Spark Plugs Seized?

nero6 · Jun 13, 2009

So I decided to change my plugs today as I do not know when the last time they were changed. Bought a set of Autolite plugs and gapped them at .054. Started with the first plug and came on to it pretty hard and it would not budge. Checked a few others and they are all the same way. I do not want to come on to the plug any harder as I know it will snap. Anyone had any experience getting out really tight or seized up spark plugs? I assume some penetrating lube?

Thanks!

95Vert383AOD · Jun 13, 2009

Spray some PB Blaster. Sounds like the last person to install plugs failed to use Anti-Seize on the threads. Use some.

nero6 · Jun 13, 2009

95Vert383AOD said:
Spray some PB Blaster. Sounds like the last person to install plugs failed to use Anti-Seize on the threads. Use some.

Yep, that is my guess too. I picked up a new container of anti-seize today. I put on some penetrating lube and I plan on letting it set for at least a few hours. Last thing I want to do is strip the threads.

nero6 · Jun 14, 2009

Still no luck. I let the pentrating lube set for several hours and still can't get them to budge. I may tackle it in the winter, I do not be out of a car for a few weeks because I stripped out a plug.

TenorPlayinGuy · Jun 14, 2009

HEAT!!! Nothing a propane torch can't fix. Or get the heads up to operating temp if it still runs.

v8only · Jun 14, 2009

iron heads?? If so, you're not going to strip the heads out.. although you could strip the plug

nero6 · Jun 14, 2009

TenorPlayinGuy said:
HEAT!!! Nothing a propane torch can't fix. Or get the heads up to operating temp if it still runs.

I thought of that but I know my limitations and using a propane torch in the engine compartment is one of them. . My next post would be, so I was heating up my plugs when I accidentially burnt down my garage..... Not that bad of course but I would proabaly end up doing more damage than good.

v8only said:
iron heads?? If so, you're not going to strip the heads out.. although you could strip the plug

Good point, although I am not 100% sure they are stock heads. I have to double check with the prior owner and the engine was completly re-done. There are a few local car shows that I want to go to over the next few weeks so either way I do not want to take the risk and be out of a car for a week if not more. The car runs fine more of the fact that I had no idea when they were replaced last that I wanted to change them. I will tackle it when i store it for the winter.

Thanks for the options though.

v8only · Jun 14, 2009

you can tell if they're iron or not...by the color.

I'd fire it up as mentioned, get it to operating tempature, spray with the lubricant, and get a big ****ing breaker bar on them. If you've got aluminum heads, then disregard that.

HISSIN50 · Jun 14, 2009

Using candle wax with some heat is another option. This would require considerably less time with a heating element under the hood.

nero6 · Jun 14, 2009

v8only said:
you can tell if they're iron or not...by the color.

I'd fire it up as mentioned, get it to operating tempature, spray with the lubricant, and get a big ****ing breaker bar on them. If you've got aluminum heads, then disregard that.

I assume if they are sliver/gray they are aluminum. If so that is what they are and that is why the plugs are seized.

v8only · Jun 14, 2009

if it looks like this head, they're aluminum

FYI, I had a nightmare with one of the plugs on this head. I wound up stripping the actual spark plug itself. I then used the craftman socket that removes stripped plugs. that worked like a charm, but then broke the actual threads off in the head itself.

I then had to pull the head off, put it on the work bench, tap out the core of the remaining spark plug, then easy out the threads.

fun fun fun.

nero6 · Jun 14, 2009

v8only said:
if it looks like this head, they're aluminum

FYI, I had a nightmare with one of the plugs on this head. I wound up stripping the actual spark plug itself. I then used the craftman socket that removes stripped plugs. that worked like a charm, but then broke the actual threads off in the head itself.

I then had to pull the head off, put it on the work bench, tap out the core of the remaining spark plug, then easy out the threads.

fun fun fun.

Yep, they are aluminum. Steel plugs and aluminum heads and no anti-seize = fun. Too bad you did not live close to me, sounds like you had so much fun before you may want to experience it again. Looks like the plugs will be staying in for a while.

v8only · Jun 14, 2009

It made me want to cry.

If she's not running rough...i'd leave the plugs in too.

I'm lucky, I didn't strip out my threads. You stand a very real chance of doing so

nero6 · Jun 15, 2009

v8only said:
It made me want to cry.

If she's not running rough...i'd leave the plugs in too.

I'm lucky, I didn't strip out my threads. You stand a very real chance of doing so

Ya, that would have been painful. At least you got her fixed up. In the past I would have taken out my breaker bar and just come on to it and then spend the rest of the nigh cursing and swaring that I snapped it and then drink a case of beer and try and figure out how to get it fixed.

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