Reaching the #1 plug. How the heck?

[RockVegas]

I think I have a fouled #1 plug. I pulled the plug wire off the dizzy and it made no difference in how it's running. (roughly).

I have a dual carb setup, I don't know if that makes it harder or what but I can't get a frigging socket onto the end of the plug. Never mind figuring out how to turn the thing once I do. Is there a trick to this by chance?

[Cusser]

I don't have dual carbs but I do have a specialized intake manifold for my single Weber 40DCNF carb that prevents me from getting a traditional spark plug socket in there.

So in the 1970s I used a bench grinder (remember goggles !!!) and ground down the outside of the spark plug socket to get it to fit in. Since I had dealer-installed AC on my beetle, I also cut an access panel under the fender for straight-on access, covered that hole with a piece of sheet metal and two sheet metal screws. So I access under the fender.

Maybe a socket with a built-in universal joint would help.

See this thread too
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6747720
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[MrGoodtunes]

[Big Bull Shooter]

It's a Zen thing. I put a short extension on my spark plug socket and put the socket on the plug by feel, and then attach my socket wrench. Once the plug is loose enough, I'll spin it out by hand. Reverse the procedure for installation.
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Where would this hobby be if no one shipped parts.
crukab
Feb. 11, 2021
Smokey says.... only you can prevent Bug fires!
zerotofifty
May 16, 2023

[RockVegas]

Shortened socket may be a good idea, I'll consider that. And I'll check the link. Thanks!

Wheel off, no, isnt the side of the engine compartment still going to be in my way? I didnt notice a way of getting to it from the outside.

Zen thing.... I'm good for about 5 minutes of Zen then I want to start setting things on fire. lol

I'll take a fresh peek at it and get back. Thanks for the tips.

[Cusser]

[VW_Jimbo]

Magnetic spark plug socket, 3” wobble extension and a flex head, bent handle ratchet. I reach around down low on the manifold. I get the socket with extension in place then follow up with the ratchet. Loosen the plug. Then remove the ratchet. Turn the extension a few turns and pull the entire assembly out. Plug stays in the socket because of the magnet. Hazet makes the socket I use.

So worth it!
https://www.hazet.de/en/products/special-tools/engine-spark-plug/410/spark-plug-socket?c=128878
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[RockVegas]

Cool info. Thanks! (may both cut down a socket and buy that one. Can't hurt lol)

[Lingwendil]

A magnetic spark plug socket on several wobbly extensions is what I usually need to do.
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73 super beetle thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=649622 Back on the Road!

Modify your Kadrons for SVDA http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8115884#8115884

Cast iron VJU4BR8 SVDA reference thread- https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0

Need replacement filters for original Kadron aircleaners? WIX #42087 is a perfect fit, as is Napa Gold #2087!

[Cusser]

[ashman40]

In case anyone was interested in the access panels inside the fender well... here's a good thread on how one is installed.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=512166

The link to the classified section needs an update. Here is the current version:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=963000

I've not tried this myself but the idea sounds very good if you find removing spark plugs a PITA. You don't have to go this elaborate but it is very nice.
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AshMan40
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'67 Beetle #1 {project car that never made it to the road }
'75 Beetle 1200LS (RHD Japan model) {junked due to frame rot}
'67 Beetle #2 {2019 project car - Wish me luck!}