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Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: charleston,wv
Posts: 142
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Broken Spark Plug
I need some help. Anyone have any tips on removing a broken spark plug? I have a 89 325ix and was in the process of removing the plugs when I tried to remove the last plug it broke leaving part of the plug in the head. The ceramic part of the plug pulled out in one piece. I just bought new tires today and was changing the plugs and bam, down for the count. Any ideas? Thanks.
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12-14-2008, 01:10 PM
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So what is left in the head, just a portion of the threads? If the hex portion of the plug is separated from the thread then call an automotive machine shop. If they cant do it then they will probably tell you you will have to remove the head.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
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12-14-2008, 09:33 PM
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Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: charleston,wv
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It left the electrode and the threads. The ceramic piece came all the way out. Broke right below the nut portion. Good news is with the help of a easy out I was able to get it out today. I kept soaking it with WD40 and then we gave it a shot. It was a freaking miracle if you ask me. Car is back running, thanks.
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12-15-2008, 02:44 PM
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I was gonna suggest PB Blaster and maybe a bolt remover but I was concerned about damaging the head.
I'm Glad you got it.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
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12-15-2008, 02:46 PM
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Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: charleston,wv
Posts: 142
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I was concerned also. I think I just got real lucky. I have never seen a spark plug break like it did. I jinxed myself when I looked at the spark plugs and said"this will be easy", yeah right.
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12-16-2008, 08:16 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 41
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My experience with broken plugs is that it generally results from either not having the socket on straight when I start to turn the plug out of the port. That can be caused by inadequate engagement of the socket on the hex. I have learned that I need to bottom the socket completely on the bottom of the spark plug counter bore before I start to remove the plug. I verify by having no wiggle in at the top of the socket extension beyond that which would be allowable by the tolerance between the spark plug and socket hex.
The same goes for installing the plug as well. If the ceramic is cracked and not broken at installation, after thermal cycling them a few hundred time the crack propagates and is very easy to break if not already broken when you try to remove them. Congrats on getting it out safely though. My buddy was not so lucky. |
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12-17-2008, 07:33 AM
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Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: charleston,wv
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The kicker was that the ceramic did not break. It came out complete. What broke was the hex portion, it broke off leaving the threads. I was able to pull the entire ceramic piece out. My first thought was I stripped it but the we got very lucky. It was if the hex portion was broken off at the threads and then you reached down pulling thew entire insides out in one piece.
Thanks for the help everyone. |
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12-21-2008, 11:08 AM
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1997 BMW M3 3.2L I6
