Broken Spark Plug
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: georgia
Broken Spark Plug
Have a 99 with 52k miles. Still had the original plugs/wires so I decided to replace. While pulling one of the plugs the threads decided to stay in the head. I was not even use very much force when it broke and I was using a socket made just for plugs. I have read a couple of things that I can purchase some type of extractor and try to back out the threads. I am not a mechanic and am nervous that I might do more damage with the aluminium heads if I do not do this correctly. Need advise on how difficult this is or should I just call in a professional? Also, does anyone have the name of a quality extractor? I have only seen a few and do not want to purchase a cheap/poor quality if I decide to give this a whirl. Thanks!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
Using an extractor for your situation should be straight forward. You have the "scary" part already done in that you don't have to drill a hole. It should be a matter of putting the extractor in and backing out the remaining piece.
You may not even need an extactor. You may be able to put your finger, large flat head screwdriver, or piece of wooden dowel in and spin the piece out. The extraction may be easier than you think.
Good luck.
You may not even need an extactor. You may be able to put your finger, large flat head screwdriver, or piece of wooden dowel in and spin the piece out. The extraction may be easier than you think.
Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,633
Likes: 1,818
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
Make sure that whatever you do, take your time. Search YouTube. There are lots of good videos on how to remove a broken spark plug.
If it were my car, I would spray a little bit of penetrating oil into the hole. Not too much, just enough to make sure the threads are soaked. Let it set a little while. Then I would try to use a properly sized Easy Out. Like this guy in this video:
If it were my car, I would spray a little bit of penetrating oil into the hole. Not too much, just enough to make sure the threads are soaked. Let it set a little while. Then I would try to use a properly sized Easy Out. Like this guy in this video:
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: georgia
OK, thanks for all the help. I surprised myself and was able to get the threads out (#4) with a number five extractor. Once I got it finally set in there it actually came out fairly easy! In fact much easier then getting out the plug from #7 cylinder. Well after some bloody hands and all day, I was able to get all the plugs out, the new plugs n and and my MSD wires installed! I started it up and it seems like I hear a slight ticking noise. Cleared the check engine light and It seems like it is still there. Could i have a wire not on all the way or do I just need to run it for a bit? I shut it down and checked the wires and all seems good. Any suggestions? Should i take it out for a drive-just dont want to mess it up or something. Check engine light seems to be staying off. THanks for all the help!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,633
Likes: 1,818
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
I assume you put a little bit of anti-seize on the new plugs? Don't want a repeat.
As for the ticking, that is something very difficult to address without giving more detailed information. Where is is coming from in the engine? How loud or is it just very slight? Is the engine running smoothly? Three possible sources I can think of: serpentine belt tensioner making noise, ticking lifters, or exhaust manifold leak.
Ticking lifters is quite common on LS engines and also quite normal.
You could check your exhaust manifold bolts for tightness. Not a bad idea to remove them, apply some anti-seize and re-torque them. Just go slow; you don't want to break a bolt.
Serpentine belt tensioner is also easy. Usually, it is not the tensioner itself but the pulley itself. You can replace the tensioner or just the pulley.
As for the ticking, that is something very difficult to address without giving more detailed information. Where is is coming from in the engine? How loud or is it just very slight? Is the engine running smoothly? Three possible sources I can think of: serpentine belt tensioner making noise, ticking lifters, or exhaust manifold leak.
Ticking lifters is quite common on LS engines and also quite normal.
You could check your exhaust manifold bolts for tightness. Not a bad idea to remove them, apply some anti-seize and re-torque them. Just go slow; you don't want to break a bolt.
Serpentine belt tensioner is also easy. Usually, it is not the tensioner itself but the pulley itself. You can replace the tensioner or just the pulley.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: georgia
I did put on anit-seize so the next guy (hopefully me) will be able to yank out the plugs in 1/2 the time and save some blood! Well I figured out the ticking- I shut the light off and started her up and saw a short coming from one of the coil boots. Tightened her back up and no more ticking!! Thanks again to all-I love this forum along with my pocket book! Fixed just in time to head out for a night ride and look at the stars-she seems to be running super smooth now!!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
I did put on anit-seize so the next guy (hopefully me) will be able to yank out the plugs in 1/2 the time and save some blood! Well I figured out the ticking- I shut the light off and started her up and saw a short coming from one of the coil boots. Tightened her back up and no more ticking!! Thanks again to all-I love this forum along with my pocket book! Fixed just in time to head out for a night ride and look at the stars-she seems to be running super smooth now!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 104
From: Romeoville, IL
After seeing this one this would be about my 40th time. 10 on a LS1 TA's with over 200k miles on original plugs (mainly #8). People hate to change #8 so they leave it and change the others. The others on normal GM cars that over heat a lot and people never changed the plugs.
Last edited by bravo29; Aug 6, 2018 at 09:46 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The older style CHAMPION Spark plugs were WELL KNOWN to break just like that. I thought it was the end of the world when it happened to my 72 Nova. Just like the OP, I was very worried until I was guided in the correct direction and found the correct extractor.
Thanks
BC
Thanks
BC