Can anyone recommend a specific make and model of swivel spark plug socket, especially, for the front plugs on the 6.0 V12?

"Gear Head" ones seem to be available in different lengths....I'm thinking I maybe need the shortest one to "clear" the AC compressor.

Thanks,

Rob
2006 X Type Sport Wagon.
1987 XJ6 Daily driver.
1994 XJS 6.0 Convertible.

 

Maybe someone here actually has one, but most of us just take the compressor off its brackets and push it out of the way a bit, takes very little time. I honestly use the spark plug tool that came with the car, it just fits very well.

if you are looking for one I would probably try the term "u-joint" or "flex" over swivel. Generally swivel stuff swivels in a socket, it is strong, but allows less articulation.

I don't recall how much room there is, but with the a6 compressor it is very little. If i were going to buy a tool to save time, it would be a ratcheting wrench (not box) to make taking the belt off faster.

 

You can buy a special socket from the JEC for the front two plugs that does not need the compressor moved to work - which is in my view a royal pain to do.

Or, you can take a spark plug socket with a hex on the top (many do have this) and carefully cut down the bottom of the socket so it is quite short and can just pop over the plug and clear the compressor. Then you take a ring spanner and heat and bend it so you can just get it over the hex at the top of the cut down socket! These two "special tools" will do it, at low cost.

When correctly cut down and placed on the plug, the top of the plug comes up the inside of the socket, so it is dead level with the socket top. This works well even with the old enormous Harrison compressor. If you need pics, post again.
Greg

 

Keep in mind it is more important to blow out debris if you aren't removing the compressor, because there will be a lot less room to be careful and pick things up by hand

 

This doesn't answer Rob's question but FWIW I'm also on the 'move the compressor' side of the argument. As mentioned by sidescrollin' it doesn't take long and you can more betterly (grin) clean below it so junk doesn't fall into the cylinders and get an almost straight-on shot at the plugs. Badda bing, badda boom....you're done !

Cheers
DD

 

I also recommend moving the compressor. I have tried both modifying the swivel box wrench in the genuine tool box and making a short plug wrench just like Greg mentioned, but I ended up in breaking the plugs several times. Once you break the plug in pieces it is a real PIA to clean them up, I think moving the compressor is also the safest way from that point.

 

When to quit is something I have learned with experience. Certain things on cars are best done by just powering through them. It is easy to waste more time trying to think of ways of saving it many times.

Buying tools is included, spending time figuring out a way to use a tool to make things faster instead of just going at things flat by flat with a basic wrench isn't worth it sometimes.

I know you are just asking what tool to buy,nothing wrong with that, but I dont think there is one in this case.

 

SS
There is a special tool available from the JEC for about 35 UKP.
Greg