spark plug now seized in head

[tjsxplodr]

I was attempting to get that pesky 3rd spark plug on the passenger head, when the ceramic top part busted off. Apparently the ford dealer didn't put enough antiseize on it when they put a new one back in. I was also checking the second one, when it did the same thing. Now what do I do? I can't seem to get a grip on the plugs at all with the socket. Am I royally screwed now?

 

[JDraper]

No, just because the ceramic came off, you shouldn't be screwed. Your plug wrench should still do the job. The only thing the plug wrench has that is different from a deepwell socket is the foam insert to help protect the ceramic tip.

 

[tjsxplodr]

I had to pull the fender cover off, and turn the wheel to get to it. Tried WD 40 to loosen it, still no go. My spark plug socket won't catch on the plug. I think i'm going to have to take off the tire and see if I can really get up in there. Stupid crowded engine bay!

 

[YBCold]

try PB blaser and push harder on the socket so it catches the plug?

 

[tjsxplodr]

Easier said then done, that plug is the hardest one I've ever come across lol. I will buy some PB blaster and try it tonight when hubby gets home.

 

[JDraper]

try PB blaser and push harder on the socket so it catches the plug?

What he said. And to follow on that PB Blaster is FAR better than WD-40 for loosening stuck bolts. However, don't soak it too badly because when you take the plug out, guess where the PB Blaster will flow to....the cylinder.

I would go to a deepwell socket instead of the spark plug wrench at this point. The insert in the spark plug wrench may be having problems getting over what's left of the ceramic.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ok, I will try a deep well socket. And PB blaster. Been meaning to buy some of that anyways.

 

[YBCold]

this might be a bad idea but what about heating the plug with a butane torch and using a breaker bar? it might mess up the heads so im not sure if its a good idea but maybe u can hack it. the exhuast gets hot so im not sure

 

[JDraper]

this might be a bad idea but what about heating the plug with a butane torch and using a breaker bar? it might mess up the heads so im not sure if its a good idea but maybe u can hack it. the exhuast gets hot so im not sure

BAD idea...heating the plug will make it expand, and even harder to remove. Plugs are best removed when the vehicle is completely cold.

It should come out fine with a regular deepwell socket. If the porcelain breaks off anywhere but at the base, it makes it hard for the insert in the plug socket to get down far enough on the plug to get a good grip. Been there, done that more than once.

 

[YBCold]

thanks for correction. i figured it might help coz sometimes that helps with O2 sensors. im not sure if it might also harm the head or gasket. i blew head or gasket so now im worried. hm ohwell

 

[tjsxplodr]

I got it out thanks to the help of a neighbor. He's got more dexterity in his big hands than I do in my little ones haha. New plugs are all in, new wires are gonna have to be gotten. Autozone wires suck.

 

[YBCold]

kool beans. but what kind do u use though?????

 

[tjsxplodr]

I put in Bosch Super Plus plugs. That's what my local Napa Auto Parts store had for me when I went to pick some up the other day.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Bosch platinum plugs

Several members have reported misfires and premature failure with Bosch platinum plugs. Are the Bosch Super Plus plugs platinum?

 

[my pos mounty]

Autozone wires suck.

As do most Autozone parts. Especially anything branded with the "Duralast" name. Sure you get a lifetime warranty with a free replacement (one replacement per part purchased), that sounds good on paper....but do you want to replace it again in a short amount of time? I'll just stop here, just suffice to say that my opinion of them is not very high due to many premature part failures. Live and learn I guess.

Congrats on getting the sparkplugs changed!

 

[tjsxplodr]

I don't know. All the package says is premium copper core plus Yttrium. I bought the spark plugs from Napa Auto parts. The wires were originally in there from last year, those were AZ parts. I just refuse to pay $$ for OE stuff from the dealer.

 

[celly]

I don't know. All the package says is premium copper core plus Yttrium. I bought the spark plugs from Napa Auto parts. The wires were originally in there from last year, those were AZ parts. I just refuse to pay $$ for OE stuff from the dealer.

As someone mentioned, lots of nightmare stories on this site about Bosch plugs. If you're not into paying full retail for Motorcraft at a stealership, they can be had cheaper elsewhere. I'm in Canada, but when I was in Wisconsin last summer, I even saw them at Walmart. They had them at O-Reilly's in Kansas when I was getting new plugs last July. Even cheaper are "Autolite" plugs (which I went for at the time). Autolite and Motorcraft are made by the same manufacturer and are very similar in spec. At the end of the day, they seem to be the two best choices for Ford products, not just Explorers. That seems to be the "consensus" on most Ford related forums I've seen anyhow.

Just a heads up. I'm sure Bosch work for some people, but where there's smoke, there's fire. I simply don't trust those plugs based on the stories that are in the archives and seem to keep materializing.

Congrats on getting that stuck plug out, nonetheless. I'm sure you put some anti-seize on the threads and dielectric grease on the boots so it doesn't happen again.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Of course I put that stuff on silly Well, I am not taking out the plugs again. Unless there becomes a problem with them. I had Bosch plugs in my 95 V6 mustang and never had any issues.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Starting to smell a burning smell in the engine bay. Hope that's not my engine!

 

[bluestream1]

When I had my 1991 I found the 3rd plug can be removed easily by going under the vehicle. Just lay on your back and reach up, lots of room, and no need to take any wheels off. I wish I had learned this trick earlier, I had the truck for 12 years...