Broke off a spark plug

[causewayskiier]

I was changing my plugs and broke off the plug, in the process of trying to get the plug out, I rounded off the hexagon head. Any ideas on how to get the plug out? This ever happened to anyone else?

[Andrew]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

are you using a quality 6 point socket?

[gride300]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

i think bob vila sells something at sears for this issue

[wakeboardin2k4]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

Vice grips? They aren't always the solution as they can make your situation worse, but if you can get a realllllly solid grip on them they might be the perfect solution for you.

[Andrew]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

getting any kind of pliers on a spark plug is not very likely.....

[wakeboardin2k4]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

You might be right. But its worth trying if he can reach the plug with it. Otherwise i dont know what to suggest. Next time don't over torque the plugs

[darrel409]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

If you havnt already....give it a shot of PB Blaster and let it soak for a while b4 attacking it again.

[skijones]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

Ditto on the BP Blaster. You might be money and time ahead to remove the exaust manifold to get better access. You should be able to get a socket from one of the higher end tool co's(Snap On, Mac, Cornwell) that will have ridges on the inside to grip the flats on the plug.

Craftsman makes good tools, but a few $ spent here will keep you from removing the head and having a machine shop get the plug out.

BTW, when I replace plugs, I allways use a SMALL amount of never seize. Little goes a long way and it will not come out of your carpet.

If the outside method doesn't work, you can knock the ceramic out of the center and get a inside extraction tool. This method is tricky because you can knock pieces into the cylinder.

Because of the angle on the plugs because of the manifold(assuming a 351) you should use a wobble extension on your socket. I have broken off plugs using a straight extension.

Take your time and good luck.

[Andrew]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

I've never tried it, but I would think that you could pull the ceramic completely out of the threaded body.......

[Nautiquehunter]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

If it a 5/8 spark plug rounded try to beat a 15mm socket over it.
if its a 13/16 spark plug try beating a 19mm over it.
Good luck.

[Andrew]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

if you do get a socket to hold on it, don't pull or push on the ratchet handle.... use a dead blow hammer (or something of the sort) to sharply strike the ratchet handle (in hopes of jarring the plug loose)

[bobchris]

RE: Broke off a spark plug

wow... crazy stuff.... You really don't need to use an extension and never a wobble if you do, just asking for trouble with those, using a 6 point spark plug socket and no extention works best, it got rounded off because you used a 12 point socket or a larger size than what was required and then didn't have it on all of the way or it was at an angle when you applied the torque to the ratchet.

Don't try knocking the insulator out of it, your just going to drive it into the cyclinder and then your going to have to remove the head to get it out. Get a Good 6 point spark plug shocket and hammer it on or use the 15 mm 19mm suggestion if it's loose, but make sure it's a 6 point socket and not a 12 point beacuse the only thing those are good for are square nuts and the trash can.

But use a socket drive it on with a hammer shouldn't take much force to get it on, then make sure when you pull on the ratchet your pulling square and not at some angle, using a extension and then not being square before you apply the force is what gets many into trouble. Once you get the plug out use a punch to drive it out of your socket.

If you do not change your plugs annually then you need to be using the platninum style plugs or marine grade plugs that have the SS base on them, plane automotive grade plugs are just steel and will rust in place if left for more than a year. good luck take your time and don't get in a hurry and make it worse than it all ready is.