I am actually in the market looking for a good tool kit to do some of the more common maintenance/ fix-ups for myself. I wasn't sure exactly what is a good/affordable tool set that includes most items such as the the torque wrench, spark plug wrench with the extensions. I heard and have seen the 60K tune up page from megamax and it seems that it'd require quite a few extensions to get to some of these plugs.

If anyone has any comment/ or suggestions as to where I can get something reliable, I'd appreciate the advice.

thanks =)

 

To remove the spark plugs all you need is a 6" extension with your 3/8" ratchet and spark plug socket. Then a phillips head screwdriver to remove the coil packs from the valve covers. Pretty easy.
As far as a tool kit for a beginner. Buy yourself a 100 pc kit from Sears. Craftsman tools are OK quality, but the lifetime warranty is excellent, and their low price makes them attractive for the newbie mechanic. As an ex-mechanic, I've used all the name brands of tools. Craftsman, Snap-On, Matco and a bunch of others. For the price, you can't go wrong with a Craftsman set. The Craftsman sets come with spark plug sockets and some regular ol extensions. A torque wrench is usually not included with any set that I can think of. YOu may want to "tweak" your set with some locking extensions, which will cost some more $$$, but is well worth it (that way your sockets won't fall off the end of your extension)

 

thanks very much for your reponse--I will head over to sears and pick up a set of their tools. I see they have a few combinations of the tools...
I was going to change the spark plugs myself and I saw in Megamaz's site that he has this LONNNG extension on his socket wrench and I was thinking "whoooa...that is some deep chamber in there"
I was wondering--would a normal spark plug wrench fit in that deeper part of the engine (the deeper 3 chambers in the back?) Or would I need the extension?

thanks again.

Brian =)

To remove the spark plugs all you need is a 6" extension with your 3/8" ratchet and spark plug socket. Then a phillips head screwdriver to remove the coil packs from the valve covers. Pretty easy.
As far as a tool kit for a beginner. Buy yourself a 100 pc kit from Sears. Craftsman tools are OK quality, but the lifetime warranty is excellent, and their low price makes them attractive for the newbie mechanic. As an ex-mechanic, I've used all the name brands of tools. Craftsman, Snap-On, Matco and a bunch of others. For the price, you can't go wrong with a Craftsman set. The Craftsman sets come with spark plug sockets and some regular ol extensions. A torque wrench is usually not included with any set that I can think of. YOu may want to "tweak" your set with some locking extensions, which will cost some more $$$, but is well worth it (that way your sockets won't fall off the end of your extension) [/I][/QUOTE]

 

1 word

Craftsman...

why? life time warranty... they don't ask questions... One itme, when a buddy of mine was changing tranny, broke 3, yes 3, ratchets... took them all back at the same time... replaced. Sure the replacement was remanfuactured, but it works.

Go get a set of their 92 piece Metric set... good stuff.

-Shing

 

Yes, I was looking into the Craftsman tool set and I was planning to go over to sears and buy it--just wondering--when you change the spark plugs--do you need a very long wrench extension to reach back there to get the spark plugs? or a magnet? I think I am going to do it this weekend--since I ordered the plugs from Courtesy--any tips? anything I need to watch out for?
just a quick thought--does a regular spark plug wrench reach that far down there to get the last three plugs?

I'd appreciate it, Shing.

Brian =)

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Shingles
[I]1 word

Craftsman...

why? life time warranty... they don't ask questions... One itme, when a buddy of mine was changing tranny, broke 3, yes 3, ratchets... took them all back at the same time... replaced. Sure the replacement was remanfuactured, but it works.

Go get a set of their 92 piece Metric set... good stuff.

-Shing

 

ya know i though JimW knew better...
ok the spark plug socket have a little rubber boot inside. so when you slide it over the sparkplug it will hold the plug there. it's not like the other sockets.
the sears one..you can tell on the top part of the socket it's squared off kinda like a bolt...while the rest of the sockets are round all the way.
tisk tisk Jim..slipping there.

brian go ahead and pick up a longer 3/8 extension for the socket. it's deep in there but the spark plug will not fall out of the socket (rubber boot inside). you can either get one or two shorter extensions or just get one longer one. or do both.
start w/ a good basic kit...then buy pieces as u need them.
Dan

[QUOTE]Originally posted by humaras
[I]Yes, I was looking into the Craftsman tool set and I was planning to go over to sears and buy it--just wondering--when you change the spark plugs--do you need a very long wrench extension to reach back there to get the spark plugs? or a magnet? I think I am going to do it this weekend--since I ordered the plugs from Courtesy--any tips? anything I need to watch out for?
just a quick thought--does a regular spark plug wrench reach that far down there to get the last three plugs?

I'd appreciate it, Shing.

