if you even walk towards the car.
     
  5. Vinsanity

    Vinsanity Karting

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    #5 Vinsanity, Jun 24, 2022
    Thanks John -- that does look different from what I've seen before, as the B dimension seems a little long. My current set of swivels and extensions seem to split the ideal length when assembled. That is, either too short to clear the top of the cam cover before the swivel, or too long to sneak easily in and out between the engine and firewall in one piece. Note, I have pulled the plugs many times in eight years of ownership; it's just always a cuss-fess, so I'd like to see if I can make my life easier in at least one small respect.
     
  6. Vinsanity

    Vinsanity Karting

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    #6 Vinsanity, Jun 24, 2022
    And they're so heavy and chunky, they really hurt when the extension falls and lands on your foot!
     
  7. nerofer

    nerofer F1 World Champ

    Mar 26, 2011
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    #7 nerofer, Jun 24, 2022
    It is absolutely useful to know which car we are talking about, as the spark plug tools are differents for each model of the 308.

    - First: John's is the "Tommy Bar" type, which corresponds only to carbed cars (and perhaps a few of the very early 2 valve injected).

    - Second, be reminded that 308 and 328 do not have the same plugs:
    308 have 14mm plugs, and hence the SPT (Spark Plug Tool) crown is 21mm from one side to the other inside
    328 have 12mm plugs, and hence their SPT crown is only 18mm from one side to the other inside
    This is very important, and it is not easy to distinguish between the two even when they are side by side, to say nothing of seeing one SPT "all alone by itself" on one add, with the seller saying "308 SPT" keeping in mind that very few people actually know that 308 and 328 do not have the same plugs...so you pay 200 of your hard-earned cash, only to find yourself with the wrong SPT...(ask me how I know).

    - Third: these things are fairly standard, but not completly identical one to the other.

    Have a look at the enclosed pic just taken at the minute.
    The one at left is a 308 SPT (14mm plug / 21mm inside the crown)
    The two at right: these are 328 SPT (12 mm plug /18mm inside the crown)
    Notice how difficult it is to ascertain that the 308 one is bigger that the 328s; and how the two for 328 plug, even if close, are somewhat different.

    That being said, however, your ANSWER is:
    308 SPT: A = 170mm; B = 85mm; C=71,5mm
    328 SPT: A = 165mm; B =77,5mm; C=72,5mm (the one measured is the shinier of the two)

    Rgds

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  8. Vinsanity

    Vinsanity Karting

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    #8 Vinsanity, Jun 25, 2022
    Wow, thanks for the comprehensive answer. I had no idea that the 328 used a different size. My personal car is a very late QV, and seems to have more in common under the engine lid with the 328 series than to the earlier 2V carbed 308s, so I just assumed it would be the same. Glad I didn't buy one of those expensive OEM tools advertised as fitting all 308-328 from 1975-1989. Sound like you already made that mistake for me. Many thanks!
     
  9. 4right

    4right F1 Rookie
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    #9 4right, Jun 25, 2022
    Always nice to have the correct tools for the car especially for resale. However, now that you have a better understanding of the complexity and cost of these tools, they are rarely used. For spark plug changes, I use the adjustable tool below that I would imagine is available at most tool retailers. You can then select the correct socket size at minimal cost. This will also allow access to the tight spaces in the front of the engine. Image Unavailable, Please Login
     

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