Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Spark plug oops, screw...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 12:53 PM
  #1  
JRS2's Avatar
JRS2
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
20 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 665
Likes: 6
From: Detroit suburb
Spark plug oops, screw...

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 ??

 
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 12:59 PM
  #2  
CletusSnow's Avatar
CletusSnow
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Bermuda Dunes, CA
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!
 
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 03:05 PM
  #3  
94BigRed's Avatar
94BigRed
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
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.
 
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 06:33 PM
  #4  
JRS2's Avatar
JRS2
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
20 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 665
Likes: 6
From: Detroit suburb
Thanks guys, will watch for any other suggestions as well ....
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Garrene
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
3
Apr 25, 2017 11:13 AM
dorr913
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
16
Sep 11, 2013 06:35 PM
Mainer86
2004 - 2008 F150
5
Aug 17, 2010 05:52 AM
Pearlwhite94
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
8
Dec 7, 2008 07:47 AM
1987bluef250
Performance & General Engine Building
9
Nov 22, 2003 02:01 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:16 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE