The plug won't budge!!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 113
Likes: 2
From: Texas
The plug won't budge!!
I've seen some really tight spark plugs before but this one takes the cake. It is in an inline 6, back one, naturally. I've used a 6 point socket and a 12 point socket, to no avail. I even used an extra long "cheater" with the 6 point socket, which only rounded off the shoulders of the plug. Anybody got any ideas, other than pulling the head?
Thanks, Bob
Thanks, Bob
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 5
I can only think of two things. Get a good quality penatrating oil, some suggest heating the part first, then spray the crap out of it, this cools the part quickly and in theory will increase clearance for penatrate absorption.
Second is something called a "bolt out". If you go to most auto parts stores, tell them youve rounded off your spark plug, they should have sockets in stock that have sharp points inside that will bite into the rounded bolt or in this case spark plug. Unless they have one specific to spark plugs (deep socket), this would surely require breaking the porcelain. You should be able to find these at most hardware / home improvement stores. Take one of your good plugs to double check size.
This is all I can think of, I would use it as a last resort, see what others have to say, maybe someone has a better trick. In the mean time, I would call around to all autoparts stores and tell them your situation, they may have a known tool just for this situation.
Second is something called a "bolt out". If you go to most auto parts stores, tell them youve rounded off your spark plug, they should have sockets in stock that have sharp points inside that will bite into the rounded bolt or in this case spark plug. Unless they have one specific to spark plugs (deep socket), this would surely require breaking the porcelain. You should be able to find these at most hardware / home improvement stores. Take one of your good plugs to double check size.
This is all I can think of, I would use it as a last resort, see what others have to say, maybe someone has a better trick. In the mean time, I would call around to all autoparts stores and tell them your situation, they may have a known tool just for this situation.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
I would definitely try the penetrating oil and then the bolt out tool before anything else. However, before removing the entire head, I would just suggest breaking the tip of the spark plug off and using a drill to put a good sized hole in the top of the plug. You don't necessarily have to go all the way through, but just enough to clamp on with some vice grips. This might give you the extra twist you need. If that doesn't work, you could go all the way through and then just pull the pieces out. Just be sure not to drill too big into the threads in the head.
Be sure your battery is disconnected while drilling, and that you clean out the shavings as best you can. If not, they should burn up pretty easily when you start it up since they're small.
Be sure your battery is disconnected while drilling, and that you clean out the shavings as best you can. If not, they should burn up pretty easily when you start it up since they're small.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 113
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Thanks guys, I am checking around for the tool to do the job. That's given me a little more confidence that I won't have to pull the head.
Anybody got any ideas of how a plug might "weld" itself in. I've had them to put up a fight but they all finally gave up and came out, except for this one. This one created a new page in my book of bad words.
Thanks for the advise. I'll let you know how it "turns out".
Bob
Anybody got any ideas of how a plug might "weld" itself in. I've had them to put up a fight but they all finally gave up and came out, except for this one. This one created a new page in my book of bad words.
Thanks for the advise. I'll let you know how it "turns out".
Bob
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
I would try the above suggestions, I'm a fan of PB Blaster for penetrating oil. I always find it easiest to change plugs after the engine has been ran so it is warm. I'm not sure if it's safe or not to spray the penetrant directly onto the engine while it's hot so you might want to check the label.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 113
Likes: 2
From: Texas
I finally got it out. I had to use a plug extractor, a hardened "tube" with sharp left hand threads on the inside. It screws onto the shoulders of the spark plug and with a lot of effort on my part, it gave up the ghost. I guess it could have been worse but it was plenty bad in my estimation.
Thanks for all the advise and input.
Bob
Thanks for all the advise and input.
Bob
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 4
From: Coal Region
FYI, use some anti-sieze on the threads of the plugs and they'll spin right out next time. i also give em a good bath in PB while the engine is warm and while its cooling down ill gap the plugs. when its cool ill remove them with eaze.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
queen of spades
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
15
Oct 6, 2013 11:41 PM
Rovernut
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jul 25, 2013 09:49 AM
