Stuck Spark Plug
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: York, PA
Stuck Spark Plug
OK - so this one is probably easy for you folks who have actually run into it. Today I was changing spark plugs and the #3 plug didn't want to come out. I gave it a good effort, but in the end the plug won. I skipped it and went on and did the rest. Well this by itself doesn't qualify for a thread - BUT... now I have a dead miss and my code reader is giving me a P0303 (cylinder 3 misifire)... I figure I put a hairline crack in the plug. Anybody have any good suggestions how to get a stuck plug out? Thanks
Eric
Eric
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Farmington, NH
Whats some info on teh truck, year, miles, whens the last time they been changed...
Personally id hit it with some sort of break away (while the trucks cold and going to be sitting for a period of time)...and try it...my plugs came out sour but i reefed on them to get them out...and how hard were your others coming out, how hard did you try to get this out....hit the ratchett with a hammer real quick to shock it, not beat it to a pulp just a good solid hit and it might break it loose with some break away on it
Personally id hit it with some sort of break away (while the trucks cold and going to be sitting for a period of time)...and try it...my plugs came out sour but i reefed on them to get them out...and how hard were your others coming out, how hard did you try to get this out....hit the ratchett with a hammer real quick to shock it, not beat it to a pulp just a good solid hit and it might break it loose with some break away on it
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: York, PA
The truck is a '98, 4.0 liter, 168k miles. The plug is a motorcraft copper plug - at least that's what the other 5 were. No idea when last changed - I just bought the truck a few months ago. 5 of the 6 came out pretty easy - only with a bit of tapping on the ratchet (with my hand - no hammer). #3 I didn't attempt with a hammer tomorrow perhaps. This is a 3rd vehicle for me so it can sit a while and not cause me any grief. I bought some PB Blaster tonight so I'll try that and then "rap" it with a hammer I suppose. Thanks for the advice.
Eric
Eric
you could also try tightning it first then try backing it out.... tho, the LAST thing u wanna do is break it off in the hole.
also take D's advice first, if that doesnt work, try tightning it a hair. and becareful not to burn yourself
also take D's advice first, if that doesnt work, try tightning it a hair. and becareful not to burn yourself
Originally Posted by D.
Run the engine till its REAL hot.. Shut it down. Do NOT let it cool off. Immediatly pull the spark plug boot and go after it.
It sometimes takes a hot engine to break those plugs free.
It sometimes takes a hot engine to break those plugs free.
Exactly what I was going to say. Heat is your friend!
Originally Posted by D.
Run the engine till its REAL hot.. Shut it down. Do NOT let it cool off. Immediatly pull the spark plug boot and go after it.
It sometimes takes a hot engine to break those plugs free.
It sometimes takes a hot engine to break those plugs free.
work it back and forth vs just cranking on it. If your not careful you could strip the threads. If it'll turn at all just keep working it back and forth while using penatrating oil like PB blaster. (if it's not too hot that is)
Rich
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From: York, PA
Hi again. I wanted to say thanks for the HEAT advice. I had a few things going on this week and didn't have a chance to work on it until today - but I drove around for 10 minutes, shut it off and the plug came right out! I didn't even have to use a lot of force on the ratchet. Once again... I appreciate the help!
Eric
Eric
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what kind of tools are you using?
i have no problems removing spark plugs, i use my snap-on 3/8 swivel head ratchet ($125.00) and a snap on 5/8 swivel spark plug socket($55.00).
try a longer ratchet and dont be afraid to "push" it. it will come loose.
i have no problems removing spark plugs, i use my snap-on 3/8 swivel head ratchet ($125.00) and a snap on 5/8 swivel spark plug socket($55.00).
try a longer ratchet and dont be afraid to "push" it. it will come loose.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: hammond wi
heres a trick we learned up in V-tech school...anytime you have something around alot of heat..tighten it up first it will break the rust and gunk and crap around whatever your doing...im not sayin throw a 4' breaker bar on it..just tighten it till ya feel it move then back it out ; ) remember that saved my *** a few times!
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