Socket stuck while changing glow plugs

[tucker0104]

I was on my 8th and final glow plug when I was loosening it with a socket and ratchet. I stop to see if it is loose enough to come off when next thing I know I had unscrewed it right in to the rocker arm (not sure the name) and no the socket is at an angle so I can't screw the glow plug back in to get the socket off. I can't pull it off because it is so tight on the rocker arm and enough of the glow plug is sticking out so I can tilt it anymore. Please help.

[deezelfromRofo]

Did ya try to tap on it gently with something? That sux bud

[deezelfromRofo]

The 2 bolts holding the rocker down are 10 mm. Take them out to gain more clearance. Should free the socket up.

[tucker0104]

Thanks so much. I will try it tomorrow.

[deezelfromRofo]

Let me know how you make out. Good luck bud

[Patrick Feeley]

Rotate the engine to the 11 o'clock position (use the "timing pointer" on the Cam Position Sensor) to avoid "lifter jacking". That is where the lifters might expand when the pushrods are removed (reinstalling the pushrods in that condition might overlift the valve causing engine damage). Putting the rngine in that position provides a drain path for the oil to prevent it. Don't feel too bad, I had the socket actually come off and fall into the lifter cavity where it couldn't even be seen with an inspectio mirror. After hours of messing with it, I managed to fish it out with a strong magnet slug jammed into a piece of flexible hose. Cheers!

[bigcountrysg]

Ok before you go removing the rocker arm. Take an extension and put it on the socket. Then bend the glowplug til the socket is free. Then you can remove the glowplug and the socket. I have done this numerous times.

[tucker0104]

I ended up just loosening the rocker arm until the rocker arm was about a 1/2" up and that allowed me to remove the socket and glow plug. It work great. Started the truck yesterday and everything seemed to work fine. We will see when I start driving it tomorrow. Thanks for all the advice.

[deezelfromRofo]

glad you got it fixed.

[bucwheat]

Originally Posted by Patrick Feeley

Rotate the engine to the 11 o'clock position (use the "timing pointer" on the Cam Position Sensor) to avoid "lifter jacking". That is where the lifters might expand when the pushrods are removed (reinstalling the pushrods in that condition might overlift the valve causing engine damage). Putting the rngine in that position provides a drain path for the oil to prevent it. Don't feel too bad, I had the socket actually come off and fall into the lifter cavity where it couldn't even be seen with an inspectio mirror. After hours of messing with it, I managed to fish it out with a strong magnet slug jammed into a piece of flexible hose. Cheers!

Same thing happened to me.