Spark plug broken off in header, please help!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Spark plug broken off in header, please help!
Hello,
I was replacing the spark plugs in my 87 ford f150 and the spark plug broke off in my engine. The plug broke where the hex nut meets the metal shaft, all of the ceramic has been removed, and i still cant get enough of bit with my pliers to get the sleeve out. I have an extractor set but i'm not sure if i should use them. Please any advice would appreciated.
Jesse W
I was replacing the spark plugs in my 87 ford f150 and the spark plug broke off in my engine. The plug broke where the hex nut meets the metal shaft, all of the ceramic has been removed, and i still cant get enough of bit with my pliers to get the sleeve out. I have an extractor set but i'm not sure if i should use them. Please any advice would appreciated.
Jesse W
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,635
Likes: 3
From: Lansdale, PA
Put piston at the bottom of cylinder
Heat plug remainder with torch
Stick a thin wax candle on the threads
Heat again and do wax again
Heat up again and use extractor bits. It will come right out.
The wax works awesome. It is like a high temp penetrant.
I've broken off 7 of the 8 plugs in my 460 (one of them) a d gotten them all out easily with this method.
Heat plug remainder with torch
Stick a thin wax candle on the threads
Heat again and do wax again
Heat up again and use extractor bits. It will come right out.
The wax works awesome. It is like a high temp penetrant.
I've broken off 7 of the 8 plugs in my 460 (one of them) a d gotten them all out easily with this method.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
I would guess if you got all the insulator out of the middle you could use an extractor to unscrew what was left. I've never seen one break off where you are speaking, usually just the ceramic insulator, which still gives you the wrench flat to get ahold of it.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
I just went through this with my engine plug blew out as I was driving, leaving just the metal in the head. When I got on the hex it twisted off like paper. I tried heating it (without the wax) easy out etc. Finally gave up and took it to the garage, cost me 120.00 to have it replaced. once it was done he told me the easy out actually stetched the metal and locked it in even tighter. He had to use small picks and bend it down enough to get on it with pliers.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I tried the heat and wax but had no luck. My dad is telling me to take off the head and take it down to the automotive machine shop to have it milled out and have a valve job done,im not sure why should have the valves redone but again im new to cars. I'm also debating on just taking it to my neighbor's shop and tell him to fix it.
the kicker is my exctracter bit fell into the engine, i was use one size to small. i have the correct size now but i need a way to exctract my bit. any ideas?
the kicker is my exctracter bit fell into the engine, i was use one size to small. i have the correct size now but i need a way to exctract my bit. any ideas?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
DON'T rotate the engine while that extractor is in the cylinder!!! That will be bad news.
Once the plug is out, you might be able to get a small mechanics magnet down in the hole and grab the piece.
Pulling the head is worse case senario.
Once the plug is out, you might be able to get a small mechanics magnet down in the hole and grab the piece.
Pulling the head is worse case senario.
Trending Topics
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 21
From: Caracas, Venezuela
^ what he said, magnets are your friends. If you don't manage, get the heads out and recover the bit.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,635
Likes: 3
From: Lansdale, PA
Well.... You need to take head off to get extractor potentially.
You'll need to pull intake and everything off anyway, so remove both heads and get spark plug out. Or for same money just buy a set of gt40p heads or something different the stock heads. Always use these opportunities for mods.
Keep trying
I'm not a novice at this trick, I've gotten out at least 100 broken plugs. It's just hard to explain experience. Don't give up. You'll get it with patience.
You'll need to pull intake and everything off anyway, so remove both heads and get spark plug out. Or for same money just buy a set of gt40p heads or something different the stock heads. Always use these opportunities for mods.
Keep trying
I'm not a novice at this trick, I've gotten out at least 100 broken plugs. It's just hard to explain experience. Don't give up. You'll get it with patience.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wild Weasel
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Sep 27, 2011 12:37 PM
