Broke spark plug

[singing pilgram]

While checking my spark plugs, 1,3,5 came out fine but other side of my Volvo Penta 4.3GLAPNCA did not. On examination found 2,4,6 rusted completely. WD40ed them but 4 fell apart leaving complete ceramic in socket and threads in cylinder hole.. OK.. Does any one Know how to remove rusted plug in hole. Haven't tryed 2 and 6 but I'm thinking same thing on others. There is a different number on that plug kinda leads me to believe this may have been a problem with original owner...

 

[Maclin]

Re: Broke spark plug

WD40 won't help much for rust loosening, PB Blaster and others are designed for that, get some of that and spray and soak and spray and soak, and you may be able to get something inside the thread casing and get it to turn then. Like a wide chisel or something that just fits in and tap it in a bit to see if it can dig in, then turn it and see what gives then.

For the hindsight gallery, it may not have broken had true penetrating oil been used and it had soaked for a couple of days. Several applications and waiting seems to work best, and tapping around the threads to get the metal singing helps the stuff find it's way in easier.

 

[singing pilgram]

Re: Broke spark plug

OK bp Blaster I'll look for some. I was also thinkin a Screw extractor.

 

[Don S]

Re: Broke spark plug

AeroKroil works better than BP Blaster, by a long shot.

If the plug is broken off just above the threads (no hex for socket), and the porcelin is still in the plug, I would be inclined to want to save that expensive head as the most important option. Remove the head and take it to a machine shop. Have them remove the plugs and clean things up so the threads aren't damaged.

Gaskets and some labor is cheaper than screwing up those threads.

 

[singing pilgram]

Re: Broke spark plug

Thanks all, No the ceramic came out in one piece so you can look right into cylinder. It rusted off right below hex . Hex is still on ceramic. All that is left in hole is the threaded part of plug

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Broke spark plug

Thanks all, No the ceramic came out in one piece so you can look right into cylinder. It rusted off right below hex . Hex is still on ceramic. All that is left in hole is the threaded part of plug

Then do as Don says. It's your cheapest option under the cirumstances

A slight hijack here. I read in one of my boat mags the other day that heating up stuck threads and then touching a candle to them will draw the wax inside and act as a lubricant.

Anyone ever heard of this? I have a hard time believing this will work, but having battled with my share of bolts I'd try just about anything.

M

 

[singing pilgram]

Re: Broke spark plug

How much is involved in head removal? Looks like removal of intake and exhaust manifolds. Just reading my Clymer book..looks like major stuff.. Sure wish that Spray would work!!

 

[djvan]

Re: Broke spark plug

MC

I have heard that also, only using bees wax.

DougV>

 

[MikDee]

Re: Broke spark plug

You could try using a plenty of penetrating oil, and a large "easy out" (screw extractor), but you want to avoid going too deep with it, because you don't want to break off the side electrode inside the motor. Is the side electrode still in there? can you see it? If not, or if this doesn't work, you have no choice but to pull the head.

I had a 188hp (302 Ford) Mercruiser yrs ago that I bought, and went to change plugs, and had one break off because it was so rusted, it was not a "nickel plated" plug, It was the standard black metal recommended AC plug too, plus it was set in a tight well by design of the head casting, and the rusted hex stripped, so I couldn't get any kind of wrench on it I had no choice but to take the head off, to finally get it out,,, and it was still a bear to get out! I replaced them with "nickel plated" Champions, and I always use neversieze on the threads as well.

 

[mkast]

Re: Broke spark plug

I always use neversieze on the threads as well.

After researching this popular practice, via spark plug manufacturer's websites. Manufacturer's state that anti-seize will decrease the ground path, change the heat range of the spark plug and excessive amounts will enter the cylinder. They recommend removal of the plugs during normal maintenance (winterizing) for cleaning, inspection and readjustment.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Broke spark plug

After researching this popular practice, via spark plug manufacturer's websites. Manufacturer's state that anti-seize will decrease the ground path, change the heat range of the spark plug and excessive amounts will enter the cylinder. They recommend removal of the plugs during normal maintenance (winterizing) for cleaning, inspection and readjustment.

