KV6 Spark Plug Socket Size????

BlackMagic · 7th March 2010, 16:46

I am sure I have read on this forum that the socket size for the plugs is 16mm. I dutifully trotted down to my Halfords and asked for same and they told me they only do up to 14mm!!! Anybody know what size it is?

I eventually bought a second hand manifold last weekend from Kandyman and decided to give it a go replacing it myself - getting it off wasn't as difficult as I thought so once I had it off I thought I'd be as well changing the plugs too. Went to Halfords - they say they don't do them for the ZT / Rover 75 So realising I wasn't going to get the job finished last night decided to buy decent Iridium plugs but thought I'd nip back down today in preparation and get the right socket size for when they arrive only to be told this rubbish?

Can anyone confirm the size of socket required to remove the plugs from a KV6? I'd like to get my car back on the road soon....

Cheers.

Kandyman · 7th March 2010, 16:55

I am sure it's a 16mm

chris75 · 7th March 2010, 17:08

It might be the way the size is measured for plug spanners . I have two long reach plug spanners for mine which are both marked 10mm . I think this refers to the plug thread diameter rather than the flats dimension . Older fat plugs were 14mm , if I remember rightly . The 10mm plug spanners I have do look like a 16mm conventional socket !

Fraser Mitchell · 7th March 2010, 22:09

The plug size refers to the tapped bore in the head, not the flats. 10mm or 14 mm. Many years ago there were 18mm plugs on some cars and motorbikes - none now though.

BlackMagic · 10th March 2010, 19:34

Having received my replacement plugs today I can confirm that a 16mm socket is required to remove the plugs.

Pity I am having a hellish job replacing but that is another story for another day...

Fraser Mitchell · 10th March 2010, 21:01

Surely plugs are best removed using a 'kosher' plug socket which is tall to take the top of the plug, and also contains a rubber insert to grip the plug once it's loose so it can be easily removed.

BlackMagic · 10th March 2010, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraser Mitchell

Surely plugs are best removed using a 'kosher' plug socket which is tall to take the top of the plug, and also contains a rubber insert to grip the plug once it's loose so it can be easily removed.

Absolutely - no disagreement on that front. That's exactly what I am using / have used. The initial issue for me was that the friendly helpful Halfords staff said they didn't stock such a plug socket only going as big as 14mm. As it transpires, according to their website they do indeed stock such an item.

Moral of the story don't go into the shop 10 minutes before closing time, don't ask the staff unless you absolutely have to, and if you do ask them, don't necessarily believe what they tell you at face value!

SD1too · 11th March 2010, 06:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackMagic

Moral of the story...

... is don't go to Halfords for specialist tools! Seek out a proper tool shop or a motor factor. There are loads around and the staff will be far more helpful and knowledgeable. They're easily found in the yellow pages. If you get stuck, find the tool manufacturers' websites, phone them or e-mail them and ask for a stockist near you. It might take an hour of your time and involve driving a few more miles, but buying the appropriate high quality tool is something you'll have to do only once in your life.

Simon.

stocktake · 11th March 2010, 07:31

I must admit to have 2 halfords socket sets, i have found them to be of surprising good quality, obviously not as well put together as the likes of Snapon but certainly up to the job.

BlackMagic · 11th March 2010, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD1too

... is don't go to Halfords for specialist tools! Seek out a proper tool shop or a motor factor. There are loads around and the staff will be far more helpful and knowledgeable. They're easily found in the yellow pages. If you get stuck, find the tool manufacturers' websites, phone them or e-mail them and ask for a stockist near you. It might take an hour of your time and involve driving a few more miles, but buying the appropriate high quality tool is something you'll have to do only once in your life.

Simon.

Fair point, but it was late on Sunday, I am desperate to get my ZT back on the road and being impatient want the job done as quick as possible! I never anticipated the removal of the manifold to be so straightforward so it was never in my plans that I'd actually be able to do it - so changing the plugs wasn't even a consideration.

Other moral of the story...have more faith in my abilities!

7th March 2010, 16:46	#1
BlackMagic Loves to post Used to have: MG ZT 190 SE+ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Glasgow Posts: 320 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	KV6 Spark Plug Socket Size???? I am sure I have read on this forum that the socket size for the plugs is 16mm. I dutifully trotted down to my Halfords and asked for same and they told me they only do up to 14mm!!! Anybody know what size it is? I eventually bought a second hand manifold last weekend from Kandyman and decided to give it a go replacing it myself - getting it off wasn't as difficult as I thought so once I had it off I thought I'd be as well changing the plugs too. Went to Halfords - they say they don't do them for the ZT / Rover 75 So realising I wasn't going to get the job finished last night decided to buy decent Iridium plugs but thought I'd nip back down today in preparation and get the right socket size for when they arrive only to be told this rubbish? Can anyone confirm the size of socket required to remove the plugs from a KV6? I'd like to get my car back on the road soon.... Cheers.

7th March 2010, 17:08	#3
chris75 same car since 2005 2001 Rover 75 2.0 v6 Connoisseur Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ellesmere Port , Cheshire Posts: 3,811 Thanks: 379 Thanked 549 Times in 466 Posts	It might be the way the size is measured for plug spanners . I have two long reach plug spanners for mine which are both marked 10mm . I think this refers to the plug thread diameter rather than the flats dimension . Older fat plugs were 14mm , if I remember rightly . The 10mm plug spanners I have do look like a 16mm conventional socket ! __________________ Who said it was simples ?

11th March 2010, 07:31	#9
stocktake Vis Whiz Rover 75 2.5 auto Saloon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: LEEDS Posts: 20,587 Thanks: 2,057 Thanked 3,056 Times in 1,621 Posts	I must admit to have 2 halfords socket sets, i have found them to be of surprising good quality, obviously not as well put together as the likes of Snapon but certainly up to the job. __________________ Dave... Lost a few stones and a Gall Bladder and part of a bile duct and all of my dignity in the suppository incident

7th March 2010, 16:55	#2
Kandyman Banned ROVER 75 2.5 V6 Connoisseur SE Limousine 2004 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Welling Posts: 10,995 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I am sure it's a 16mm

7th March 2010, 22:09	#4
Fraser Mitchell Gets stuck in Rover 75 2.5 V6 Club Auto Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Crewe Posts: 898 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The plug size refers to the tapped bore in the head, not the flats. 10mm or 14 mm. Many years ago there were 18mm plugs on some cars and motorbikes - none now though.

10th March 2010, 19:34	#5
BlackMagic Loves to post Used to have: MG ZT 190 SE+ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Glasgow Posts: 320 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Having received my replacement plugs today I can confirm that a 16mm socket is required to remove the plugs. Pity I am having a hellish job replacing but that is another story for another day...

10th March 2010, 21:01	#6
Fraser Mitchell Gets stuck in Rover 75 2.5 V6 Club Auto Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Crewe Posts: 898 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Surely plugs are best removed using a 'kosher' plug socket which is tall to take the top of the plug, and also contains a rubber insert to grip the plug once it's loose so it can be easily removed.