Maybe an odd question but to bypass all that, what if you had a socket that just fit straight down the hole on a 1.2 16v that is there when u take the ignition leads out.... You can see the top of the spark plug but obviously can't get at it this is why I'm assuming you have to do all that. But when there visible, if say I had a socket that fit down the hole and could undo the spark plugs from there, is that possible or is there another reason for taking all that crap off?
Odd I know but it seems like an easier fix to me.
On a non sport you don't have to do any of the above quoted in this thread, as the spark plugs you can access without removing anything. You can just pull up the ignition leads and undo the plugs with a socket.