Spark Plugs
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 60
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From: Connecticut
Spark Plugs
Anyone have any ideas on how to remove a stuck plug? I have tried soaking it with WD-40 repeatedly, but it still seems welded in. I have thought to just take it to a shop, but I hate to do that. The plug still works fine even though it is old, so I don't want to just go nuts and break it off. Then I am left with 5 cylinders. I need tips or tricks please!
Rob
89 F150 4x4
Rob
89 F150 4x4
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
Posts: 23,165
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From: Enjoying the real world.
Spark Plugs
Heat it with a torch. Since the engine block and the spark plug are different metal alloys, they'll expand at different rates. This will usually cause the rusted threads to loosen up. You'll be surprized how much it can help. Just be careful that you don't heat anything that isn't supposed to be heated (like spark plug wires!).
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 60
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From: Connecticut
Spark Plugs
I was going to do that, but I got worried that I would hit something I shouldn't. It is awfully cluttered in the engine compartment, and I think the fuel lines are near. It is the furthest back cylinder (300), so it is very hard to get at. I am going to resort to this, but I was trying to find a more safe way. Thanks though. I may give it a try in the next couple days, depending on the weather. If you never hear from me again, then it didn't go well!
Rob
89 F150 4x4
Rob
89 F150 4x4
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,172
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Spark Plugs
Rob ,
Thats the hardest plug to remove w/o it being stuck . Try some stuff called PB Blaster . Heat will work fine but you have several vacuum hoses , vacuum valves and wires in that area . Id spray the Blaster stuff on it , let it sit for 5 to 10 mins , attach a small breaker bar to the plug socket and try to break it loose from under the truck .... More room under there and less chance of smashing your knuckles if something slips . Good luck .
Paul
Thats the hardest plug to remove w/o it being stuck . Try some stuff called PB Blaster . Heat will work fine but you have several vacuum hoses , vacuum valves and wires in that area . Id spray the Blaster stuff on it , let it sit for 5 to 10 mins , attach a small breaker bar to the plug socket and try to break it loose from under the truck .... More room under there and less chance of smashing your knuckles if something slips . Good luck .
Paul
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Spark Plugs
Way back about 20 years ago I had a stuck plug in my '77 f100 300 six. I ended up breaking off the top half of the plug. So I drove on 5 down to the local service station and had them put their air powered impact wrench on it. Came right out. Not that I am recommending this, but as a last resort--though sounds like you'd have to move some stuff to gain access. My mechanic uses some kind of anti-seize lubricant when installing plugs. It's not just 3-in-1 oil which I used to use and really dosen't work. Finally, he found a loose plug. Seems the socket can bottom out on the head before the plug is tight and make you think it is.
New User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 15
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From: Warminster
Spark Plugs
Try soaking it with liquid Wrench for a day. The imact wrench is not a bad idea. Just put it on low torq. Then let it just tap, tap, tap, lightly. It worked for me on the worst bolts you ever seen.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,297
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From: Indiana
Spark Plugs
I will vouch for the PB Blaster, its some good stuff!!! I've had it break loose some things I thought would never come apart. But remember the let it soak a while part!! Good luck
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul, MN
Spark Plugs
>Anyone have any ideas on how to
>remove a stuck plug? I
>have tried soaking it with WD-40
>repeatedly, but it still seems welded
>in. I have thought to
>just take it to a shop,
>but I hate to do that.
> The plug still works fine
>even though it is old, so
>I don't want to just go
>nuts and break it off.
>Then I am left with 5
>cylinders. I need tips or
>tricks please!
>Rob 89 F150 4x4
What about driving the truck around until the engine is warm then attempt to remove the stuck plug. Watch out for hot engine parts while you're at it.
Dustin
>remove a stuck plug? I
>have tried soaking it with WD-40
>repeatedly, but it still seems welded
>in. I have thought to
>just take it to a shop,
>but I hate to do that.
> The plug still works fine
>even though it is old, so
>I don't want to just go
>nuts and break it off.
>Then I am left with 5
>cylinders. I need tips or
>tricks please!
>Rob 89 F150 4x4
What about driving the truck around until the engine is warm then attempt to remove the stuck plug. Watch out for hot engine parts while you're at it.
Dustin
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 60
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From: Connecticut
Spark Plugs
Well, I decided to just go hard at it. I put on some of that liquid wrench, and just went nuts with a breaker bar. Fortunately, the tool lived up to its name and broke it loose. I guess I was nervous about breaking it for no reason. Thanks for the help.
Rob
89 F150 4x4
Rob
89 F150 4x4
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,297
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From: Indiana
Spark Plugs
rob400, I forgot to mention that I use anti-sieze compound on every spark plug I install, and I mean "everyone" . And I would highly recommend it to you or anyone also. You will never have a stuck spark again!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
Spark Plugs
Same here. Another place I really like to use it on the front bearing spindles on 4x4's. Apply it to the flange mounting surface and the part that goes in to the steering knuckle. No more stuck spindles either. Of course clean the areas up good before you go back together.
New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6
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From: Minooka
3V 5.4 Spark Plugs
Anyone had problems removing the spark plugs out of the new 3V? I took mine to the local dealership because I had heard of this problem and ended up with a $3000 bill for them having to remove the engine and heads after breaking the plugs.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Originally Posted by BoHawg
Anyone had problems removing the spark plugs out of the new 3V? I took mine to the local dealership because I had heard of this problem and ended up with a $3000 bill for them having to remove the engine and heads after breaking the plugs.
Check the laws of your state.
In some states, removing the engine, would be considered an incident or consequence of them breaking the plugs, and if they have to remove the engine to fix it, they have to pay for it.
It all depends on the state you live in, and the laws they have to protect consumers.
Good Luck.