I broke a plug

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Aug 7, 2005 | 02:38 AM

1985f350

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I broke a plug

I just got done doing plugs and wires on my 1985 f350 and my worst fear came true tonight! I broke a plug off in the motor. How do i get it out? Will the truck start with one plug not connected? If so what do i do with the loose wire? I may just try and drive it to my friends shop and let him fix it?

Matt

Aug 7, 2005 | 12:06 PM

emgee

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Joined: Aug 2004

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From: Winnipeg Canada

Drill for the appropriate "easy out" tool, heat the threads cherry red with a good propane torch, let cool and then apply penetrating oil. Insert the "easy out" and turn— should come out. Vacuum out the cylinder if you suspect debris (drill shavings) got in there. Use anti-seize on the new plug's threads and don't overtighten new plug(s). Hope this helps. Worked for a few guys here.

Aug 7, 2005 | 03:41 PM

Nateid15

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I am in no way trying to be a jerk, but where did the plug break off? and what brand? Again, im NOT trying to be a jerk, im just dont see how it could break off, but im new to the world of cars and trucks...

Thank you very much

~Nate

Aug 7, 2005 | 04:16 PM

81-F-150-Explorer

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From: Northern California

I've broken plugs before, but usually its the porcellin insulator... etc...

Aug 7, 2005 | 04:30 PM

80fordyardtruck

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Broken plug

If you just broke off the ceramic part the plug, spray some penetrating fluid on the base of the plug. Let the fluid work overnight, and then use a six point socket to remove the base.NAPA sells spark plug taps, to repair bad threads. I always use antiseize on spark plugs.

Aug 7, 2005 | 05:19 PM

SmokyOlFord

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From: Black Hills South Dakota

Sounds like you were installing new plugs and broke the white ceramic outer part. No biggie, just put the wrench back on take it out and replace with new. Check for debris and bits of the ceramic down in the hole before you pull it. I've done it too, when I let the socket come loose at the wrong moment, no biggie, but dang, another buck down the drain!

-Ed

Aug 7, 2005 | 06:50 PM

1985f350

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I broke the whole top off the old plug so now there is nothing exposed for me to grab onto. I cant get my drill in there to drill a whole in it.

Matt

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Aug 7, 2005 | 07:32 PM

SmokyOlFord

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From: Black Hills South Dakota

Ouch, too bad! Penetrating oil may help as mentioned above, then maybe an easy-out will do the trick if there's anything to grab on. Broken off that far down, it may have exposed the inner ceramic. Good, as it might give you a starting hole. Bad, as it's much more likely debris will enter the cylinder. Maybe adapt your vacuum cleaner to a tube with some electrical tape, so you can insert the tube into the plug hole to clean out the cylinder, once you get the plug out, that is! Maybe a small mirror glued or taped to a wire and a flashlight will let you spy into the hole to better see what's up.

I got one of those "seen on TV" sockets that is filled with little pins. Surprisingly, it works quite well and grabs onto about anything long enough to snag the pins. The harder you turn, the itghter it grips. It's a large-size plug type socket, so I hope there's room for it.

Worst case, the head will have to come off so it can be dealt with in the open with no debris problems.

-Ed