Seized plug on BMW e46

[Gazzer01278]

Hi all, I've a stuburn spark plug that's not budging. Cars at a garage and having a standoff at the moment.what's the best methods that can be put in place to remove the darn thing before it gets expensive. The plug is moving but jamming up again higher up

Many thx for any replies gary

Edited by Gazzer01278 on Saturday 22 July 13:18

[E-bmw]

Run the engine up to temperature & then try the in/out method with extreme care.

eta. When you get even the slightest movement get some penetrating fluid in there, diesel is about one of the best there is.

Edited by E-bmw on Saturday 22 July 09:30

[kev b]

A 50/50 mix of atf and thinners works even better than diesel.

[stevieturbo]

Try all of the penetrating fluid options, and the most important one of all, patience.

if you can crack the seal to allow fluid past the threads, allow it hours to soak before trying to move. And work it out gently, back and fro if need be

Of course...is this a routine plug change, or is there any other reason the plug needs to come out ?

[helix402]

Coke. (Not diet)

[GreenV8S]

Gazzer01278 said:

The plug is moving but jamming up again higher up

From the sound of it this is not a seized thread, but damage to the free thread that extends into the chamber. It's possible this is just carbon build-up which could be cleared if you work the plug back and forth enough. Do you have any reason to suspect mechanical damage? If something has got into the chamber and damaged the end of the thread, brute force followed by a thread repair might be your only option.

[E-bmw]

helix402 said:

Coke. (Not diet)

Don't use that cr@p, it is pretty much the last thing you want dropping into your combustion chamber when you get the plug out!

[chammyman]

GreenV8S said:

From the sound of it this is not a seized thread, but damage to the free thread that extends into the chamber. It's possible this is just carbon build-up which could be cleared if you work the plug back and forth enough. Do you have any reason to suspect mechanical damage? If something has got into the chamber and damaged the end of the thread, brute force followed by a thread repair might be your only option.

This.

Were the plugs that came out all the same? I have found plenty where theres an awkward plug thats different to the rest.

Stubborn plug I usually use the airgun on. a ratchet is a sure way to just snap it.

[Gazzer01278]

Thanks for all your help up to now folks I will pass info on

[Gazzer01278]

E-bmw said:

just had a few issues and want working again

Don't use that cr@p, it is pretty much the last thing you want dropping into your combustion chamber when you get the plug out!