C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Broken Spark Plug in LT4

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Old Jul 28, 2023 | 06:04 PM
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Default Broken Spark Plug in LT4

Hey guys my cars been missfiring so I just started taking on the job of changing all the spark plugs and wires in hopes that will be my answer to the cars problems. While trying to undue #4 it was definetly over tightened and I ended up accidetnaly snapping it off, with half of the spark plug still remaining in it. Looking at it now Id blame the p.o. with his install but never the less now it is my problem to deal with. Ill attach a youtube link of the crime scene here.


Any suggestions would be super appreicated. Ive heard the right route is to use an extrator or the easy out tool but looking at the space I have to access it with the c4 bay I dont believe it will be possible so I wanted to see if anyone here knows what I should do so I dont have to take it to my guy again

Last edited by txmtxm999; Jul 29, 2023 at 03:25 PM.
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Old Jul 28, 2023 | 07:44 PM
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My idea will have little chance of sucess but it did work for me once 24 years ago. I was able to bribe a machine shop employee to come to my house for a 15 minute job. Don't screw up what is left before an expert sees it. You have a good amount of cash to bribe as you don't have to have it towed. Dan
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Old Jul 28, 2023 | 10:20 PM
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Easy out large size seems like it will work assuming threads aren’t crossed
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Old Jul 28, 2023 | 10:27 PM
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easy out is your only option-you'll probably have to remove the exhaust to get clearance to work on it. I always use anti seize on spark plug threads!
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Old Jul 28, 2023 | 10:29 PM
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To ensure success, I'd drain the coolant from the engine, then heat the area around the plug before giving 'er hell w/the easy out.


I'd use heat, because......How's the saying go?
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Old Jul 29, 2023 | 09:04 AM
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The problem about trying this yourself ,for the first time ever , is if you fail and mess it up your next choice is to remove the head for professional removal. I would feel much better about getting someone who has successfully done this 25 times as opposed to trying to be successful in your first attempt. Dan EDIT: A machine shop employee would have a better chance of success than a "corvette expert" as this is not corvette related except that it is a corvette. The removal would be the same if it was a model T or 57 chevy or a corvette.

Last edited by Whaleman; Jul 29, 2023 at 09:15 AM.
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Old Jul 29, 2023 | 10:44 AM
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The ceramic needs to be removed before any easy out can be attempted .And that may be easier said than done !
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Old Jul 29, 2023 | 11:14 AM
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Ans where do the broke pieces go ?>>
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Old Jul 29, 2023 | 12:34 PM
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Maybe a really dumb idea but you could try to micro chip the porcelain a little flatter and try to JB Weld a bolt to it and when cured try to pull the porcelain out. This allows the EZ Out to be able to work. Dan
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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 01:34 AM
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I have been trying to come up with a solution since you posted this yesterday and have not. My only idea would be to roll the engine over till that cylinder is at TDC. Then chip away at the Porcelain and get as much out as you can. At some point your going to probably going to take a punch and drive what ever is left into the Cylinder. You now only have a thin metal part left and if that is heated up hot it will shrink when it cools down and it will probably screw out. Once out your going to try and Vacuum the parts that are laying on the Piston ( TDC right ) out. Q tip with grease on it ? In reality your going to have to remove the Head. But doing the above will at least give you the satisfaction you tried your best to avoid it.
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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 01:48 AM
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There is a FORD ( found on road dead) 5.3 engine that is known to have similar problems. You might search for solutions there. Just don't tell them its a Corvette.
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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 07:37 AM
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If you look at this diagram I think it is best to try to pull the ceramic out first. Dan

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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 07:41 AM
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Maybe take one of the other old plugs and cut it where yours is broken. This will allow you to see how tight the ceramic you have in the broken one is in the plug. It might not take much to pull it out. Dan
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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 07:55 AM
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FWIW
https://www.championautoparts.com/Te...park-Plug.html
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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by pedricd
I saw that but it does not deal with the left over ceramic. Maybe as a start take a 1/8" bolt and put a drop of super glue and stick it to the ceramic and see if it has any movement to pull out. Dan
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Old Jul 30, 2023 | 11:16 PM
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Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I feel as if maybe I should just play it safe and take it to a machine shop as someone said. I have very low experience and I know everyone has to start somewhere but I would rather not start here lol. Ive done other stuff for this car but the risk factor on this one is too high for me. Unless the quotes i get are insane ill just leave her for someone else to fix this time around. Thanks again!
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Old Jul 31, 2023 | 12:32 AM
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Based upon what is shown in the video, you should be able to use a vacuum to suck out the rest of the porcelain. And then you can work on getting the threaded portion of the plug out.
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Old Jul 31, 2023 | 02:34 AM
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If and when the Porcelain starts to move around cranking the Engine might blow it out. I think any Machine Shop is going to tell you to bring them the Head, not the car.
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Old Jul 31, 2023 | 10:35 AM
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Don't guess at it ,call a Auto machine shop that does head work ask how to do this , most are good people and might help ya out. The deal is if ya mess it up to the point were they can't get it out, going to need another head, yep lots work welcome to the world of owning a old AUTO and a vette NO room to do anything .. Heat is your friend .. There is a deal out now ya spray on parts that freeze the part shrinks it, I read it works??? I never used it. GOOD LUCK ..
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Old Aug 3, 2023 | 09:13 AM
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Please update this OP. Dan
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