I'd rather take my chances with the above than have a sparkplug seize.

When I check my sparkplugs they are always a nice colour so I'm assuming they are firing ok. Mind you I don't glob the stuff on.

I've always used antiseize on most things with threads that live outside.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Broke spark plug

After researching this popular practice, via spark plug manufacturer's websites. Manufacturer's state that anti-seize will decrease the ground path, change the heat range of the spark plug and excessive amounts will enter the cylinder. They recommend removal of the plugs during normal maintenance (winterizing) for cleaning, inspection and readjustment.

Well, I'll just take my chances, I haven't had a problem with this in 45yrs Besides, I'd think that these issues would be improved considering antisieze is either graphite, copper, or metallic based, meaning the conductivity should be improved through these soft metals, rather then through rust! Plus, I don't remove my spark plugs for regular maintenance in any of my vehicles, I just replace them with new, when required.

 

[ron7000]

Re: Broke spark plug

After researching this popular practice, via spark plug manufacturer's websites. Manufacturer's state that anti-seize will decrease the ground path, change the heat range of the spark plug and excessive amounts will enter the cylinder. They recommend removal of the plugs during normal maintenance (winterizing) for cleaning, inspection and readjustment.

can you post the link to those websites stating this?

decrease the ground path, well the anti-seize is copper or nickel based and is conductive. are they talking theoretical, like 0.000001 ohms reduced conductivity?

change the heat range of the spark plug, that has to do with the porcelain/ceramic shield around the electrode, not the threads of the plug to the head.

excessive amounts will enter the cylinder, yeah if you put excessive amounts of anti-seize on the spark plug threads


http://www.permatex.com/products/Au...ts/Permatex_Copper_Anti-Seize_Lubricant_b.htm

- provides good electrical conductivity,
- suggested applications: spark plug threads

 

[singing pilgram]

Re: Broke spark plug

If you've ever had a seized plug, you'd of wished someone had put a little something on it..Gonna try tomorrow with small bolt extractor and (only could fine PB Blaster) lube the hack out of it. Taking the head off sounds like last resort. I'll let you know.

 

[rusty one]

Re: Broke spark plug

pipe extractors work better on plugs than ez out . Less taper better contact.Or I have hack sawed a small cut in the side all most all the way out.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Broke spark plug

Taking the head off sounds like last resort. I'll let you know.

Just keep in mind that the hole the remainder of the spark plug is in is part of the combustion chamber. My advice had some implicit caveats, like if it gets too tough or stuff is trying to go into the combustion chamber (or DID go into the combustion chamber) then stop and make plans to remove the head.

Good luck!

 

[singing pilgram]

Re: Broke spark plug

It was tuff going But the soaking and extractor worked. Getting right plugs ? Got 3A Marina to find the right one, Looks like Champion RV15YC4 Engine 432APNCA. Does that look right?

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: Broke spark plug

Might be a good idea to crank engine over with plug out to blow out any particles of whaterer that might have fallen in.

 

[z284u2try]

Re: Broke spark plug

Trick to try at your own risk. Blow torch or/and a can of dust off upside down. This worked on bolts but not so sure about plugs. Pb blaster is great stuff. Wd stands for water displacement. I actually will tighen stuck bolts before I try to loosen them for some reason this works with breaking them loose.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Broke spark plug

It was tuff going But the soaking and extractor worked. Getting right plugs ? Got 3A Marina to find the right one, Looks like Champion RV15YC4 Engine 432APNCA. Does that look right?

Ayuh,....

It's a Chevy motor,+ Chevies like AC Delco sparkplugs...

I can't decipher the Year of your motor,..
If it's pre-1996,... The proper sparkplugs are AC Delco, MR43T...

The ACs are an Alloy bodied plug,... They're less likely to Rust...
That's what the "M" in the part # stands for....