Spark Plug by brake booster
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
From: Houston
Spark Plug by brake booster
I don’t know wtf I did or if I’m just doing something wrong thought it’d be an easy spark plug change but the one by the brake booster is fu***** impossible. I’ve been working on it for 4 hours got the old one out but cannot get the new one in. Has anyone ever had problems with the threads (my worst fear) ? I have tried all different kinds of tools with now three trips to the parts store and it won’t bite at all. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
2001 Auto
2001 Auto
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,013
Likes: 508
From: Hilton NY
A spark plug socket that has a magnet in it helps keep the plug in place, also disconnect any hoses in the way and move them out of the area so they don't throw the plug off axis. Turn the tool holding the plug counter clockwise while slightly pushing in until you feel the threads snap, it's subtle and should take two turns or less then try to screw the plug in clockwise.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 93
Likes: 53
I just changed my plugs on Wednesday!
I've always used an old piece of rubber air hose to install spark plugs into the threaded holes by hand. It allows flexibility in lining up the plugs with the threaded holes, and you are less likely to cross thread the plug. Try it out. Good luck!
I've always used an old piece of rubber air hose to install spark plugs into the threaded holes by hand. It allows flexibility in lining up the plugs with the threaded holes, and you are less likely to cross thread the plug. Try it out. Good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,771
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From: Orlando Florida
Many a moon ago, the GearWrench 80546 was recommended here on the forum, so I got one of the ubiquitous Amazon. Never regretted it. Works on many different motors, magnetic hold instead of foam, great swivel. Even works on #1 and #7.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
From: Houston
Finally got it after about 4 hours of shop time (ridiculous for spark plugs). Threads were messed up had to go get a thread chaser to clean it up (don't ask how they got messed up because I have no idea) other one came out fine. I just could not get the new plug to bite at all until I caved and got the thread chaser. Thanks for all the suggestions. Lessons learned: be willing to take more parts off for better access instead of fighting it and just buy the right tools ffs.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,771
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From: Orlando Florida
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 20
Likes: 9
Recently went through this on my C5 I picked up. Car ran great but the front passenger side plug was LOOSE and covered with blow back from the combustion chamber. Back drivers side plug came out fine using lots of different adapters, new plug threaded in tight. That scares me and I'm hoping the threads are not jacked up. I got it in "kinda tight", not sure if it fully seated. Ordered a thread chaser off Amazon. Gonna pull the plug back out, chase the threads and hopefully I can hand tighten it till almost fully seated, then torque it down normally.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
There is a back tap tool that you can buy to chase the threads, it's inserted into the cylinder and then chases the treads outward so nothing falls inside the cylinder, still suggest to use a little bit of grease to catch any little bits.