How to remove the lawn mower spark plug without a socket

Are we stuck with a lawn mower spark plug and no socket in sight? We’ve got you covered. Our guide provides a straightforward, easy-to-follow process. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started.

First, park the mower on a flat surface and let the engine cool to remove a lawn mower spark plug without a socket. Use a wrench, pliers, magnet, or rubber hose to grip and twist the plug counterclockwise. Be careful not to damage the threads or wire. Check and replace plugs per manufacturer recommendations every 80-100 hours.

Have you ever found yourself in a bind with a stubborn piece of equipment? We’ve all been there. Our guide provides a simple, step-by-step process to tackle this common problem. Keep reading to discover how to overcome this challenge with your existing tools.

How to remove a spark plug without a sparkplug socket:

Spark plugs are present on the outside of the combustion chamber. The position may vary from model to model due to the size, design, and power complexity.

But the purpose of the plug is the same. Here are the detailed guidelines for removing a spark plug without a socket. This is a DIY project that you can complete like a pro.

● Step 1. Park the lawnmower on a leveled surface

Place the mower on an even, smooth surface to allow easy access to the underside. Let the engine cool if you have been running it. Please do not turn the lawnmower on its side, as oil can run from the reservoir to other parts of the mower engine.

Apply the parking brakes to stop it from moving. This is a crucial step when winterizing your equipment.

Step 2. Gather some basic tools

All kinds of jobs have specially designed tools that make the job fast and straightforward. The same can be said for removing a spark plug. A special socket wrench is developed that helps to draw a spark plug. The spark plug sticks to a rubber part in the wrench slot, and you can easily pull it out.

In case you don’t have the socket wrench, gather the following tools for an alternate approach:

• An adjustable wrench
• A plier
• Strong magnet
• A suitable size nut wrench

Disconnect the lawnmower’s spark plug cables. Wipe any dirt or debris, if present, on the spark plug threads.

Step 3.  Remove the spark plug using a wrench

Lawnmower spark plugs are different in size than those of an automobile. Typically, their thread size ranges from 10 to 12 mm. Socket sizes required to remove them are also around 13/16 or 3/4 inches.

So, you will need a wrench adjusted to the same size range. If there are no obstructions, a box-end twist is perfectly suitable.

Even an open-end or adjustable wrench may handle the job, though it is less desirable. Twists serve the same function as ratchets and sockets — tightening and loosening.

A wrench with an open end fits around a fastener instead of over it so that you can slip it into an area without room for a socket. This is a DIY project like changing the air filter for your lawn mower.

Using the adjustable or box-end wrench (nut wrench), you need to twist the spark plug in an anti-clockwise direction. There are two things to be careful about here. First, your wrench size should closely match the threads to tighten the connection.

The second point is to note that the wrench is used carefully. It would be best if you did not deteriorate any of the spark plug threads. Here’s how to remove the plug from a piston without causing damage.

Step 4. Pull the spark plug out using a nose plier or other tool

Another way is to use a ‘nose’ plier. It is similar to an ordinary plier but has long metal gripping strands instead of common thick ones. Use pliers to grip the nut part of the spark plug. You will need a more significant force, but it will do the job. Be careful not to damage the spark plug wire.

Step 5. Pull them out using a magnet and a wrench

When you have spark plugs that go deep into the hole in the mower engine, the adjustable wrench will not work to get the spark plug out. There’s a simple technique to plug it out. You can use some strong magnets at the end of the wrench or a screwdriver.

Bring the magnets close to the spark plug’s top terminal. It is magnetic, sticks to the magnet, and is pulled out. This method relies on a friction fit to remove the plug.

Step 6. Pull it out by a rubber hose/ pipe

You can also shove a piece of rubber hose on the plug end. Try rotating it clockwise to grab the spark plug’s top terminal.  It will get a hold of it eventually, then pull it out. This method is proper when the spark plug is stuck due to friction.

Step 7. Use lubricants if the spark plug refuses to turn

Because of its long and continuous use, the spark plugs get blackened, and their terminal gap gets reduced over time. If the plug’s clearance is not okay and has black deposits, it may be a victim of rust and getting stuck in position. In this scenario, spray it with a penetrating lubricant like WD-40.

Let the lubricant be exposed to it for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, try again to open the plug. This is especially important when winterizing your lawn mower. Remember to disconnect the cord and remove the spring clip before starting.

Additional Concern:

The two major concerns are listed below:

1.  When you don’t have the correct-sized socket.

If you do not have the correct socket size for your spark plug, you must take any aluminum sheet, roll it down according to your size, fix it in the wrench end, and then try to pull out the spark plug. Adjust until you get your correct size, and the spark plug emerges.

It will take a couple of times, but it is the easiest fix for your issue when you don’t have the correct socket size or deep socket.

2. Always use lawnmower spark plugs recommended by your owner’s manual.

Always use your mower parts according to your manufacturer. Match the plugs using the reference numbers, usually stamped on the white insulator. The new spark plug will come from the factory with the correct size clearance gap, thread size, and working condition.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How do I know if my lawn mower’s spark plug is bad?

If you have difficulty starting your lawnmower or are experiencing jerks, your spark plug might be faulty. With time, the two electrodes of the spark plug get coated with a layer of carbon. This decreases the clearance gap.

Open the spark plug and check the gap with a feeler gauge if you face similar issues. If it doesn’t match the correct size, it has gone wrong.

2. What happens if you use the wrong spark plug in a lawnmower?

Spark plugs that are gapped incorrectly can be one reason for the engine missing, i.e., your engine is running erratically, especially in an idle state.

The incorrect plug gaps can be the root cause of uneven firing of individual spark plugs and delayed engine combustion, which can cause an engine to jerk and shut off. The user manual mentions the brand and specifications of the spark plug, so use that always.

3. How often should I change the spark plug in my lawnmower?

The three things you must take care of are:

• Check after 80 to 100 hours: Replace the spark plugs as often as the owner manual recommends it. Usually, you must check, clean, and, if needed, replace spark plugs each year after 80-100 hours of use.
• Tuning: When tuning your mower, the first step is to check the plug. If it is not in prime condition, change it.
• Use the correct type: Use the same and correct-sized spark plugs recommended by your lawnmower manufacturer.

4. Can you clean a spark plug with WD40?

WD-40 removes carbon residue and keeps moisture away from spark plugs and spark plug wires. WD stands for Water Displacement, so if your spark plugs are wet or you need to drive moisture away from ignition distributors, WD-40 will do the trick.

Remarks:

The spark plug is one of the core components of a mower engine. Without it, the fuel won’t ignite. For the same reason, it is the first component you must check whenever you face some technical issue with the engine.

Often, problems come randomly, and one may find himself in a situation where you do not have the right tools. This article presents you with some basic methods to utilize the tools you have to remove the lawnmower’s spark plug.

You can successfully perform the task anywhere using the commonly available tools and the proper guidelines.