Big Problem! Please HELP
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 395
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From: Fairmont, WV
Big Problem! Please HELP
My truck just hasnt been running these past few weeks so i decided to throw in a new set of spark plugs. I have the 4.6 in a 98. I got the plug on cylinder 4 in the back passenger corner, pulled the plug wire off, tried to stick my socket down in there, and nothing. The socket woldnt go down far enough to catch anything. I could stick my finger down there just enough to feel that the top of the spark plug the screws on was bent. I have tried for about an hour to bend it back with no luck. This really sucks because i have to be at work in 5 1/2 hours. Does anyone have an idea on how in the heck to get this thing out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Get a mirror and a flashlight in there and see what's going on. Perhaps a needle nose pliers or smaller pliers will remove that tip. I cautiously suggest bending the tip; it may not need to be perfect but instead just good enough to get the socket on the plug.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 395
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From: Fairmont, WV
This isnt a engine specific question but if it needed moved in your eyes great job. Still no luck. Ran out of light and I am going to bend something to fit under the bend to try and pull up the tip enough to get the socket down. If this dont work, how hard are the spark plugs to break? The porcelain area specificly.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
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From: Louisville,Ky.
Should break pretty easy. The you will have a bunch of debris in your plug pocket and when you remove the plug, it will fall into the cylinder unless you blow it out first.
I have never seen one bend like that, I wonder if the plug started to blow out and got cocked and didn't come all of the way out?
I have never seen one bend like that, I wonder if the plug started to blow out and got cocked and didn't come all of the way out?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Fairmont, WV
Well tonight I definetly broke it into pieces. It is not bent anymore but to get it straight again i broke the porcelain into pieces. Im taking the compressor and tank home from work in the morning to try to blow the pieces out. Should that get most of it out. Any other ways to get all that crap out of there.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Alabama/Florida
Double sided tape stuck on a pencil will pick up the very small dust sized peices of porcelain. Just take out the large peices first and blow out the hole and dont lose the tape.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 395
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From: Fairmont, WV
Just wanted to thank everyone for there input and help. I was able to blow the broken pieces out with 130 psi. Im trying the bosch platinum 2. I have heard both sides of these equally so the only way i will know i guess is to try them out myself.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
I will never use Bosch again. Their center electrodes are known to fall out and ruin engines. Got my Dad's 5.0 a couple of years ago. These trucks run best on either Motorcraft of Autolite Double Platinums.
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