96 GT 4.6 w/ dirty spark plug well

[Mustang Momma]

Misfire cylinder 3, running rough, loss of power. Changing spark plugs and wires. Also got new caps, but haven’t gotten that far yet. Spark plug well for 3 has all kinds of crap in it. So much that I can’t see the hex head. I’ve been trying to get it cleaned out before trying to remove the plug, but haven’t been able to get the stuff out. I’ve tried blowing it out with compressor, sucking it out with vacuum with a piece of hose taped to the end. I try to loosen it up with a wooden skewer stick with minimal success but still can’t get down to the hex. What can I do? HELP! I’m going to lose my mind.

 

[squeak93]

You're referring to the well inside of the head where the spark plug sits correct?

Might need to take a pick tool or something to poke around/score up some of this debris. Make sure ALL items are clear before yanking that plug - I might suggest soaking it in some pb blaster or such prior to removal attempt to reduce chances of breakage (which are high if it's that filthy).

Clean, clean some more, once you think it's clean enough - clean again. Keep that crap out of the inside of the heads/motor.

Then change your oil as you're bound to get some crap in the cylinder/oil eventually.

 

[Mustang Momma]

Thank you. I didn’t think about changing the oil after. After days of trying to get it cleaned out, I give up. Taking it to my mechanic tomorrow for him to look at it.

 

[LILCBRA]

Might be a little late to suggest this, but in addition to using a pick to scratch at everything, use some compressed air to blow everything out if you're able. You don't necessarily need an air compressor to do this if you don't have access to one. You can pick up cans of compressed air from places like Wallyworld, Staples, etc that should work. The added bonus of these is that they come with a straw in the same manner as cans of WD-40, so you'd be able to get down in the spark plug hole and blow everything from as close to the bottom as possible. I'd suspect that that may be a more inexpensive attempt than giving it to a shop to take care of. In either case, hope you get it taken care of!