Another spark plug problem
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Another spark plug problem
I couldn’t find any posts about this. I have a spark plug(#5 cylinder) that broke off ABOVE the nut. This is an aftermarket plug. The nut has been rounded off after several months of trying to remove. I’ve tried JB Welding a socket to the nut. Even the strongest JB(about 3400 lbs) didnt hold. Before spending the quoted $3,000 to have the head pulled, I was considering sticking a punch down there to try to break the porcelain a little or push the porcelain down so i can access the inside of the nut to try twisting it out. I know I’m risking having pieces fall inside, but I figured if the head to get pulled if I cant get the plug out then why not chance it. I’m just wondering if anyone else has had this issue or has used a punch in this manner and might have some tips or advice other than “take it to a shop”. This is on the 5.4 in an ‘06 Navigator. Thanks in advance folks
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Fleet Owner
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This Lisle tool is made to remove broken spark plugs from the Triton engine. It's a rental so you don't actually have to buy it.
https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...ver/489173_0_0
https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...ver/489173_0_0
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This Lisle tool is made to remove broken spark plugs from the Triton engine. It's a rental so you don't actually have to buy it.
https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...ver/489173_0_0
https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...ver/489173_0_0
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From: Regina, Sask
I’m having a hard time imagining what is broken off in the head, the only problems I’ve had with the 5.4 3 valve is the broken plug in the head, and use the lisle tool, I did have to pull the head off one f150 that another shop had attempted to remove and screwed it up so bad it had to be driven out from the chamber side. I haven’t seen any problems with the threaded part breaking off, even with the aftermarket plugs. Got any pics of the piece that broke off? Then maybe I can offer more advice.
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I’m having a hard time imagining what is broken off in the head, the only problems I’ve had with the 5.4 3 valve is the broken plug in the head, and use the lisle tool, I did have to pull the head off one f150 that another shop had attempted to remove and screwed it up so bad it had to be driven out from the chamber side. I haven’t seen any problems with the threaded part breaking off, even with the aftermarket plugs. Got any pics of the piece that broke off? Then maybe I can offer more advice.
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I was considering maybe putting a perfect size pipe down in there, sticking a welding rod down inside the pipe and attempting to weld the pipe to the nut, the drill a hole through the top of the pipe with a steel rod going through it(to make it into a T), then twist it out. Im scared that I may end up welding the pipe and nut right to the head though. I tried the JB Weld again with a socket but once again it just slipped off. I’m getting desperate here. I’ve been working on this stupid plug for over 6 months. And I’ve spent a few hundred bucks having different shops try to get it out.
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That tool is supposed to remove the porcelain in one piece and after that happens you can use an easy out on the base of the spark plug.
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It doesn’t thread in to pull the porcelain out? If not, ill be picking one up next weekend for sure
Laughing Gas
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Ugh ..... you said you were working on #5 cylinder? That should have pretty good access. Is it still a two piece plug? I think I would try an extended drill bit through the center, enough to get an EZ Out bit down into the threaded portion of the plug. Look at one of the other plugs you've pulled out and find the best size drill bit you'll need. You may very well (almost guaranteed...) break the top from the bottom of the plug, and end up using that Lisle removal tool to get the lower portion out. But looking at that picture, you got nothing to lose. I wouldn't bother pulling the head off that motor though. Get you a new rebuilt crate motor and drop it in there (unless the rest of the truck isn't worth a new motor either...).
Long drill bits.... Extended length drill bits
Drill Hog Easy Outs ....
Long drill bits.... Extended length drill bits
Drill Hog Easy Outs ....
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Ugh ..... you said you were working on #5 cylinder? That should have pretty good access. Is it still a two piece plug? I think I would try an extended drill bit through the center, enough to get an EZ Out bit down into the threaded portion of the plug. Look at one of the other plugs you've pulled out and find the best size drill bit you'll need. You may very well (almost guaranteed...) break the top from the bottom of the plug, and end up using that Lisle removal tool to get the lower portion out. But looking at that picture, you got nothing to lose. I wouldn't bother pulling the head off that motor though. Get you a new rebuilt crate motor and drop it in there (unless the rest of the truck isn't worth a new motor either...).
Long drill bits.... Extended length drill bits
Drill Hog Easy Outs .... Drill Hog Easy Out Set
Long drill bits.... Extended length drill bits
Drill Hog Easy Outs .... Drill Hog Easy Out Set
I was just looking at the price of a rebuilt motor compared to the price of pulling the heads. The motor would cost about $300 more...which I may be willing to handle. It’s in an ‘06 Navigator that is still in excellent shape and has no issues other than this.
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That's definitely worth because you end up with a motor with virtually zero miles on it and you get a warranty.
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