Page 1 of 1

Spark plug wire tool?

Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2020 9:45 pm
by ChickenPinz
Has anyone come across a good tool for removing the spark plug wire retention 19mm nuts on the spark plugs?

The right size crow's foot wrench may work, but things are pretty tight (very few degrees of swing) in between the valve covers. They make special sockets for oxygen sensors that have slots on the sides -- that's the kind of thing I'm looking for. Or even better, something like the tool used for lawn sprinkler insert removal.

Yes, of course I could fabricate a tool, but I first want to see if there's one off-the-shelf. I've looked quite a bit, and not found anything.

I was able to remove mine, but just barely by using a collection of different wrenches that had slightly different angles. And even then, the plugs came loose before the wire-to-plug nut did, so that added a few complications. I'm simply looking for a better solution, and an excuse to buy a new tool. :)

PS: Please don't drag this off-topic on why one should just convert to non-OEM plugs and wires. That's another thread...and as one who owns and works on aircraft engines that use the same wire and plug system, you're unlikely to convert me.

Sprinkler wrench:
Capture.JPG
Capture.JPG (35.37 KiB) Viewed 2743 times

Re: Spark plug wire tool?

Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2020 11:09 pm
by pcolette
Perhaps this would do what you want?

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-89149 ... 059&sr=8-8
41yugZxbPjL._AC_.jpg
41yugZxbPjL._AC_.jpg (9.29 KiB) Viewed 2738 times

Re: Spark plug wire tool?

Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2020 2:13 pm
by ChickenPinz
Yes, that's the crow's foot wrench I mentioned, but it has the size limitations I pointed out.

I'm expecting someone makes something more like the specialty sockets like used for O2 sensors, but I've not found it for 19mm.
63702_I.jpg
63702_I.jpg (58 KiB) Viewed 2719 times

Re: Spark plug wire tool?

Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2020 6:02 pm
by djw

Re: Spark plug wire tool?

Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2020 6:30 pm
by ChickenPinz
Yep. I studied that thread before starting this one, but there was never a clear solution on a tool to better facilitate wire removal and correct torquing.

FWIW, I had no issue removing the plugs themselves with the tool that comes with the truck, but with the truck-supplied tools, there's no assured way to remove the plug wires -- which is necessary to use the plug removal tool in the kit. There's just not enough swing between the valve covers for the included open-end 19mm wrench to remove the wire. I'd imagine that Uncle Steyr had a plan in mind as little seems left to chance on these trucks.

Re: Spark plug wire tool?

Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2020 6:45 pm
by djw
I think the best tool is that mil right angle thing modified to be the same shape, only 3 inches shorter.