'97 E-420 Spark Plug Change Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tfwaok · #1 12-12-2004, 10:24 AM

Looking to change plugs but don't have a socket that fits the bolts holding the covers on. Can't seem to find at local stores so what is this tool and what should I do please?

tfwaok · #2 12-12-2004, 10:48 AM

The bolts shown in the attachment are the suckers that I need to remove but need to know the correct tool to remove them. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tommy

Gilly · #3 12-12-2004, 07:58 PM

Those are calle "external torx". A set of them I'm sure you could buy at Sears. I think the size you need is called E8, not sure though. If you are really cheap you can sometimes get a 12 point hex socket to work in a pinch.
Gilly

tfwaok · #4 12-13-2004, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

Those are calle "external torx". A set of them I'm sure you could buy at Sears. I think the size you need is called E8, not sure though. If you are really cheap you can sometimes get a 12 point hex socket to work in a pinch.
Gilly

Thanks again for your help on this. I have a Sears just accross the street so I'll pick up a set today. Are there any other special tools I'll need for this job? I never performed this task before so I really don't know what the challenges are. For instance, I have replacement connectors that go between the plugs and the coils and was wondering if something special is needed to remove those.

Thanks,
Tommy

tfwaok · #5 12-15-2004, 03:21 PM

I'm happy to report that last night after getting the proper tools I was able to not only finish the plugs and connectors but I sucked out the oil and changed the oil filter as well. I even dropped in a K&N filter. Car runs really great now but it never ran bad.

This was my first DIY on this car besides the evaporator swapp which was no big deal. I had one major scare removing the driver side deepest most plug as I thought I shattered it. I came back in the house and read all of the horror stories about members having to take the heads out and take it to a machine shop to fix. I prayed and went back outside to figure it out and when I stuck the needle nose pliers down the hole to get what I thought was part of a plug the whole thing came out and was intact. Whoever put that plug in must have cross threaded it as it was barely in.

Whey! I am one happy camper.

Cheers!
Tommy
1997 E420