Spark plug snapped!!!!

[broush69]

I just bought an older boat with a mercruiser 165 4 cyl engine. I was tuning it up changing all spark plugs when i got to the last one it snapped off leaving the threads still in the head of the motor. I then tried using an easy out tool and snapped that while trying to take out the threaded part of the plug. My question is where do i go from here? Do i take the head out or is there some way to get this out??? Im not looking forward to paying crazy money on replacing the head but would like to get some suggestions on how to remove this without destroying the threads on the head! Any suggestions would be grateful and a thanks to everyone who replies

 

[Don S]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

I have heated them up with a torch and got them out with an EZout. Just make sure that metal electrode is still on the end of the spark plug. If it's missing, time to pull the head, or hope you can start it and it blows out the exhaust without doing any damage (not a real good idea).
Oh, one other thing, make sure the piston is down far enough the EZ out doesn't hit it.

Don't let them get so rusty before you replace them next time.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

Is the EZ out still in there?

 

[Don S]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

Missed the broken EZ out. :redface:

If it's still in there, time to pull the head.

 

[broush69]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

Ya the ez out broke. I did exactly what u said but i guess from heating it. The ezout snapped. Im in the process of getting to the head but now have a hard time removing the bolts that holds the head in place. I just purchased this boat thats why it was rusted out like this.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

Get some PB blaster. It is the best penetrating oil there is.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

Get some PB blaster. It is the best penetrating oil there is.

Yep, give the bolts a squirt everytime you walk past it for a day or so then try again. The hardest part is the wait but it will be worth it if you don't snap another bolt.

 

[sharkin95]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

EZ outs are case hard steel, need to pull the head hopefully the threads are o.k. if not helicoil.... Aero Kroil is still the best

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

Ya know, they actually advertise 100,000 mile plugs, I'v seen them and that is exactly why I don't believe in them, in a boat or car. I'll take the cheap ones and change them yearly.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

...or use a little anti-sieze on them like you should anyhow. I can't imagine changing plugs every year just for the sake of changing them.

 

[Dshow]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

Check out this thread -> http://gmtnation.com/f25/spark-plug-broke-help-3081/

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

This is the very reason for using marine plugs. They are made with stainless or other high alloy metals to resist a corrosive environment. Having said that, I suspect what the OP is dealing with is a cross threaded plug. After all, the other three came out, so that makes me question a "rusted shut" condition. Good luck!

 

[broush69]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

well i want to thank everyone for replying to the post. However i decided to go take it to a boat mechanic that stated he'll be able to get it out for me. not bad niether. He charges $65 an hr. i couldnt get the bolts out from the head and dont have the proper tools( Compression tools) to get the extra torque needed to get them moving.

 

[bp33101]

Re: Spark plug snapped!!!!

Use antiseize on threads everytime!!!