Need help installing 13/16 spark plugs...

[J. Fast]

I ordered NGK BR8EIX non projected, resistor spark plugs. When I opened the boxes I discovered they're 13/16" plugs vs. the standard 5/8". I have a Craftsman 13/16" thin wall spark plug socket and Craftsman 13/16" standard wall spark plug socket but they don't fit past the step in the spark plug holes in the valve covers so I'm unable to reach and torque the plugs. Plugs drop in and I can screw them in using the plug wires. Anyone using 13/16" plugs? What tool are you using to torque them? I was thinking of buying a cheap socket at harbor freight and grinding it down but I figured there's got to be a special socket for this.

Thanks ahead of time.

[KeithMac]

I run BKR7eix and they fit with the standard socket. You may have to end up grinding a socket down to fit if there's enough room?.

BR7 is a common bike plug so may be wort looking at bike tool suppliers as well.

[donniekak]

I'm also pretty sure you can get the same plug in a 5/8" size. Ngk has a chart with all the meanings of the part numbers.

[donniekak]

Try turning the socket down in a lathe.

[AdamVR4]

That's what I've done to conquer similar problems in the past (lathe). If you've got the thin-walled socket, you've pretty much got the best thing any manufacturer will sell AFAIK.

[RealMcCoy]

Yea, not sure it's worth the trouble.... BKR8EIX is a pretty common and available plug, and has the the correct size hex for the car.

Edit: nevermind.... I missed the non-projected part. BKR's are projected tip...

I don't believe it's going to happen... I'm measuring the tube bore at .945", and the corner to corner of the plug at .915" That's going to leave you a .015" wall on your socket before you turn enough off for clearance. You may as well hammer a socket out of tinfoil, It may be thicker....

[donniekak]

But it will only be .015" wall at the corners, the sides will be a lot thicker. He may end up with something similar to an axle socket for a 4x4.

[AdamVR4]

But it will only be .015" wall at the corners, the sides will be a lot thicker. He may end up with something similar to an axle socket for a 4x4.

It's 3 to 4 sheets of paper thick. What's he got to lose other than some time and the cost of a socket?

[RealMcCoy]

But it will only be .015" wall at the corners, the sides will be a lot thicker. He may end up with something similar to an axle socket for a 4x4.

By the time you figure in the clearance built into the hex of the socket, and the clearance you'll need to fit down the tube, you'll end up with a wall thickness of .009"-.010" at the corners.

What's he got to lose other than some time and the cost of a socket?

A permanently installed plug if the modified socket isn't strong enough to remove the plug after it's service life. Not to mention a very fun time removing the socket if it wedges in the tube when it breaks.

[donniekak]

What I'm saying is that a socket with 6 sides, and nothing but air for corners would do the job. Picture turning it down until all you have are 6 prongs.