Help! I think my spark plugs seized

[Anonymous]

I was going to change my sparkplugs cause my 200's been missing, so I get out my old rachet and try to get that plug out, but its stuck tight.. I pull as hard as I can and the only thing I pull is a muscle in my back...
I end up braking some of the ceramic part on the plug too.

I don't know what to do. Do I have to take it to a mechanic? I just had the plugs put in about 5 months ago, I guess they didn't use antiseize or something. But D'OH my back is aching...

 

[Anonymous]

Even big guys can only put 35-40lbs of torque on a plug using a small ratchet. Obviously, more torque is the only thing that's gonna get it out. Try a little penetrating lube (PB Blaster, WD-40, etc) and then get a longer wrench on it - go to a 1/2" drive if you have to. She'll come out... And use a little anti-seize on the new plugs.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm just worried about breaking something (besides me)

I don't have a bigger rachet, so If I just pull on it harder, should I worry about the threads in the block or whatnot? I just don't want to do something I'll regret...

Hopefully, some of the ceramic material won't get in the chamber...

 

[Anonymous]

spark plugs are softer metal than the head threads. try putting a pipe on the end of the ratchet

 

[simon]

breaker bar and pipe.

You had someone else put the plugs in? Sounds like cold plug + hot engine + lotsa torque (which equals stupidity). Once the head has chilled, the plugs sits in there as tight as if if it has been welded in.

And sorry for your back, I can easily empatize since mine, too, feels like I was hit by a truck.

 

[Anonymous]

Use Aero-kroil or Sili-kroil. Not sure where to get it, but it's a really good penetrant. My boss has anecdotal stories about it wicking through rusted, seized exhaust bolts and having them come out nearly effortlessly.

Another thing you could try is impact- Rather than pulling, hit your breaker bar with a hammer (in the direction you want to pull) to try to break it loose. Easier on the back and the knuckles.

--mikey

 

[66200i6]

Try loosening the plugs while the engine is still hot.

Also, where in the Seattle area are you. I have some quality penetrating oil that we can try.

Good luck, Ric.

 

[Anonymous]

Impact wrench

 

[Anonymous]

Hey thanks for the advice guys,

When I tried it my engine was warm, so I'm gonna try when it's cool. If that doesn't work then I'll try some WD40.. and if that doesn't work... well..

I live in Northern seattle, near shoreline. Hopefully, I can get this done today so I can goto the beach!

 

[CobraSix]

Get a 1/2" drive fixed breaker bar. Don't use a ratchet to free up seized bolts. Get a deep 6 point socket. Spray the plugs with PB Blaster (best I've found so far) and let sit for at least 30 minutes. If they are really stuck, try heating the plugs with a torch and then spraying again. apply slow pressure.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

I finally got them out..

Just in time too, look at those gaps!

Thanks for all your guys' help!

 

[Anonymous]

Holy cow....I don't even see a gap on most. Did the engine run like that?

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, barley. It missed alot under acceleration.

And thats after less than 1000 miles on brand new plugs

I'm pretty sure something is wrong, do you guys know what it could be?
Abnormally quick fouling..?

 

[Lazy JW]

Maybe try some plugs that are a couple of heat ranges hotter
Joe