It's time to address #1 plug....

[dshepp806]

It looks like my P-wrench (James Roberts/Robert's Automotive/Bolingbroke, GA) will be addressing my #1 spark plug within a few weeks. Some of you may recall my (much) earlier post regarding this situation: looks to be either crossed or simply galled. It won't come out...............

The plug has been left alone for a few years now (she's running quite well). I'm tired of "5 plug tuneups" and the time has come to fix this, once and for all.

He states that the last pass will be to heat the engine up nicely and try again. (this time with some force, knowing that we will drop the engine if necc.). Maybe (just maybe) a miracle will happen and I won't have to drop the engine.

I welcome you guys' observations on this process, especially from you
P-wrenches out there, or others who have crossed this type of bridge before.

Timecert? Which one is best? Comments on the actual process? Things to watch for?

...fingers are crossed....................

Best to all,

[LWJ]

You might just be pleasantly surprised. Aluminum has a much greater expansion coefficient than steel. This means the head will grow more than the plug when heated. I had a stuck plug recently and read up on it. Some PB Blaster and a longer/better tool setup fixed me right up. I think I got the car warmed up first. I did not use a torch, although I considered it. I was certainly terrified of pulling a thread out. And I used far more force than I was comfortable with. But as you say, it needed to be done.

GOOD LUCK!

Larry

[yelcab1]

If needed, timecerts the best.

[dshepp806]

Thanks guys. My arse is in a knot anticipating the outcome....points made make sense.

Maybe, luck, I'll need.......maybe, luck indeed!!!!!!!!!

We shall see...I will be sure to post back.

Best,

[steely]

oh man - I seem to recall reading about this.
No good input from here other than to wish you well in the process.
I'll be following this one with interest and fingers crossed.

[flatsixjunky]

+1 Good luck and merry christmas.

Take care.

O-

[John W.]

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

happy Holidays to you,

[Shoepop]

There is a slick inexpensive tool a KD # 3545. It's an internal 14mm rethreading tool the best $ you will ever spend if your situation is crossed threads when you get the plug out. Can be done W/O removing engine. To expand on how the tap works it is inserted into the SP hole then tightened up with a collet it grabs the good undamaged threads @ the bottom of the hole and rethreads on the way OUT not IN like a conventional tap.

[911quest]

Usually it is just carbon built up on the end of the plug. What I do is work the plug back forth un-tighten then tighten it back up back and forth they will eventually come out. Then like mention above a tap with some grease on it to catch the shavings.

[dshepp806]

Well,..she was left in the hands of the P-wrenches today....we shall see where they land on this one,..I'll keep you guys updated....

..here we go.

Best,

Doyle

[dshepp806]

I think I have that tool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JohnJL]

Also try heating the engine up well as your mech says, then while still hot squirt s bunch of loctite freezenlube spray on the plug. That might shrink the plug just enough to break the bond.

[dshepp806]

Thanks Tony and John and Mark.....we'll see what they have "up their sleeve"...

Best,

Doyle

[dshepp806]

Originally Posted by JohnJL

Also try heating the engine up well as your mech says, then while still hot squirt s bunch of loctite freezenlube spray on the plug. That might shrink the plug just enough to break the bond.

No worries,..I've left it in the mechanic's hands (certainly NOT mine)....been waitin' on the call all day !!!!!!!!

GEEEZE.......

[Elombard]

Sounds like you trust these guys, not really in their be$t interest to have a good out come for you. FWIW I would have busted it myself and then taken it to them to fix :-) At least that way you know the had to fix it.

This way if he warms it up and it pops out he can tell you he fought it for 8 hours and had to re-thread at $80/hr, when it actually took 15 mins.....I should not be so pessimistic over the holidays.

Hopefully the worst case is a reverse thread with the tap mentioned above.

If you have to engine out got any plans? Ltwt fly wheel, powder coating, replace gaskets? You know while you are in there stuff?

Good to know there is still a P car wrench in middle GA, I did not know there was any.

[Wavey]

So????? You're killing us Doyle!

[dshepp806]

Well,..got the call,...the plug broke off!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has been determined to be a crossthread issue.......so goes it.

Engine's heading for the ground...we go from there...


DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wavey]

Dammit indeed. But you know, as long as you're in there...

[dshepp806]

Sleepless night,...................Guess it's time to start the hit list. My budget can't support "niceties" or "prettyness".....just deal with the issues and address the aged things (such as fuel lines, etc.).

Funny as hell that my Aero Kroil arrived about the same time I got the call from James about the plug.

We're gonna' meet this morning and discuss the game plan. Will keep you all posted.

Erik,..yeap,..some good guys down here in central GA (the megapolis of Bolingbroke GA)

AAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH! (settle down, Doyle,..settle down....)

[dshepp806]

Originally Posted by Elombard

Sounds like you trust these guys, not really in their be$t interest to have a good out come for you. FWIW I would have busted it myself and then taken it to them to fix :-) At least that way you know the had to fix it.

This way if he warms it up and it pops out he can tell you he fought it for 8 hours and had to re-thread at $80/hr, when it actually took 15 mins.....I should not be so pessimistic over the holidays.

Hopefully the worst case is a reverse thread with the tap mentioned above.

If you have to engine out got any plans? Ltwt fly wheel, powder coating, replace gaskets? You know while you are in there stuff?

Good to know there is still a P car wrench in middle GA, I did not know there was any.

Thanks. As to "gaskets", which ones would you guys consider for replacement for this trek....?

Guess I need to start compiling the list,..would welcome (as always) good advice from the experienced Pelicanites...already priced the fuel line replacements (OEM,..nuttin' but)........

geeze,...off to work....