Hi All - hoping someone can help me get this wrapped up and back on the road.

I have changed 5 out of 6 spark plugs without any drama on my '99 Limited. The issue is on Cylinder 6.

Its as if the plug is too long and is going through my 5/8 spark plug socket and hitting my extension (I think) Something also looks strange when I look down with a light, I can't see the white ceramic coating on the plug. Cause for concern?

I'm trying to source a really long 5/8 socket but I live in a small town and dont' have luck yet.

I also can't get the new NGK wire to seat on the plug to be able to test it and see if I can drive it to the mechanic.

Has anyone seen this before? Thank you.

I'm assuming it's the old plug and removing it that you're having an issue with?

If so did you check to see if when you pull the spark plug wire off that the metal clip inside the boot on the end of the wire that clips onto the spark plug was still on the wire, if not it's possible that the clip has separated/pulled loose from the old spark plug wire and it still clipped onto the old spark plug making it too long to fit inside the socket, it also could sorta block you from seeing the ceramic part of the spark plug.

Look inside the boot of the old spark plug wire and see if the metal clip is still attached in there.

If it's gone that explains why you can't get it to clip back on, you might be able to use a pair of long reach needle noose pliers to reach the clip on the old spark plug and pull it off so you can get your socket on the old plug.


Edit: Here's link to the pliers.
11 in. Long-Reach Needle Nose Pliers

it could be the spark plug cylinder wall could warped , i had an issue in my audi where a regular spark plug socket wouldnt go in all the way on one plug. I purchased a thin spark plug socket and it worked. I've had no issues with the car either, up to date on services.

The OP @rocky.mtn visited the forum 17 minutes after I posted my reply on the 18th, that was 9 days ago, I'm assuming he solved his issue...BUT it would be nice of him to at least reply one way or another, many do this they either solve the issue their self or solved it from advice given by members here, but never reply back to let members here know that it was either solved or not, sorta makes some not wanting to waste their time posting advice, if they posted an update it would also possibly help others in the future with a similar problem.

Agreed, sorry I missed the boat on replying.

The issue was actually hardly an issue at all after someone explain what was happening. The inner wire conduct from the coil wire had separated from the tube and was stuck on top of spark plug. When I used a light it just looked like the spark plug had grown multiple tops. Simply grab with long nose pliers and yank. Back to a regular plug.

Thank You, glad to see you back on the forum, very glad you got the issue solved!!

This will at some point in the future help someone else!!