Since there is nowhere to go (DFW is iced over), I thought I would go to the garage and check my plugs. Figured I'd check the passenger side, since they are the easiest to do and were the easiest to reach based on how the truck is parked. First plug (nearest the fron of the truck), check. Looks good. A little black on the bottom because I'm running a little rich, but looks good and gapped right. Second plug back, check. Looks good. A little black on the bottom because I'm running a little rich, but looks good and gapped right. Third plug back, check. Looks good. A little black on the bottom because I'm running a little rich, but looks good and gapped right. Hard time getting it back in, but managed. Plug coil goes on and I start to rethread the 7mm bolt. Seems a little difficult to put it, so I take it back out. BENT. SH*T!! I need a new bolt.

Then, sensability takes over: why leave that coil loose since it is rather difficult to get to. Why not leave the front coil loose and use it's bolt to tighten the third one down...then when I get a new bolt, just bolt into the first coil. Unthread 7mm bolt from coil one. begin to thread in coil 3. Going gets rough again. Take it out...looks fine. Thread without the coil...all is OK. Coil back on and start threading again...turn turn turn BREAK!!! Aw SH*T!!! Now I need two new bolts and need to get that busted bolt the hell out of the head. I've got about 2-3mm to work with.

Any suggestions? I;ve tried for a while to get that b*tch out with no success. If I can't get it out I may have to go to the dealer...it may be time to pull some mods, but knowing my luck lately I'll probably break a few more bolts and fry my computer...

Tom

 

Well I don't know if this is good news or not for you, but the screws don't go into the heads themself. The screws actually go into the intake manafold.

You can either just drill the screw out right there on the motor, or you can take the intake off and drill and helicoil it.

Here is a picture that will give you a idea what it looks like

 

If you have some of it sticking out, I would get some needle noise VISE GRIPS and lock on to it. THen carefully turn it backwards to remove.....

I have done things like that MANY times..... Good Luck....

 

This is un fricking believable. I just screwed up the coil pack screw in the #5 cylinder. I was checking for posts on this topic to see how screwed I was.

I think I cross threaded mine so I stopped tightening it for fear of breaking that darned screw. Mine is on but the screw didn't seat all the way down. So I have a slight amount of play in the coil pack.

Are these screws just to help keep the coil pack from comming loose or do they act as some sort of ground?



Rocks

 

The screw is not a ground, there was a post about it a while back. There are a lot of guys in the same boat as you.

So you are ok, next time you remove that bolt just get a tap and chace the threads.

 

I see now. I tried regular vice grips, but there is not enough room to really move around in there. Maybe I'll pick up some needle nose vice grips tomorrow (if I can go out). I was also thinking about getting one of those Craftsman damaged screw removers. That might work. I've got about 2-3mm to play with.

Maybe now is a good time to pull the intake and clean it out. I'm mechanically inclined, but not that mechanically inclined!

Rocks,

If I figure this thing out I'll come by and help you!

Keep the suggestions coming! Thanks!

Tom

 

Yeah, what ICULOKN said. Love the needle nose pliers when I get in a jam.

 

That is one heck of a relief to hear. I am trying to get my truck ready for Orlando and I did not have time for a last minute problem.


Thank You Thank You Thank You,

Rocks

 

Wanna go to Florida Tom....LOL. When I get home next week I plan on pulling that screw out and tapping for a little bigger screw. There seems to be a slight amount of room in the coil pack mounting hole to go a hair larger.



Geeze...and I was worried about the frigging plugs...LOL.

Last night I droped a darned socket into the number eight plug hole.....I just fired it up and let the engine chew it up. She seems fine now but makes a little noise.








Not really...I did drop a socket into the #8, but I fished it out with my magnet. It had me swetting bullets for about an hour.


Did I mention this plug checking thing SUCKS?



Rocks

 

does a loose coilpack (from crossthreading) increase chances for a plug blowout?

 

Tom,

If the needle nose pliers thing doesn't work, you can get a bit called an easy out from the auto parts store. Take the screw with you and tell them you want one a hair smaller than the screw. I don't have one that small or I would loan it to you.

I have saved my butt before with easy outs.


Rocks

 

I don't see how that one screw would keep a plug from launching.


Rocks

 

Plug checking sux.....

I changed my fuel filter before my first plug change, and I dropped to cap from the schrader valve on the fuel rail. I found it when I changed my plugs...it fell in the third plug hole as soon AS I pulled the coil. I couldn't figure out why I couldn't get the plug out until I looked in with a mirror. I got it out and everything else was OK.

Now this...

 

I have had three friends who blew plugs, all three of them, the coil pac broke, and the screw stayed in.

 

true true...

now if it was a cross-threaded plug...