My first time winterizing my 2007 Yamaha T50TLR by myself. Going OK, but I can't find a socket that fits around the spark plugs because of the tight engine clearance. I checked with 3 different auto stores, Northern Tool, Fastenall, Ace Hardware, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, 3 local boat dealer/service companies, Yamaha and even Harbor Freight. I can't find a "thin walled" 18 mm deep socket to get all the way down and around the plug. anyone have a suggestion as to where to purchase such a device?
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Can't get spark plugs out
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Thanks, I tried both the 18 mm spark plug socket and a regular deep 18 mm socket. Tried several dealer/ repair shops for the proper device.
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What makes your spark plug so special that the socket does not fit?
A lot of plug sockets have external hex head on them, so maybe putting socket on plug without extension in it will let the socket slide all of the way down on it with the electrode sticking into the square hole extension fits into, and then using another socket to fit over the other socket. if that is what the problem isLast edited by 99yam40; 09-27-2016, 06:42 PM.
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Use a grinder and make the wall thickness of the socket thinner.2000 Yamaha OX66 250HP SX250TXRY 61AX103847T
1982 Grady Weekender/Offshore (removed stern drive & modded to be an OB)
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I agree that the Yamaha Dealer is the place for the specified spark plug wrench....better than to jack around and break off a spark plug in the head trying to use some homemade wrench...
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The clearance between the spark plug and the cylinder head is so small that it interferes with/prevents a standard wall spark plug socket from fitting onto the spark plug.
A "thin walled" socket is needed. I am surprised that the OP has not been able to find one. Sears used to carry then.
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...0plug%20socket
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In that case find the correct socket or find someone to chuck a socket up and turn it down
The T50 must be special I guess, or I just happen to have one that fits other Yamahas
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Originally posted by kodak guy View PostMy first time winterizing my 2007 Yamaha T50TLR by myself. Going OK, but I can't find a socket that fits around the spark plugs because of the tight engine clearance. I checked with 3 different auto stores, Northern Tool, Fastenall, Ace Hardware, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, 3 local boat dealer/service companies, Yamaha and even Harbor Freight. I can't find a "thin walled" 18 mm deep socket to get all the way down and around the plug. anyone have a suggestion as to where to purchase such a device?
When you say "tight engine clearance", do you mean the machined bore around the spark plug, or other parts such as the lower cowling and lower coil?
An 11/16" thin wall socket may work as well, it is a bit less ID than a 18MM, maybe less of OD as well?
If it is just you bottom plug, maybe you should try with the plug above it removed and the bottom coil as well? Keep track of what lead goes to what plug!
Look at the video beginning at 15:20 into it. I am a torque freak so torque every bolt/spark plug, etc. to Yamaha specs, not like this guy does.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEWtbNFHTssChuck,
1997 Mako 191 w/2001 Yamaha SX150 TXRZ Pushing Her
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yes, the problem IS the clearance between the plug and where it threads into the motor. 3 dealers and their parts/service department just said I need a "thin walled" 18 mm socket, which I can't find locally or within 50 miles. The 3 upper cylinders exhibit the same issue. The lower plug which will require a swivel attachment, I haven't even thought about yet. If I can't get the easier top 3 out, the tougher bottom one isn't even a thought right now.
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yes, Sears said they don't carry the thin walled socket because they break easily. I am amazed the local dealer didn't have the socket, after all, they service the engine.
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Chuck,
1997 Mako 191 w/2001 Yamaha SX150 TXRZ Pushing Her
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