kidS4

i know ill prolly be flamed for being lazy but oh well, anybody know off hand what size the socket is for the spark plugs

MMoore4545

iTrader: (7)

The big one.

kidS4

grrrrrr ive got big sockets ya known 21 mm 22m and some standard ***** but come on guy

GrossPolluter

iTrader: (1)

Sometimes the small one. For the bigger one, I have a socket machined out.

Sockets usually go by standard sizes. 9/16, 5/8, 13/16, and 14mm for the newer bmws. It depends on the spark plug your using. 13/16 will cross over to a 21mm, all other sizes I don't recommend using a metric socket on.

Seriously though, it should not be that hard. Mine are 5/8

88turbotime

I think mine are 13/16, I'm not at home right now though or I'd check

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

standard plugs are 13/16"... the most common size on the planet.

clokker

iTrader: (2)

That's a 20.6375mm socket if you have metric.

89fc3sgtu

iTrader: (3)

Its 11/16 or 21mm they are the same size

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Not in this particular universe.

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

11/16 is incorrect, like clokker was trying to hint at.

89fc3sgtu

iTrader: (3)

My bad you are right its 13/16

clokker

iTrader: (2)

I was not hinting.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

hmm..big sockets..
matches the Big Nuts .
Only 2 plug sockets in a regular socket set and ONE does not fit..
so..guess which one it is?

(This thread should be stickied......)

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Better wait till we get a definitive answer.

kidS4

got em out with a 21mm actually

Dak

Technically the big one would be correct if you bought a set of spark plug sockets. The 3pc. set I have is 5/8, 3/4, and 13/16 with " the big one" being 13/16 and the correct one for our stock plugs.

clokker

iTrader: (2)

"Technically", you can't assume his socket set is the same as yours.

A 7/16 Whitworth will also work, if anyone cares.

kidS4

the shop that rebuilt my motor put the old plugs bk in, i guess they did that to keep moisture out but the trailing plugs had rust and the leading plugs had the normal wear

Dak

True but most likely all the sets from Sears, Walmart, Autozone, O'Reilly, etc. contain the same sizes. Geez, now I gotta go to all the local parts stores to make sure. Not.

kidS4

+1

rotary_bünta

iTrader: (3)

joke:
how many rotary heads does it take to answer a question on the forum...?

at least 5. 1 to give the answer and 4 more to tell him hes wrong and debate about it.

clokker

iTrader: (2)

I'm still not convinced we've gotten to the bottom of this.

FührerTüner

iTrader: (5)

Standard 52/64

Metric 2.1cm

Crescent wrench

GrossPolluter

iTrader: (1)

this thread is awesome! sticky!

RobbyWally

iTrader: (2)

Personally, I can't believe the OP found it easier to post the question than to just try sockets until he found one that fit.

To all who responded about various size plug sockets in 'standard' sets and other fun topics:

1. A novice might assume a Japanese car would have a metric size plug.
2. It is possible to buy sets of metric (and inch) sockets that don't include plug sockets
3. Rotor housings are a bit quirky in that the outside diameter of some dedicated 'plug' sockets is too big to fit into the recess in the housing.
4. There is always the possibility that the OP is working on his first car ever and never changed a spark plug before.

So, while I still don't get posting the question as the 'easy' way to get the answer, I can at least understand why it might not be a stupid question for a newbie to ask.

Cheers!
Old enough to remember being a newbie