Deciding that it is time to get myself some adequate tools finally. So what wrench/socket should I get for the N tractor spark plugs? It's getting kinda annoying sticking a adjustable wrench in there doing a 8th of a turn at a time. And then I suppose I should wait for the tractor shows and yard sales to look for them cheap too, but what do you guys use?

OK, finally got the camera working again so here are some ideas...

In order of appearance:

81A-17017 -used from June 1939 thru August 1939. 11/16 6-point box end and 13/16 open end.

01A-17017 -used from August 1939 thru April, 1940. 11/16 12-point box end and 13/16 open end.

01A-17017-B -used from April, 1940 through all of 8N production. 11/16 12 point box end and 13/16 12 point box end. This is the 'suitcase handle' wrench.

Part number unknown, but this is an offset SEARS brand 13/16 12 point box end and 7/8 12 point box end I have had in my toolbox since the 70's. I do not recall where I got it but probably SEARS itself. Only shows a logo "BF" and JAPAN forged on. It works
perfectly for N-Series Tractor spark plug R&R so I keep it in my tractor toolbox now.

Not shown is the 2C-17017 stamped steel socket and handle wrench that was issued wit h the new NAA Model with the overhead valve engine.

A 3/8 drive socket wrench will work too as shown below, just try to use a 6-point deep well socket. Always use compressed air to blow out the plug wells before removing your spark plugs so dirt and debris doesn't fall into the holes when the plugs are removed. If air compressor isn't available, keep a small 1" paint brush in your tool box to clear debris with. Never overtighten the spark plugs. The original FORD spark plug spec was to use the CHAMPION H-10 plug. Since then, CHAMPION has a better plug, the H-12, also sold now as the 512 number. The AUTOILITE 437 is another popular N-Series Tractor spark plug. I've used both the H-12 Champ and the AL 437 both equally with great success and have no preference for one or the other. Often it depends on what my local auto supply store has in stock when I go to buy them. The dimension of both plugs AF (across flats) is 13/16 (.8125"). Finally, the Ford Tractor spark plug thread size is 14mm with a 1.25mm thread pitch. DO NOT use any other tap if you are trying to chase the head threads. If you don't have one, try an old plug that has been cleaned up. Always start the plug by hand and screw it in as far as it will go without forcing it. Check the gap too as they are never gapped the same out of the box. N-Series Tractor spark plug gap is spec'd at .025" - .028" and points at .015". Be smart -use the right tool for the right job and be safe...

Tim Daley(MI)

Hi Andy-
The Ford Tractor spark plug/cylinder head wrench had four versions in its lifetime. The first wrench issued with the early, early 9N's was the Ford Part Number 81-A 17017 wrench, a 6-point box end and an open end. In August,1939, it was revised to the p/n 01A-17017, a 12-point box and open end. In April, 1940, it was revised to the 'suitcase handle' style as shown, p/n 01A-17017-B, both sizes at 12-point style. This was used up until the NAA(Jubilee) Model when the 134 cu/inch overhead valve engine was introduced. Then Ford released the new socket and handle wrench, p/n 2C-17017 -see LINK.

FYI -contact me if interested in an original set of the toolkit - email is open.

Tim Daley(MI)

• TOOL INFO

This is what was included in the N tool kit for removing spark plugs and cylinder head nuts:

You can find them on eBay for about $10 - they are fairly common. Can get lucky and find them at yard sales or flea markets for less.

Or, as already mentioned, you can use a standard spark plug socket and ratchet.

I use a pair of ViceGrips and a hammer.
That is when I am trying to break something.
Other then that I use a plain old rachet and socket.

I use a 13/16" 3/8 drive deep socket.

I use the suite case handle wrench that came with my tractor.