I've never done this one before - really looking ugly right now. Bought a 92 5.0 L and needed work from the get go. I replaced trans and got it running, just replaced the EGR valve today because of a fault code - engine sounded pretty good. However spark plugs were from prior owner and wanted to see how they're burning. Anyways the casing look rusted somewhat, ok no big deal. Wrong. I turned this one which actually broke, not stripped but the outer housing of the plug separated from the base - which is in the head. So, not likely the prev owner used any kind of anti seize on the threads.

Basically the plug broke off flush with the base of the head. The other plugs are soaking now that I am aware of this. Any chance that I would be able to drill it out ? If I did, probably no way of keeping metal shavings, porcelain out of the cylinder, unless I could pump some air into the cylinder while I am doing this ....

Any suggestions short of pulling the head off ??

 

Drill and easy-out, then vacuum up the shavings as best you can. I've heard of guys filling up the cyl. with oil or solvent, then sucking it out, usually the vacuum is good enough. Don't feel bad, you're not the first person this has happened to, and you wont be the last. Be sure and post pics, we love pics here!

 

Cletus is right, a vacuum should get the worst of it. It'd be wise to take off your valve cover before starting and roll the engine over, probably by hand with a big wrench on the crank balancer bolt, until the exhaust valve is open completely. This will give your vacuum a passage to draw air, and hopefully shavings, into the vacuum. It also brings your piston head to the top, making the pieces more reachable, and gives you the option to put an air nozzle in the hole and try to blow out whatever didn't get sucked.

And if you decide to put something into the cylinder, use solvent, not oil. Oil will make the pieces stick, where solvent won't. Leaving it dry is probably the best option tho.

 

Thanks guys, will watch for any other suggestions as well ....