Blow out broken Spark plug?
Blow out broken Spark plug?
I changed my spark plugs today, didn't have a single on break (I know, I went and bought a lotto ticket). I had the lisle tool on standby, just in case. While wrenching on the truck, I got to thinking, if a plug broke, what would happen if you turned the motor over and let the compression stroke plush the broken piece out? Anybody willing to try it? I might push the porcelain piece out first, in which case you could insert an extractor tool like in the lisle kit and turn the motor over again.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 2
From: So. Cal.
It has been tried and actually was sucessful a few times, but I believe it was actually run (revved), not just turned over. I would sure want to put a nice thick piece of plywood in line with it as a "catcher" though. 
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Dealer Tried
Back in 2005 when my local Ford dealer did their VERY first set of plugs on a 3 valve motor (mine) they tried it (plugs 4 and 8 broke). Didn't work! Revved the struggling motor, didn't work. 4 days of trying later, a Tech from Dearborn came out and spent 12 hours to remove the two broken plugs. Dealer tried to charge me $1200, Dearborn told them "standard rate only".
Can you say "Huston We Have A Problem" !!!!!!!
Can you say "Huston We Have A Problem" !!!!!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 2
From: So. Cal.
Back in 2005 when my local Ford dealer did their VERY first set of plugs on a 3 valve motor (mine) they tried it (plugs 4 and 8 broke). Didn't work! Revved the struggling motor, didn't work. 4 days of trying later, a Tech from Dearborn came out and spent 12 hours to remove the two broken plugs. Dealer tried to charge me $1200, Dearborn told them "standard rate only".
Can you say "Huston We Have A Problem" !!!!!!!
Can you say "Huston We Have A Problem" !!!!!!!
If the porcelain all comes out and just leaves the sleeve, take a die grinder with a 1/16 in cut-off blade and spiral cut grooves similar to a tap, in an appropriate size bolt. (probably about 1/2 in. or so) twist that into the top of the ground sleeve (similar to what the Lisle does with a backward thread) Now, get in and start 'er and rev her up good. (Beware, be SURE to have that 3/4 in plywood inline as a "Catcher"). DO NOT stand in line with the spark plug hole!!! If that doesn't launch that sucker out of there at 170 lbs. compression and about 4000 RPM, I'll send $10. in the very next days mail. With that hole closed in that way, there is NO WAY that sleeve has a chance of staying in there. (WARNING: kiddo's, DO NOT try this at home!!!)
(Standing in line with the spark plug hole WILL leave a bolt sized hole in your head!)
Do ONE cyl. at a time, the other 7 will be supplying the power.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,390
Likes: 10
If the porcelain all comes out and just leaves the sleeve, take a die grinder with a 1/16 in cut-off blade and spiral cut grooves similar to a tap, in an appropriate size bolt. (probably about 1/2 in. or so) twist that into the top of the ground sleeve (similar to what the Lisle does with a backward thread) Now, get in and start 'er and rev her up good. (Beware, be SURE to have that 3/4 in plywood inline as a "Catcher"). DO NOT stand in line with the spark plug hole!!! If that doesn't launch that sucker out of there at 170 lbs. compression and about 4000 RPM, I'll send $10. in the very next days mail. With that hole closed in that way, there is NO WAY that sleeve has a chance of staying in there. (WARNING: kiddo's, DO NOT try this at home!!!)
(Standing in line with the spark plug hole WILL leave a bolt sized hole in your head!)
Do ONE cyl. at a time, the other 7 will be supplying the power.
(Standing in line with the spark plug hole WILL leave a bolt sized hole in your head!)
Do ONE cyl. at a time, the other 7 will be supplying the power.
GREAT way to start the mornin's readin'! Man, can you tell a story or what!
MGD