Making spark plugs easier to remove
Discussion
Hi all
The MiL is heading over late morning in her ten year old almera that's suffering from a random misfire. I fear it may be a coil but endeavoured to do the plugs first
So, given in pretty sure they have been in the car ten years, any tips of maximising my chances of getting them out and not snapping them?
I've some plus has to squirt down the thread if I can which I plan to leave for a while to soak in. Copper slip on the new ones (I know that'll cause a riot but it's happening)
For some reason I'm just completely fearing major problems. I have a feeling I'm due a nightmare job soon.
Just how much force can I apply before I stop and pack her off to the local indie??
The MiL is heading over late morning in her ten year old almera that's suffering from a random misfire. I fear it may be a coil but endeavoured to do the plugs first
So, given in pretty sure they have been in the car ten years, any tips of maximising my chances of getting them out and not snapping them?
I've some plus has to squirt down the thread if I can which I plan to leave for a while to soak in. Copper slip on the new ones (I know that'll cause a riot but it's happening)
For some reason I'm just completely fearing major problems. I have a feeling I'm due a nightmare job soon.
Just how much force can I apply before I stop and pack her off to the local indie??
Soak them by all means, but don't use anything bigger than a standard-size 3/8 ratchet and be careful
to keep the extension completely vertical when turning. If more force is required, then probably best
to get a garage to do it just in case.
Nothing wrong with a little copperslip on the new thread but don't overdo it.
to keep the extension completely vertical when turning. If more force is required, then probably best
to get a garage to do it just in case.
Nothing wrong with a little copperslip on the new thread but don't overdo it.
There's something said about crossing the bridge once you get to it...
99.9999% you will not have any problems removing any sparking plugs. Without any pre-preps, which I don't believe in anyway.
Sure they may be tight, which is why you need a socket set and generally not the "toolkit" type tool, though that works in most cases with some added leverage.
Just yank on the lever in the right direction, the only thing that does sometimes snap is the insulator if the socket is not properly seated on the plug, but this is no big deal if you are replacing the plug/s.
The main problems with spark plugs all have to do with REFITTING them, when several numpties cross thread them, meaning that if gone unnoticed can possibly result in a plug taking unexpected leave of the cylinder head, which latter will inevitably require not too inexpensive remedial work to reinstate the threads.
99.9999% you will not have any problems removing any sparking plugs. Without any pre-preps, which I don't believe in anyway.
Sure they may be tight, which is why you need a socket set and generally not the "toolkit" type tool, though that works in most cases with some added leverage.
Just yank on the lever in the right direction, the only thing that does sometimes snap is the insulator if the socket is not properly seated on the plug, but this is no big deal if you are replacing the plug/s.
The main problems with spark plugs all have to do with REFITTING them, when several numpties cross thread them, meaning that if gone unnoticed can possibly result in a plug taking unexpected leave of the cylinder head, which latter will inevitably require not too inexpensive remedial work to reinstate the threads.
Leptons said:
I've never had a spark plug snap on removal. Probably because they have never had copper slip applied by a previous owner which would cause them to be over-tight in the first place.
Have you ever owned a Fiesta or Ka with the old 1.3 Endura? If you don't use copper slip on the threads you are heading for a world of pain down the line. Only the very worst kind of cack handed baboon would over tighten the plugs, copper slip or not. You don't even need a torque wrench if the spark plugs have sealing washers as it's so incredibly easy to feel when the washer has been crushed.I also have never managed to snap a plug or damage the threads and I always apply a smear of copper grease to the threads.
Mr2Mike said:
Have you ever owned a Fiesta or Ka with the old 1.3 Endura? If you don't use copper slip on the threads you are heading for a world of pain down the line. Only the very worst kind of cack handed baboon would over tighten the plugs, copper slip or not. You don't even need a torque wrench if the spark plugs have sealing washers as it's so incredibly easy to feel when the washer has been crushed.
I also have never managed to snap a plug or damage the threads and I always apply a smear of copper grease to the threads.
Fords seem to have problems across a range of products when it comes to spark plugs...I also have never managed to snap a plug or damage the threads and I always apply a smear of copper grease to the threads.
F150's and mustang's were well known for shooting spark plugs out of the heads
http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/threads/spa...
Leptons said:
I've never had a spark plug snap on removal. Probably because they have never had copper slip applied by a previous owner which would cause them to be over-tight in the first place.
I've had one snap that had been put in less than 4000 miles previous with copperslip thread lubricant and torqued to the manufactures settingsLeptons said:
Soak them in plus gas or similar first and the chances are you'll be fine!
Getting the engine hot before removal would be more effective IMHO - plugs are designed to hold combustion pressure inIf you are worried about the new plugs seizing, use Neverseize, it's Nickel based rather than copper & suitable for high temperatures, it's used on aircraft jet engines so is good stuff. Just use a very light smear, and only tighten the plugs up to a nip, no need to go mad with them. However I'd only use the anti seize on older stuff that's known to be problematic.
When you refit them, put the plug into the hole, and turn it anticlockwise until you feel a slight "clunk", then tighten as normal. Turning it backwards allows the lead of the plug thread to drop into the lead of head thread, so prevents cross threading.
Good luck, we are all counting on you!
When you refit them, put the plug into the hole, and turn it anticlockwise until you feel a slight "clunk", then tighten as normal. Turning it backwards allows the lead of the plug thread to drop into the lead of head thread, so prevents cross threading.
Good luck, we are all counting on you!
Edited by RWD cossie wil on Saturday 23 November 11:46
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