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Not a Corvette problem. 99 Mercruiser , 5.7L. #8 AC sparkplug broke during removal. Threaded portion of plug remains in the head. Entire insulator (including electrode) and hex metal base wound up in my hand. Any suggestions for removing the threaded portion (other than pulling the head)? Thanks Les
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Mark, I have NO suggestions... but just
... couldn't help commenting that I've never experienced this event in my short lifetime. This could be the first time an easy-out has ever worked, if you can get rid of the rest of the porcelin (sp), and then remove the head to clean the mess out of the cylinder. I'm looking forward to superior knowledge on this subject. Good Luck, Dennis -
Re: Mark, I have NO suggestions... but just
Dennis When you gain your superior knowledge please pass it on. There is NO porcelain left in the head.. just the threaded portion of the barrel, so there is a hole to start an ez out( or is that ez break?). I expect that the head will have to come off, but thats not high on my list of favorite things.Comment
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Re: Mark, I have NO suggestions... but just
Les,
Remember that there are two types of EZ-outs. One has a reverse thread design while the other is square and must be tapped in before trying to unscrew.
I would start by bathing the broken plug with PB Blaster and then trying both of the above EZ-outs to find one that might work. If the motor has an aluminum head, you'll have to be extra careful.
Good luck,
GeneComment
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this has worked for me
i would spray it down good with PB BLASTER for several days and try a EZ OUT. make sure the piston is down and turn the EZ OUT carefully so not to expand the shell. after you get it out spin the engine over on the starter to blow out any PB BLASTER left in the cylinder. any time you have a tight plug the best method to get it loose is a sharp blow to the ratchet handle rather than a steady hard pull. JMHOComment
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Re: Spark Plug Removal Problem
I have never seen nor heard of that ever happening. I would think the plug would be thick and strong in that area. Weird! Send it back to AC and ask for an explanation.
I absolutely hate easy-out's. I think I have had maybe one time in about a thousand in which one worked for me. I have had several times in which I have had one totally screw things up beyond belief.
I say go ahead and try it any way, I guess soaking it first. I hope it works for you. Good luck keeping any metal filings out of the cylinder. People will sometimes smear grease in the area to catch the filings???
Plan on pulling the head though and having a machinest take it out. It can be approached in a couple of ways. One could drill it and tap it from the back side and insert a bolt into it. Then, screw it out. Heat may help the process. Good luck, TerryComment
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Re: Spark Plug Removal Problem
Les, my suggestion would be as others have said...unless the threaded portion comes out with mimimal effort (doubful in my opinion), I would bite the bullet and pull the head. With the head installed, you will be tempted to continue pursuing ineffective methods to get the piece out.
Even if you are able to remove the threaded portion, you may still have shavings and particles fall into the cylinder, and thorough clean up, even a good inspection, will be next to impossible with the head installed. It wouldn't be worth it to me to risk a scored cylinder wall.
BTW, when you put the plugs back, consider using an aluminum or copper based high temperature rated anti-seize compound on the threads. I would never consider putting steel spark plugs in aluminum cylinder heads without anti-seize...too much bad stuff can happen.Comment
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Re: Spark Plug Removal Problem/Update
There is a Santa Claus. Used PB Blaster, and a square easy out, along with 8 inch breaker bar. Got a good bite on the plug, and slowly pulled on the bar. Nothing! Per Clem Z's post, I then jerked the breaker bar several times, and heard a "crack". Fortunately it was the plug and not the ez out. Interesting that the failed plug had a shell wall thickness which was probably on 20% as thick as another plug I took out (same brand ). Looks like a manufacturing defect rather than corrosion.Comment
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