rounded spark plug -help
#1
rounded spark plug -help
97 XLT 2nd plug on drivers side. I replaced plugs and wires a wile back and this one was sticking so I left it. Last time I had the oil changed at a shop and asked them to look at it. He told me I was looking at several hundred bucks and it needed to go to the Ford shop. I later looked at the plug and evidently thay had tried to remove it and in the process severely rounded it. I do not want to yank the head as I am cash strapped right now. I have two ideas. The first is a helicoil - anyone use one? Second was to JB weld a socket onto the plug and try it that way after first using lots of penetrating oil to the threads. Someone please help!
#5
Depending on the age of the engine and your comfort level working with the engine, it may be easier just to take it in to a professional. While the JB weld in the socket idea COULD work, what happens if it doesn't? Now you've got a spark plug and a socket that is stuck to it and your vehicle is completely stuck. Or, depending on how old the spark plug is, just leave it until either the vehicle dies, or it absolutely HAS to be replaced, then figure out something then.
#6
#7
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#8
#9
Pick a metric socket that is just too small to fit. Smash it on with hammer and an extension and it will come out. I've done this before. You maybe even get lucky and be able to get the plug out of the socket later. If not you're just out of a socket.
The other route would be to use the special sockets from sears. They are expensive though.
The other route would be to use the special sockets from sears. They are expensive though.
#10
#11
A little PB Blaster on the gasket may help.
I like the slightly undersize sacrificial socket approach.
I have used it in the past.
The shock of driving on the socket can help crack the threads loose.
Take your time – if the first attempt fails, the second has less chance of working.
I like the slightly undersize sacrificial socket approach.
I have used it in the past.
The shock of driving on the socket can help crack the threads loose.
Take your time – if the first attempt fails, the second has less chance of working.
Last edited by sureshot; 08-16-2007 at 03:54 PM.