Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

[Lee1]

I've recently had an Evinrude outboard and whilst having a look around it and changing typical key parts, on removal one of the spark plugs snapped.
Any help or advice on over coming this problem as I am not sure how to go about this.....
I've had a think about it, the only thing I can think of doing to over come the problem is remove the cylinder head, drill out whats snapped off in the cylinder head and re-cut the threads with some grease.
I would be open to any other suggestions. Thanks.

 

[daselbee]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

If you snapped off a plug, you will almost assuredly snap off head bolts when removing the head.
But, if it were me, I would do just that, remove the head, take it to a machine shop, and have them remove the broken plug body.
I wonder if they could get the plug body out with the head ON?
Just try to keep from breaking head bolts.....just a warning.

 

[Cofe]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

I've recently had an Evinrude outboard and whilst having a look around it and changing typical key parts, on removal one of the spark plugs snapped.
Any help or advice on over coming this problem as I am not sure how to go about this.....
I've had a think about it, the only thing I can think of doing to over come the problem is remove the cylinder head, drill out whats snapped off in the cylinder head and re-cut the threads with some grease.
I would be open to any other suggestions. Thanks.

If you cant get a socket on it, you will probably have to remove the head. Then take a punch and knock out the center of the plug and try to remove it with a easy out.

 

[Lee1]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

Ah right, do you have any tips or advice on trying to remove the cylinder head bolts with minimum risk of snapping the bolts and is the drilling and re-cutting of the head something I can do my self as I have all the correct tools to carry out the work or does it have to go to a specialist machine shop?

 

[Lee1]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

Thanks cofe I will look into that, any tips or advice on the removal of the cylinder head bolts as they could possibly snap aswell?

 

[Lee1]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

daselbee, if the worst did happen and one of the cylinder head bolts does let go, what would you recommend I do then?

 

[Cofe]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

Thanks cofe I will look into that, any tips or advice on the removal of the cylinder head bolts as they could possibly snap aswell?

If the bolts break free at first, loosen, then tighten, loosen then tighten, just a little bit at a time. Work them like that till ya get it out.

 

[daselbee]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

Heat with a torch also. Can you trailer the boat to a shop for plug body removal? They could do it right there, no head removal.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

Lotsa things to do to get stuck bolts out. First a sharp rap with a hammer will sometimes break it free if it is frozen. Another thing is to soak overnight with PB Blaster (a spray in a can - much better than WD-40). And of course another is heat from a propane tourch.

If the avove do not work and the bolt breaks do not try an ezout. Take it to a machine shop.

 

[Cofe]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

Lotsa things to do to get stuck bolts out. First a sharp rap with a hammer will sometimes break it free if it is frozen. Another thing is to soak overnight with PB Blaster (a spray in a can - much better than WD-40). And of course another is heat from a propane tourch.

If the avove do not work and the bolt breaks do not try an ezout. Take it to a machine shop.

I agree with Solittle. If some head bolts break, take it to a machine shop where it can be done right.

 

[crxess]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

PB Blaster
heat
heat
more heat

Not to hot, but you have to expand things to get the PB Blast into the threads to start loosening up any oxidation.

Use anti-seize when assembling.

 

[Lee1]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

Thats brilliant thanks for the input guys, most helpful.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

I've always had good luck doing heat first then spray w/ PB. The cooling action seems to suck the lubricant into the threads better.

 

[88steve]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

I've always had good luck doing heat first then spray w/ PB. The cooling action seems to suck the lubricant into the threads better.

+1 on heat then spraying PB , have had good luck that way.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Snapped spark plug, HELP!!

I'm all for removing the head. My reason is it would be very likely that your going to get debris into the cylinder cavity before you get that plug fully out. The debris will perhaps cause you a bunch more hurt. Best of luck. Rick.