Anyone have any great ideas on how to remove a spark plug that broke off when I was trying to remove it? It snapped right behind the nut, leaving the threaded part still in the hole. I Tried one of those square easy outs that say they are more for thin-walled nuts--it won't budge. I could probably use a cheater bar on the wrench, but not sure what else would break. It's the #6 cylinder on an '83 T/A W/305. Thanks in advnace for any advice offered.

 

best way would be to pull the head.. have you tried soaking the plug remains with deep creep, PB'laster or Kroil?

 

Went to the local machine shop, and this old guy recommended "FREE ALL" said, and I quote "it is the best thing since sliced bread". Does it compare to the other products--anyone else heard of it. Well, I bought some, and sprayed the crap out of it--hasn't helped yet.

 

Heat from a propane torch might help. If not, you could pull the head and drill it out.

 

I will pull the head as last resort--just trying the easier route first.

 

I had one break off in a 4cyl alum. head once. One word of advice: don't let your problem become worst case scenerio and break an EZ out in the head. If I were you, I would consider calling around, seeing if maybe a local shop might take on the task.

I'm not sure how best you should handle this, but I suggest not to torque the EZ out too much, to avoid a compounded problem.

 

Do you mean like this?



Find a set of Champion plugs and that won't happen again. Use antiseize compound on the plug threads to help prevent that.

After allowing the penetrating oil to soak in and work, try an extractor. You may have the best luck with a straight-flute extractor, since a reverse sprial type (like the typical E-Z Out) will expand the thin plug shell and make it even harder to turn. Make sure the engine is rotated so that the piston in that cylinder is not near the top of stroke before you go sticking an extractor in there.

 

Vader; the one that broke off is a champion. I did buy the square extractor as well. Right now I'm letting it soak. The car is new to me, so I didn't put the plugs in, or I would have used anti-sieze.

 

Thanks for the tips everyone--I got it. Persistance, a whole bunch of penatrating spray, and some skinned knuckles; didn't have to pull the head though.

 

That plug must have been in there since 19-something. Usually, the plated plugs don't do that unless they haven't been changed in 5 years or more.

 

For a stretch from about '96 to '01, It seemed like I broke at least one plug in every other motor I worked on..

Anyway, ez-out and a torch gets the plugs out in no time. no damages.

-- Joe