What type of socket for TR plugs

There is one in your tool kit!

Cheers

 

18mm hex size.

 

Well, until 5 minutes ago I thought the only thing oddball about the TR spark plug socket was the internal hex size that Phil has already given (and that you might be able to easily buy one from USAG). Unfortunately, I just checked mine, and the OD is also rather especially small (= 23 mm outer diameter). It is very similar to 02791116 on the USAG website:

http://www.usag-tools.com/prodotti/famiglia.htm?id=279%203/8%20MG#

except that the one on the website has a larger 25 mm OD (and the magnetic arrangement shown the picture on the website is a little different than in the stock TR socket, and the overall length is slightly different). I'm not sure what the absolute maximum allowable OD on the TR spark plug socket would be, but a TR engine cross-section drawing that I have shows that it is a very tight situation.

Here's a description of the TR spark plug socket that I've got:

3/8" square internal drive
Overall Length = 81.5 mm
Outside Diameter = 23 mm
Internal Hex Size = 18 mm
Aux. external hex drive feature = 19 mm
Magnetic structure surrounds the spark plug insulator body

Stamped labeling:

(a large) "18"
"VANADIUM USAG EXTRA"
"USAG 279MG"

Good luck -- please post the outcome.

 

I think I have one of these, genuine Ferrari / USAG out of a water damaged tool kit. It is for sale, PM me if you're interested...I will sell it with the approx 3" extension and the crappy USAG ratchet for $50.00.

 

I just have a snap on one. It was special order but no big deal. I use it with a universal joint attached. All my other plug sockets have them built in.

You can use a stock std deep 18 mm socket, provided it fits in the hole... but the rubber inside helps avoid dropping it on a proper socket.

Same as 328 BTW... which REALLY needs the rubber inside...

 

Dear Ferraristi,

You can still buy the socket from your local F dealer. I paid 115.00 for it. My original is in my tool box for use while the new one is in the tool kit for show.

Man....that is really pathetic when I write it out in words.

Shamile

Freeze...Miami Vice !

91 TR

 

I spoke with 90TR today about the tool.

To provide a bit of closure on this thread, 91tr (Steve) is absolutely correct in his reading of the USAG info. Although the tool is stamped 18, Ferrari considers this to be a 12mm tool. Why?

18mm is the outside hex size... like any level-headed human would think. However, the internal cylinder of this tool has a 12mm diameter. It is the same plug socket that is also spec'd on the 348. If you buy one from your local Ferrari dealer, don't be alarmed if the ticket says '12mm', as that is what FNA data tapes consider it to be.

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=214361
(I'm sorry Shamile)

 

I must be doing something wrong, because I've never had any trouble with spark plugs on either TR I've owned. I use a "cheapie walmart popular mechanics" socket set, 3/8 drive, that works fine. Am I missing something here?

 

Another example of the "special tools" that come in so handy on F-cars. I have a number of "field modified" sockets and wrenches. I turned one down on the lathe to fit.

 

Never had OE spark plugs then. 12 mm spark plugs come in 2 different hex sizes. When the cars first came out the correct sockets were not available in the US so most of the early delivery TR's had their plug tools liberated so the mechanics could work on them.

 

I'm not making a value statement on the utility of the tool whatsoever. Folks who want a complete toolkit (for concours, for resale, whatever) need the correct socket.

Want a crazy tool? Look what I got from Italy on Friday:

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?cPath=740&products_id=262604


Brian knows what this is... and it ain't rocket surgery, but it is drilling close to the bone!

 

Cool, you got one.


Must have needed it for your car.


Have you figured out how it works yet? If not I bet I have a TSB on it's use.

 

Yes, Tom has already drilled it. My car is literally in about a billion pieces right now. It looks like it belongs in a dumpster on the outskirts of Maranello.

 

Jeff -- What are the facts on your socket? OD? Internal hex size?

 

I thought we agreed in this thread:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113727

that the late "stock" TR tow hook is a bad part (I made a cardboard model and would agree with you that, even if you remove the collar, the outside of the round part of the tow hook would hit (or be in contact with) the lower valance when screwed into place.

Never got a reply if the early TR tow hook looks more like the SPC drawing.

Why not buy/try the aftermarket M16 x 1.5P tow hook from RicambiAmerica instead -- seems more elongated in form.

 

Just to update, an exact fit for this is a thin wall 11/16 deep socket.

Mine is a Craftsman - about the only type that I care to keep, and you can probably find it at any Sears.
It is part of a set of thin wall, deep sockets that I bought ages ago when I could not get clearance to fit a standard deep socket on an exhaust manifold to pipe flange bolt.

It appears to be a perfect fit (12 pt) and works fine without that rubber plug that I really do not need with this engine.

 

Bloody hard to purchase an 18mm spark plug socket down here. I've been trying to locate one all afternoon, with no sucess.

I would love a magnetic head one, but at present will settle for anything.

I purchased what a thought was a perfect complete tool roll for the blue car and when I checked it today looking for a spark plug socket, it didnt have one either. So both of my 88 TR's are void of plug spanners.

 

Really had a lot of trouble with this socket. Both of my 1988 TR tool kits are complete and unused / unmolested. They even have the little light that plugs in behind the glovebox for roadside service work, but neither have any tools for spark plug removal.

Anyway, I went out hunting today and wasnt able to find anything suitable. A Honda XR400 trail bike also has an 18mm plug and for less than ten bucks you can buy a nice tube spanner from and Honda motorcycle shop that will get the TR plugs out. It's not all nice and shiny, but it's usable and reaches in far enough with no issues.

I grabbed one of them anyway, but also had another thought whilst looking at a normal 18mm deep set 1/2 drive socket.

Here's what I did.

Nice new 18mm deep set socket.

Look down inside and you can see where the six hex stops and there is a nice round socket area to accomodate the head of the spark plug, it's just missing the rubber cushion from the actual spark plug socket.
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