Broke off SPark Plug HELP!!!!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 3,155
Likes: 8
From: Hendersonville TN
Broke off SPark Plug HELP!!!!!!
I have been have problems with the car starting so while I track that problem down I decided to change the plugs today, first one and it broke off( only the ceramic tip) I can still get the socket on it but I didn't want to do anymore for fear of breaking it even with the head . What can I do too get it out easily????
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,384
Likes: 88
From: Boston, MA
You only broke off the outer ceramic part right? What cylinder was it?
Left side front to back is 1/3/5/7
Right side front to back is 2/4/6/8
Perhaps you just didn't have the plug socket fully seated?
Left side front to back is 1/3/5/7
Right side front to back is 2/4/6/8
Perhaps you just didn't have the plug socket fully seated?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: Broke off SPark Plug HELP!!!!!! (Brett Richmond)
Shouldn't be a problem just breaking the insulator off. As long as the hex head is okay the socket should work on it as normal I would think. #8, #6 are a beech to get out and in. They're the two closest to firewall on passenger side, #8 being closest, then #6 is next.
Just be careful not to drop one of the new one's or damage it.
One tip for putting new ones in I've heard (since finishing mine), is to get a length of rubber hose that will fit snuggly over the ceramic insulator and slide it on. Make sure it holds the plug securely and won't let it fall out. Then you can negoitiate getting it started threading into the hole a little easier, and less risk of damaging the insulator with the plug socket.
Just make sure the hose peice doesn't fit so "snug" that you can't pull it off once the plug is securely threaded-in by hand. That might be a problem :eek:
[Modified by 95_C4_convertible, 3:09 PM 3/16/2002]
Just be careful not to drop one of the new one's or damage it.
One tip for putting new ones in I've heard (since finishing mine), is to get a length of rubber hose that will fit snuggly over the ceramic insulator and slide it on. Make sure it holds the plug securely and won't let it fall out. Then you can negoitiate getting it started threading into the hole a little easier, and less risk of damaging the insulator with the plug socket.
Just make sure the hose peice doesn't fit so "snug" that you can't pull it off once the plug is securely threaded-in by hand. That might be a problem :eek:
[Modified by 95_C4_convertible, 3:09 PM 3/16/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: (scorp508)
Hey, one more thing. Use some copper based anti-seize compound on the threads of the new plugs. Make sure it's copper based. Advance Auto Parts sells some-- VersaChem brand 8 ounce bottle is $5, high temperature type, good up to 2000 degrees according to the label. That's what I used. You want anti-seize because your head's threads are aluminum, and ou want copper based so as to form a good conducting connection between the head and the plug. A good ground connection is as important as a good electrode connection for a strong spark.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 743
Likes: 4
From: Guyton GA
Re: Broke off SPark Plug HELP!!!!!! (Brett Richmond)
Spray the plug with some kind of penetrating lube. If that doesn't work try some heat if possible. If you can put a short socket on it that will help it from slipping off under torque. Be sure you use a plug socket with the rubber insert when installing the new plugs to keep from damaging them too.
