'98 EX 5.0 #3 Sparkplug removal problems

[G8rbait]

Guys, I've searched the forum and haven't found anything. Sorry if this has been covered before, but I can't find it. Went to change my plugs and can't seem to get the sparkplug socket in far enough on #3. There is a heat shield around the plug that prevents me from getting the socket far enough down to get a bite on the plug. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

Frank

 

[swshawaii]

Try a 5/8" or 16mm thin wall deep socket, not a six point spark plug socket.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-8-in-socket-12-pt-deep/p-00943314000P?prdNo=7
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-16mm-socket-12-pt-deep/p-00944421000P?prdNo=23

 

[swshawaii]

Some have removed the heat shield instead.
Is this the same #3 plug from your 2008 post?

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231261

 

[koda2000]

i just changed my plugs this past weekend. i found my spark plug socket (5/8) would not go all the way on the plug. i tried a regular 5/8 deep socket and it fit just fine, so that's what i used. you just have to be careful to keep the socket centered so that you don't break the insulator.