Spark plug coil extractor don't work...

chasestudio · Post by **chasestudio** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 3:54 pm

Evening all.

Lined myself up to perform my first solo service this weekend - 18000 miler. Got myslef a workshop manual, browsed this august forum, acquired the accumulated wisdom of members past and present (thanks guys/girls), bought two sets of feeler gauges, an Optimax, service kit and Twinmax, and still had change from what I expected my local dealer to extract from me - a good start.

Removed cylinder head guards and coil covers, selected coil extractor from my (mostly complete) toolkit, placed it over the coil and pulled. It came off. Repeat. Same result.

Must be the wriong tool, I surmised, I needed oil anyway so off I went to BMW dealer and acquired the 'right' tool. Returned and found that new tool is too small (I know, I should have taken the old one to compare).

So, I have one tool that fits, perfectly, but pulls off at the least effort, and another that doesn't fit. To make matters worse my maintenance manual referes to yet another tool (12 3 520). What's a feller to do?

I CAN bodge it and apply long-nosed pliers, but I don't want to; this has become a matter of honour.

Has anyone had a similar experience? If so, how did you resolve it?

Post by **Biff's R** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 4:28 pm

If you have a 2 spark engine, it can be tough. the puller that comes in the tool kit is marginal at best. I got one that is aluminum from my dealer for about $30(way overpriced). It is a 100% improvement.

Post by **Beemeridian** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:05 pm

Post by **snowprick** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 8:28 pm

I have not tried this item but it may solve your problem.

http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Plug_Tool.htm

Ves · Post by **Ves** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 9:55 pm

I've never used a tool. I pivot the coil as far as it will move toward the wire side (down on the right, up on the left?). That gives me enough room to get the forefinger of one hand just under the coil where the wire comes out (no you can't get your whole finger under there but you can get enough). I grab the front of the coil with the thumb and forefinger of the other hand. And, pull. Comes right out. If it doesn't come right out, just jiggle a little while pulling. Just make sure you're pulling on the coil, NOT the wire.

Post by **Hawk** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 10:00 am

Concur on the Mark Parnes tool. Also, when you do get it off, a dab of dielectric grease (NAPA) before reinstalling will make it easier next time.

chris · Post by **chris** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:04 am

I modded the tool by adding a bit of plastic between the legs to make it grip. Works fine now.
Pic in this link.
http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?p ... ght=#91528

chasestudio · Post by **chasestudio** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 3:18 pm

Thanks Guys,

Much useful advice, I'll press on.