sellscottsell
Member
- Joined
- November 20, 2001
- Messages
- 10
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Boston
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 96 XLT
While setting up for the replacement of my leaking exhaust manifold gasket, I decided to replace my spark plugs and wires. During the process, I snapped a spark plug clean off!
The problem that led to the weakened plug is clear; the manifold leak was blowing hot gases straight onto the plug. The added heat nearly melted the plug into the head.
As it turned out, the most difficult part of the repair was carefully removing the porcelain insulator without having any chips slip into the head. I was able to chip away the insulator and blow all debris away with air. Once the metal electrode protruded I was able to grab it with needle nose pliers. Once the metal casing was clean, I didn’t use anymore air, instead I cleaned the jacket with q-tips.
The last step is to remove the metal casing with an easy-out. However it was recommended to me to use a square tapered extractor rather than a typical round tapered easy-out. The tool is made by Vermont American and only about $10. Basically all you do is hammer the tool into the casing and turn counter clockwise. Now this takes a little finesse and love, because you really don’t want to chip out the metal jacket into your head and destroy the threads.
So just be careful, tap and turn.
The problem that led to the weakened plug is clear; the manifold leak was blowing hot gases straight onto the plug. The added heat nearly melted the plug into the head.
As it turned out, the most difficult part of the repair was carefully removing the porcelain insulator without having any chips slip into the head. I was able to chip away the insulator and blow all debris away with air. Once the metal electrode protruded I was able to grab it with needle nose pliers. Once the metal casing was clean, I didn’t use anymore air, instead I cleaned the jacket with q-tips.
The last step is to remove the metal casing with an easy-out. However it was recommended to me to use a square tapered extractor rather than a typical round tapered easy-out. The tool is made by Vermont American and only about $10. Basically all you do is hammer the tool into the casing and turn counter clockwise. Now this takes a little finesse and love, because you really don’t want to chip out the metal jacket into your head and destroy the threads.
So just be careful, tap and turn.
