Stuck spark plugs

[StatusRed]

Originally Posted by lockstock

if that happened, it would be rocker cover off, torch, magnet and prayers....

Yeah the design of the Fiesta was bad in the sense that the spark plugs were exposed and rusted up easily but at the same time made them easier to drill out. Here's what I'm talking about:

[chandra]

DSC_1159.jpg

All 4 now out. 5 essential ingrediants

1. High quality Deep 16mm spark plug socket with rubber insert (spark plug broke because my old spark plug socket was not quite up to it as well as me slipping whil putting pressure on!).
2. quality short 3/8" ratchet wrench with extension to plug socket.
3. 3 days of soaking in penetrating oil (the stubborn plug)
4. lots of patience and steady going
5. Volvoforums

I honestly thought that no3 was not going to come out (the broken one). Even tried breaker bar early at the beginning but decided this was a very bad idea so stopped when plug was not moving at all.

The tiny movements back and forth as well as the penetrating oil eventually did the trick. Lockstock advised this and said it might not even feel like it is doing anything but combined with the oil it does.

I think all 4 were over torqued. I used a hoover with small pipe to make sure nothing was left behind.(which there was not)

To original poster @PNM: All 4 should come out eventually but if in doubt I would let a garage do it. I got to a point where I was going to give it to a Garage but had a cup of tea and made a plan.

[chandra]

Just to add.

I think that using a torque wrench when tightening tapered plugs in an aluminium block is a very good idea to avoid any potential issues down the road (no anti-seize).

For instance the plugs I used:
NGK 5809 TR6AP-13 Laser Platinum Plug into Aluminium has a recommeded range : 7.2-14.5 lb. ft.

I chose somewhere in the middle:
10.3ft-lb (14Nm)

[lockstock]

Originally Posted by chandra

Just to add.

I think that using a torque wrench when tightening tapered plugs in an aluminium block is a very good idea to avoid any potential issues down the road (no anti-seize).

For instance the plugs I used:
NGK 5809 TR6AP-13 Laser Platinum Plug into Aluminium has a recommeded range : 7.2-14.5 lb. ft.

I chose somewhere in the middle:
10.3ft-lb (14Nm)

tbh I always use anti seize as even the coated plugs, as they are long life, I've had difficulty after a few years. If changing annually I'd not worry so much. With a torque wrench set low, and a careful hand (plus experience) the chances of over tightening with anti seize is still small. I think its certainly possible without care, hence the plugs disclaimer.

The reason I say this, is before coated plugs, anti seize was routine, and no one was saying (don't over tighten with a torque wrench)... avoid antiseize etc. This has come about (I think) because of long life plugs

[StatusRed]

Originally Posted by lockstock

tbh I always use anti seize as even the coated plugs, as they are long life, I've had difficulty after a few years. If changing annually I'd not worry so much. With a torque wrench set low, and a careful hand (plus experience) the chances of over tightening with anti seize is still small. I think its certainly possible without care, hence the plugs disclaimer.

The reason I say this, is before coated plugs, anti seize was routine, and no one was saying (don't over tighten with a torque wrench)... avoid antiseize etc. This has come about (I think) because of long life plugs

This is what I've done, I don't ever want to experience a spark plug not coming out so I've used a little bit of anti-seize and a torque wrench on the lower end of the torque range.

[PNM]

By way of an update:

After almost 9 months of soaking with penetrating oil, they are finally out. No real corrosion or damage on the threads. I can only think that whoever put them in and never heard of a torque wrench.

Thanks for all the advice 👍

[Willber G]

9 months!

[Brimfull]

9 months to change a spark plug????? Hope you don't charge by the hour!!!