Basic spark plug DIY change turns into a nightmare!!
Discussion
Ive done this basic change many many times but this morning I discovered that two plugs were seized into the head.....
Two hours later of gentle easing (swearing) and a few shock hits ie metal point struck with a pun hammer to loosen.
They had only been in for 18 months apparently...
The relief getting one out was huge and finally getting the second out felt like I'd been the male lead on a porno and had done a marathon session.
So so nice having new plugs in and knowing they are in properly or that I'd chosen to give up on taking the two tricky ones out.
Going to see how these perform now. Checking the coil packs its very clear two are brand new and OEM while the other two to me look like the age of the car. So if the new plugs solve the problem happy days if not then those two old coil packs will need changing.
Overall a satisfying morning.
Two hours later of gentle easing (swearing) and a few shock hits ie metal point struck with a pun hammer to loosen.
They had only been in for 18 months apparently...
The relief getting one out was huge and finally getting the second out felt like I'd been the male lead on a porno and had done a marathon session.
So so nice having new plugs in and knowing they are in properly or that I'd chosen to give up on taking the two tricky ones out.
Going to see how these perform now. Checking the coil packs its very clear two are brand new and OEM while the other two to me look like the age of the car. So if the new plugs solve the problem happy days if not then those two old coil packs will need changing.
Overall a satisfying morning.
eltax91 said:
When you put the new ones in, did you use some copper slip on the thread? Should hopefully stop them seizing for next time.
Yep the old man always banged on about that stuff. I was so worried that I'd have to drill them out or choose to just never change them... Last resort.
Plus I didn't have the tool to create a new thread...
Welshbeef said:
busta said:
What car is this on?
Certain engines are terrible for plugs seizing in the head- the old ford 1.3 boat anchor especially.
Seat Leon 1.8turbo. Certain engines are terrible for plugs seizing in the head- the old ford 1.3 boat anchor especially.
As above mentioned, the old ford endura engine was terrible for it. Cast iron block in an exposed place, but these are hidden away in the center of the head sealed from the outside world by the coil packs.
Welshbeef said:
bazking69 said:
Personally I wouldn't put spending Sunday morning faffing around trying to get seized plugs out and satisfying in the same sentence.
Lol it's satisfying post the task/ chore I expected a 10min job
No because the Steel spark plug would expand quicker if you have an Aluminium or cast Iron head.
I've fitten new plugs that have rusted in a matter of months due to a condensation trap being removed from the engine by a ned. The cover was removed to show off the bright blue silicone ht leads.
I've fitten new plugs that have rusted in a matter of months due to a condensation trap being removed from the engine by a ned. The cover was removed to show off the bright blue silicone ht leads.
busta said:
What car is this on?
Certain engines are terrible for plugs seizing in the head- the old ford 1.3 boat anchor especially.
Tell me about it!Certain engines are terrible for plugs seizing in the head- the old ford 1.3 boat anchor especially.
Had that issue with my sister's Ka last year when the plug broke!
g3org3y said:
Some good weather today gave opportunity to try and sort out this long standing issue.
This was purchased last week
Apparently the equivalent to Plusgas they had in Halfords. Daily sprays to soak the plug.
Also purchased a set of screw extractors like these:
As ever, a hammer was found to be invaluable.
Lined up the screw extractor with the broken plug and plenty of 'taps' from the hammer to try and get it secured in place.
Then fashioned a cunning tool (comprising a socket, an allen key and a random metal pole) to allow the extractor to be used (none of the metric sockets seemed to fit snuggly).
Plenty of elbow grease....and then 'click' - winner!
Hurrah!
Unfortunately, this is what was left of the end of the spark plug.
A bloody mission but ultimately very satisfying!This was purchased last week
Apparently the equivalent to Plusgas they had in Halfords. Daily sprays to soak the plug.
Also purchased a set of screw extractors like these:
As ever, a hammer was found to be invaluable.
Lined up the screw extractor with the broken plug and plenty of 'taps' from the hammer to try and get it secured in place.
Then fashioned a cunning tool (comprising a socket, an allen key and a random metal pole) to allow the extractor to be used (none of the metric sockets seemed to fit snuggly).
Plenty of elbow grease....and then 'click' - winner!
Hurrah!
Unfortunately, this is what was left of the end of the spark plug.
Full thread here: http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
andy-xr said:
You're lucky, last time I had that it needed a new head.
last time I had something like that the car stranded me on the way to the dealership with 2 plugs that had broken off at the isolator 
- in the workshop, the remains of one came out without too much cajoling, but the other eventually needed a rod welded to it as a last resort before pulling the head... That was a minor service (and a bill 
) on a daily snotter I won't lightly forget... g3org3y said:
A bloody mission but ultimately very satisfying!
Full thread here: http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
You could make your own Haynes manual with those pictures! Man points for using a random metal pole too, always a good feeling when you finish a job using something you've botched!Full thread here: http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
g3org3y said:
busta said:
What car is this on?
Certain engines are terrible for plugs seizing in the head- the old ford 1.3 boat anchor especially.
Tell me about it!Certain engines are terrible for plugs seizing in the head- the old ford 1.3 boat anchor especially.
Had that issue with my sister's Ka last year when the plug broke!
Anyway it snapped in the exact same place yours did. Ended up wellying a star drive into it with a large hammer and that gave enough grip to get it out. Fired the engine up with that plug out then and launched a cloud of ceramic dust 10 feet into the sky
I see that Copper Grease was mentioned as great stuff. Well if you have an Aluminuim Head then I'd give that a wide berth as the copper can help accelerate the corrosion of the head. When I used to change the pads on the Porker I stopped using copper grease near the Aluminuim calipers for that reason.
I'm sure someone can explain with authority why copper has this effect as I can't, but just a wee heads up to others.
I'm sure someone can explain with authority why copper has this effect as I can't, but just a wee heads up to others.
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