Brian =)

 

Craftsman all the way ...

i was there and replaced a ratchet i had for 5 years .. FOR FREE.. no questions asked..i love it

Ant

 

for the tip there. So with the kit that SHing recommended--the 92 metric set, do the pieces have a rubber boot inside to hang onto the spark plug as I am pulling them out of the engine chamber/ or putting them back in? I went through some old stuff in my parent's house and saw an old spark plug wrench (the one that has a T handle up top and is about 5-6 inches long)-- can that be used safely to get access to all 6 spark plugs or the back ones need longer ones? I know that if I get the ratchet and metric set, I can just sort of put pieces together to get deeper in if necessary, while this old spark plug wrench is "fixed" in length.

I figure I need a good set for other items... as I go through maintaining the car.

very grateful to all you guys for the tips.

=)

 

like everyone said.. if your like me you just start with a good 100 piece set (metric ratchets 1/2 and 3/8 drive, open ended wrenches and a couple different sizes of vise grips, pliers and all that jazz) along with a long breaker bar extension (a good 2'er or more should do it) then you just build up and add as you go... its nice to have a 21mm deep well impact socket on hand as well its what size the factory lugs are and is sooo much better than using the stock lug wrench.. and cheaper than a 4 way.... like I said.. from there it multiplies..... next thing you know you'll have an air compressor, air tools (impact wrenches, cut off wheels, paint guns, etc..) then you move up to the big boy toys.... engine stands/hoists, tire machines, lifts, etc..... oh one more thing to add to your list ONE good 4-5 ton hydraulic jack (you can get a combo air/hydraulic one for when you get the air compressor.. err I mean.. hehe ) and a good set of at least 2 jack stands... these are a MUST when working on your car.. that stock jack and blocks of wood aren't going to cut it.... good luck bro and always think safe when turning wrenches. You've got everything to lose to be careful.. it can be dangerous at times. oh from craftsman you move up to where the snap-on guy stops by your shop ... hehe.. lets pray it doesn't go that far..... or maybe we want it to

 

yes-- hopefully it won't get to that. But surely one day the 4-5 ton jack will be added along with the stands. I think I am actually in the process of acquiring the manuals for a Maxima and also one for a 1977 280Z...
that is really a great restoration project one day that I want to take on. A beautiful 280Z of course, with a new 3L Inline 6 engine--heheh

but for now-- I must acquire the skills of changing my spark plugs and that blasted PCV valve. I have been meaning to do it at 30K but i have procrastinated.

But yes, I will take note of all the items I need-- and yes, the stock lug wrench sucks!!

I guess everything will and should be included in this 100 peice set...

 

hey i got a compressor..what's wrong w/ that!??!
Dan

 

we got nuthing with a compressor--wanna spray my front bumper --it is suffering from horrible nissan paint syndrome from the rocks and all that stuff!!
j/k heheh

 

About the extension... I have a 10" craftsman extension I use for the plug change.... that's long enough.

-Shing

 

Shing, Dan, Tim---thanks to all your words of wisdom today--

Just went to sears and purchased some toys for myself.
I have purchased the 40 piece kit and it comes with one 3/8 ratchet, and a host of goodies. I got the 10" extension and in fact, I thought--heck why not buy 2--so maybe I should return one of them-- but there is already a 2-3 inch extension with the kit and from first looking at megamax's site, I thought he looked like he had 2 10" extensions joined together, and in fact, it seems he has a short one joined to a 10".

I got those, and I got the 5/8 spark plug socket. So it seems like I am ready to go!!!

by the way, do you guys usually put anti-sieze stuff on the thread of the spark plugs before putting these new ones in. Or can it go in just as is. IF you don't use anti-size cream stuff, can you apply a thin film of motor oil, which will serve the same purpose?

thanks

Brian

 

i use a very little bit of antisieze on the threads.
old skool racers use liquid antiacid for antisieze..cherry flavor?? just don't goop it on..just a little will do it.
motor oil will burn away and won't do a damn thing when you need to pull it out.
Dan

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DanNY
[I]ya know i though JimW knew better...
ok the spark plug socket have a little rubber boot inside. so when you slide it over the sparkplug it will hold the plug there. it's not like the other sockets.
the sears one..you can tell on the top part of the socket it's squared off kinda like a bolt...while the rest of the sockets are round all the way.
tisk tisk Jim..slipping there.

brian go ahead and pick up a longer 3/8 extension for the socket. it's deep in there but the spark plug will not fall out of the socket (rubber boot inside). you can either get one or two shorter extensions or just get one longer one. or do both.
start w/ a good basic kit...then buy pieces as u need them.
Dan


I haven't seen a spark plug socket that didn't have the rubber boot inside in at least 6 years. That is of course unless the boot has been lost!!!