Stuck Spark Plugs

[Funmart6]

I tried to remove a couple of the plugs from the front side of engine today and could not get any to budge at all. Is there a trick to removing a stuck plug???? I know that I don't want to mess around and break a plug so I figured someone on here might have a solution.

Has anyone ever dealt with stubborn spark plugs?????

 

[Funmart6]

Would it hurt anything to spray something like PB Blaster down in there to free up these stubborn plugs?

 

[Ishodu]

There should't be any trick to getting plugs out. Just use the right size socket and turn them out. Maybe they were over tightened or they sized in there. Only think about spraying stuff down there is when you do get the plug out the spray and what not will go into the cylinder.

 

[ArkanSHO]

If you put PB Blaster or some other type of penetrating oil down the holes (which is most certainly a better option then snapping the bottom portion of a plug off in the head) I would strongly recommend you change you oil when you finish. The pentrating fluid will end up draining into the cylinder as the plug is removed and is not real all that good to mix with the engine oil. Put plenty enough in to be effective but don't submerge the plug.

 

[Funmart6]

A friend at work told me to get the engine up to temp and then I should be able to get the plugs out. The engine was cold when I tried to remove the plugs before, never heard of warming the engine to change plugs, in fact I have always changed them cold (much easier to handle of course). I have the right size socket for the job, that is not the issue, I really don't want to spray anything on the plug, so I will try the warm engine method and go from there. Thanks for the input.

 

[Bill Strobel]

Be careful. Stuck plugs are becoming all too common with 100,000 mi plug change intervals and steel plugs in aluminum heads. Sometimes the plug is so stuck the threads come right out with it. If they come out put anti-sieze on the plugs to prevent it the next time.

 

[ArkanSHO]

A friend at work told me to get the engine up to temp and then I should be able to get the plugs out. The engine was cold when I tried to remove the plugs before, never heard of warming the engine to change plugs, in fact I have always changed them cold (much easier to handle of course). I have the right size socket for the job, that is not the issue, I really don't want to spray anything on the plug, so I will try the warm engine method and go from there. Thanks for the input.

Interesting thought. I would caution you though that the first time I that I had ever read directions on changing plugs on these cars (or any for that matter in 22 years) that it specifically stated "do not remove plugs from a warm engine". Can't remember where I read that (might have been in my owners manual or the Chilton's) but it was the first time I had heard any such caution and it has stuck with me.

 

[yamahaSHO]

Warming the engine is a good idea... The aluminum will basically shrink around the plug when cold. I've found this out when I tried to take a pulley off my blower that I only slid on in the day time. When the night got cold, the aluminum pulley contracted around the steel shaft and I could not pull it off. Once it warmed the next day, it slid right off.

I've changed plugs on a warm motor several times with no ill effects.

 

[Funmart6]

I was told to warm the engine and just break the plugs loose but to not remove them completely until the engine has cooled because of the risk of cross threading when installing the new plugs.

 

[SHO green like$]

Hope you got your plugs out and left the threads in, re-install with anti-seize. DO NOT get the compound on the electrode.

By the way guys, I can't agree on removing plugs from a warm/hot alum. head, there a numerous warning about that.

 

[NJSHO]

Heating to take them out should be ok. I would let it cool before putting new plugs back in cause that is when there would be the greatest risk of cross threading. That's would I would do.

 

[Funmart6]

Last night after driving the car, I was able to move the plugs a bit. I didn't want to remove them completely until the engine cooled, but I was happy that they moved at all. I will lokk into removing them later either today or tomorrow, (Dealing with a terrible sunburn right at this moment so I don't even want to move let alone work on a car), but I will post again with results.

Anyone know of a good sunburn relief???? I am dying here!!!!! LOL

 

[Funmart6]

Plugs came out with no problems, Plugs are Motorcraft Platinum AWSF32FM.
Should I just put these back in the car or Are Bosch Platinums any better?

 

[Ishodu]

Stick with the motorcraft plugs that are designed for your car. Good to hear you got them out.

 

[Off Road SHO]

rags soaked in cool tea, laid on the burn area. It helps the healing process. Doesn't do anything for the stuck plugs though.

Tom

 

[Funmart6]

Thanks to all for the tips and support, thanks for the sunburn tip as well