Spark Plug problem

[hkspwrsche]

I decided to change the plugs today and I got through 4 of them without incident. Number 6 was geen with corrosion and the rest were really rough. I changed plenty of plugs before now and always keep em fresh. It's easy right?!

Then the dreaded lose plug on number 2 cylinder. I went to losen it and it was already lose. Well, I didnt panic right away I skipped it and did the last plug and came back to it and thought maybe I'll tighten it and that it wasnt stripped. Nope... it's turning either way and not going anywhere.

My point.. Anyone have this happen and get lucky with some trick to get it out without dropping the *@#$%^ motor!

Thanks in advance,

[cstreit]

Eesh,

You think the plug threads are stripped? I guess you could try and chase the threads out, but I'd be worried about metal shavings going into the cylinder...

[hkspwrsche]

FYI- For you other guys out there. The plugs are cheap if you pull them just replace them. Dont regap and reuse these things. That crush washer wont give you the same feel the next time you put them in and the "squish" you feel might be the threads pulling up and out!
Here are some pics of 3-4-6.. guess which one of these is the No#6 that was corroded!

Again- to cheap and easy to replace so buy new ones!

[Grady Clay]

Harold,

The first step is to diagnose the problem. Don’t jump to conclusions.

Getting the plug out of #2 should be possible with the right magnetic plug wrench and extension. You may have to make a sacrificial tool where the extension is welded to the sparkplug socket and you can add some sticky glue (non permanent) to the inside of the magnetic socket. You want to be able to pull on the plug while turning out.

Occasionally removing the intake valve cover gives you more access.

Another approach is with needle-nose Vice Grips.

Once out, borrow a bore scope and inspect the threads in the heads.

If you genuinely have missing threads, as much of a PITA it is, pull the engine and do it right. It may turn out there are more than one in distress. Of course the best fix is with the heads off the engine. An alternative is to have the engine on a stand with the sparkplug hole down. Low pressure compressed air, grease, and gravity will prevent chips from getting in the combustion chamber.

What history do you have on the engine?

Help me out guys, does this ‘81SC have original Helicoils?

Everyone on this Forum can help you.

We once found an odd-ball tapered plug installed by some hack. It did more damage to the previously repairable head … but it ran somehow.

Best,
Grady