Westerbeke 5.0 spark plug problem

M

mares1

Member
Apr 3, 2007
44
Sea Bright
Boat Info
340 Sundancer 2002
Engines
6.2 merc
I have a 2002 340 DA with a 5.0 Westerbeke generator. I can not remove the spark plugs. First they are on the side that is to the outside of the boat and under the deck. They are very deep and we can not get the spark plug socket to catch or bite on the plug. We have used a swivel and extension, tried all three sizes and still can not get it to grab.

Does anyone have any special technique when you change the spark plugs.

thanks
 
You're using a 13/16" plug socket for a 3/8" set, right? A 5/8" socket is too small and a plug socket for a 1/2" set is too thick walled to fit all the way down.

Best regards,
Frank
 
Thanks, we tried all three, only one would fit the replacement plug we got from Westerbeke but we could not get that to grab the plug in the generator
 
This is a three beer job. One before you start on the first plug and then one after each of the other two. I use a 3/8" drive swivel plug socket and a extension.
 
You don't need to break the bank with the Snap-On guy. Get a set of Craftsman 3/8 wobble extensions. I think the set I have has 3", 6", and 10" extension. The one end is slightly rounded so it allows the socket to wobble a little bit, which is necessary for it to slip over the plug. A swivel joint has too much swivel. Worked for me. Once you get the first one, you'll be surprised how easy is it. You might also want to pick up a small inspection mirror. Makes guiding the socket down onto the plug a bit easier the first time.

Of course, the first time I changed the plugs I had the genset sitting on my workbench, which made things somewhat easier.

Best regards,
Frank C
 
Last edited:
Ours are also on the outside. I don't recall having a problem removing them. I just remember having to use the "brail method".
 
I was helping Mares in changing these plugs..wow!! what a pita..We were using a 13/16 deep drive socket. I can't figure out why it wouldn't set. The boat has the orig plugs from Westerbeke, are they a different size than 13/16 replacement plug(NGK)?
 
NGKs are what came out of my engine when I replaced them. I had my boat since new, so I know they were the original plugs. That and they still have red over spray on them from when Westerbeke painted the engine. I still have one sitting on my desk at home in my pencil holder.

Try the wobble extensions. Really.

Best regards,
Frank
 
BTW
Where in Jersey?
 
Brick
 
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