Remove a Broken Spark Plug
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
Likes: 1
From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
That first pic looks like I can see the hex, or our my eyes failing it has been a long day. Looks like you just have to put the socket on if since it appears the porcelin broke.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Harlingen TX
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 5
From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
Here's what I would likely do in this situation:
1) Remove the exhaust manifold to get more working room.
2) Weld a socket to the shell. I believe you can get a wire welder in there enough to make the weld.
3) Remove the plug.
a) If the socket breaks off the plug, weld it again.
Someone here posted that GM says NOT to use antiseize compound on the plug threads.
Maybe they should read this thread.
ALWAYS use antiseize on the plug threads and ALWAYS, ALWAYS use it on the plugs that go into an alumionum head.
It'll come out, but it's going to fight you first.
1) Remove the exhaust manifold to get more working room.
2) Weld a socket to the shell. I believe you can get a wire welder in there enough to make the weld.
3) Remove the plug.
a) If the socket breaks off the plug, weld it again.
Someone here posted that GM says NOT to use antiseize compound on the plug threads.
Maybe they should read this thread.
ALWAYS use antiseize on the plug threads and ALWAYS, ALWAYS use it on the plugs that go into an alumionum head.
It'll come out, but it's going to fight you first.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: San Dimas CA
I just had the same exact thing happen to me two days ago. To get the plugs out, I started the car and the compression from the engine blew out the center. Then I just put an ez out in the hole and they came right out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
Damn!!! I have never encountered this problem before. I fully agree with vetnutjim on the use of the anti-sieze compound. When you get the broken plug out, would you post a picture of what is left of the plug? I am curious to see how this can happen 
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Overwhelmed as one would be, placed in my position.... DFW, TX
St. Jude Donor '05
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
I have an idea that might work. In my younger days I had this happen to me. The mechanic helped me by using a squared sided chisel. We broke out the porcelin, tapped the chisel into the hole, and then we had flats to use on the chisel. A wrench on the chisel helped back it out. It was a trick I'll never forget. I think we removed the exhaust manifold but I can't remember. Good luck