seized spark plugs

[doodah man]

I just went to change out my spark plugs and couldn't get them out. I only tried two and didn't try any harder than I could pull a 3/8 in socket wrench, because I was worried about them breaking off or stripping the hex part. All the visible metal on the plugs is rusted pretty good. Based on PO records, they've been in the truck since 1996.

I'm thinking WD-40, a little more leverage on my wrench, and maybe trying to pull them when the truck is warmed up.

If anyone has run into this problem before and has any advice on getting them out without making a bigger problem, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

[don t. - 72gmc]

I would try pb-blaster or kroil instead of wd40.

Getting them a bit warm might loose em up.

Good luck....don t. ...

[bigsnookmaster]

What they said, and maybe a 3/8ths butterfly impact on a lower setting. The impacting action tends to loosen without breaking, and the butterfly style aren't as powerful as regular impacts.Good luck

[dajn]

Impact is the only way to go like the previous poster said. A six point impact socket and a decent butterfly impact and they will come out no problem. do not mess around with a huge breaker bar or a cheater bar.

[dajn]

I had a 390 that sat along time and the plugs were seized enough that I could not get them out with my half inch drive. I just grabbed my monster half inch impact and they came right out with no consequence. It is probably obvious to you but do not use a 12 point socket.

[swamp rat]

Saturate with PB Blaster or Kroil as mentioned above, let it saturate for a few days.

Um, not trying to be an ass here so my apologies in advance, but if your new to wrenching be sure your turning the plugs counter clockwise.

[dajn]

just get the impact. soaking them is a waste of time. they will come right out with the impact no problem. its not like they have been sitting in there for thirty years out in the weather. clean the **** with starting fluid, then impact. problem solved. 100 percent positive on this.

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by dajn

just get the impact. soaking them is a waste of time. they will come right out with the impact no problem. its not like they have been sitting in there for thirty years out in the weather. clean the **** with starting fluid, then impact. problem solved. 100 percent positive on this.

That was awful nice of you to rewrite your post, too bad i already read it.. But i am thick skinned so the ignorance just rolled right off..

[vectorit]

Just because you didn't mention it...

Are the heads cast iron, or aluminum?

Either way, another reason why I coat the threads of sparklers with anti seize.

If they are aluminum, you are in trouble.

If they are cast iron, then brute force will probably do the job. But then I have seen cast iron threads get galled from seized bolts and plugs being forced out, so I would run the engine to get it warm and try to break the seize. Then spray penetrating oil on them to help loosen up the rust.
Let it sit and cool, and turn tight and then loosen. Run the engine to warm up, then loosen again. While they are on the outward turn, spray more penetrating oil and tighten then loosen. Repeat until the plug comes out, without taking thread material from the head.

Lots of experience with this problem, and this has always worked for me.

[treveiger]

Originally Posted by vectorit

Just because you didn't mention it...

Are the heads cast iron, or aluminum?

Either way, another reason why I coat the threads of sparklers with anti seize.

If they are aluminum, you are in trouble.

If they are cast iron, then brute force will probably do the job. But then I have seen cast iron threads get galled from seized bolts and plugs being forced out, so I would run the engine to get it warm and try to break the seize. Then spray penetrating oil on them to help loosen up the rust.
Let it sit and cool, and turn tight and then loosen. Run the engine to warm up, then loosen again. While they are on the outward turn, spray more penetrating oil and tighten then loosen. Repeat until the plug comes out, without taking thread material from the head.

Lots of experience with this problem, and this has always worked for me.

This is great info right here, follow this and it should work for you well. A mechanic friend told me the exact same thing before.
Posted via Mobile Device

[fastwillie 696969]

are you using the ratchet the right way -lefty loosey righty tighty