Stubborn Spark Plug Removal?

Pheonix · Post by **Pheonix** » 26 Feb 2006, 16:31

Hi All,

Was replacing the spark plugs on my car today, got all the way along to the final one, and it wouldn't budge an inch!! Incredibly frustrating. This one was the one that was the most difficult to access, as its limited by the air ducting/throttle body cover.

Anyone got any tips on removing it. I was running the engine for a minute between each change, to make sure I was doing it right (I've never done it before) Do you think this could have contributed?

Anyone know of any substances I can get hold of that will help me shift it, other than WD40?

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 26 Feb 2006, 17:23

There's always one eh?

Maybe a different tool will help.

A word of warning, make sure whatever you use is located properly on the plug, if it slips it can break the ceramic and that would mean you have to remove it.

What car is it? How easy is it to remove whatever is in the way?

Oh, and, try giving it a run, get the engine nicely warmed up then let it cool. Might be all it needs to loosen it up.

Pheonix · Post by **Pheonix** » 27 Feb 2006, 00:33

Yeah, was well annoyed as it was the final one.

The air intake / filter housing is currently in the way. However I applied ALOT of force (after triple checking it was on the plug ok), far more than the previous ones!

Maybe I'll try it when the engine is colder...if that still doesn't work, I'll take it for a run, then try it with the engine abit hotter!!!

alan s · Post by **alan s** » 27 Feb 2006, 01:08

I find that sometimes water has got down the recess and found its way down the thread causing it to rust. The risk in using brute force if this is the case is that when rust gets in it not only tends to grow but can roll up in the thread and strip the thread as it comes out.
My suggestion (which I have used with success) would be to drop a couple of drops of engine oil down there and leave it for a day or two. Use the car as normal in between times and then give it a go. You'll find if it's either rust or corrosion, it will find its way down there and make life much easier.
If it's simply "grown" in the hole or been overtightened and stretched or distorted the thread, once it moves, the oil will make life much easier to get it out as it won't be tight all the way.

Alan S

OwenP · Post by **OwenP** » 27 Feb 2006, 08:18

I had been having trouble with two of the glowplugs on mine, these however finally came out after the engine had run for about 15-20 minutes, so it might just need a quick run before hand.

Pheonix · Post by **Pheonix** » 27 Feb 2006, 11:03

I'll try both suggestions, especially the oil one as thats nice and easy to do!