Can't remove spark plugs
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 20
Can't remove spark plugs
Its strange. Pretty sure I have the correct plug socket (3/8in / 16mm). I feel what seems like the socket is grabbing the plug. But I only get a little resistance as I ratchet. Am I missing something or does it sound like the plug might be stripped? The car (2012 Elantra) is pretty new to me with 134K miles and I have no evidence that the plugs have ever been changed. Thanks in advance.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,895
We just grab one of the two general sizes of spark plug sockets and use them. Never even looked at the size of the socket, shame on me ! Two sizes come to mind, 13/16 & 5/8.
You must have new plugs to install right? Just check the socket against one of the new plugs, that should tell you right away !
Your description scares me some and here's why.
If the engine in your vehicle has an aluminum head and we know the spark plugs are made with steel, there is a good possibility the threads are stripped in the head.. If that is the case you will need to get a "Heli-coil" kit to install a new thread in the aluminum head . Not extremely difficult , but a PIA since now you cannot drive the vehicle until it is fixed.. I hope I am wrong because it is important to do the job right or other problems can come out of the jar , so to speak.
Unfortunately, this is a common problem and probably new to you, but you can handle it ! Most auto supply stores have the kits and they do come with directions..
You must have new plugs to install right? Just check the socket against one of the new plugs, that should tell you right away !
Your description scares me some and here's why.
If the engine in your vehicle has an aluminum head and we know the spark plugs are made with steel, there is a good possibility the threads are stripped in the head.. If that is the case you will need to get a "Heli-coil" kit to install a new thread in the aluminum head . Not extremely difficult , but a PIA since now you cannot drive the vehicle until it is fixed.. I hope I am wrong because it is important to do the job right or other problems can come out of the jar , so to speak.
Unfortunately, this is a common problem and probably new to you, but you can handle it ! Most auto supply stores have the kits and they do come with directions..
Last edited by hanky; Nov 9, 2019 at 04:50 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 20
We just grab one of the two general sizes of spark plug sockets and use them. Never even looked at the size of the socket, shame on me ! Two sizes come to mind, 13/16 & 5/8.
You must have new plugs to install right? Just check the socket against one of the new plugs, that should tell you right away !
Your description scares me some and here's why.
If the engine in your vehicle has an aluminum head and we know the spark plugs are made with steel, there is a good possibility the threads are stripped in the head.. If that is the case you will need to get a "Heli-coil" kit to install a new thread in the aluminum head . Not extremely difficult , but a PIA since now you cannot drive the vehicle until it is fixed.. I hope I am wrong because it is important to do the job right or other problems can come out of the jar , so to speak.
Unfortunately, this is a common problem and probably new to you, but you can handle it ! Most auto supply stores have the kits and they do come with directions..
You must have new plugs to install right? Just check the socket against one of the new plugs, that should tell you right away !
Your description scares me some and here's why.
If the engine in your vehicle has an aluminum head and we know the spark plugs are made with steel, there is a good possibility the threads are stripped in the head.. If that is the case you will need to get a "Heli-coil" kit to install a new thread in the aluminum head . Not extremely difficult , but a PIA since now you cannot drive the vehicle until it is fixed.. I hope I am wrong because it is important to do the job right or other problems can come out of the jar , so to speak.
Unfortunately, this is a common problem and probably new to you, but you can handle it ! Most auto supply stores have the kits and they do come with directions..
I checked a 2nd car plug and it has the same issue. How likely is it that more than one is stripped? Also I inserted a long needle nose pliers in one hole and didn't seem like the plug would move at all. If the head thread is stripped it should turn freely right? And why are you saying the car would be un-driveable? Seems fine, I just cant remove the plugs.
Last edited by weigojmi; Nov 9, 2019 at 10:37 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,895
Well , the difference is you are there and I am not, so we need to go by what you see and tell me.
If as you say, the plug is turning and will not come out, when you drive or run the engine it can blow the plug out and you really don't want to be on the road when this happens...
There is always the possibility more than one plug is frozen and can remove the aluminum threads on the way out. Something you might consider before attempting to remove any more is to allow a good penetrating oil to soak at the remaining plugs and this might help to get them loose without damage.
If as you say, the plug is turning and will not come out, when you drive or run the engine it can blow the plug out and you really don't want to be on the road when this happens...
There is always the possibility more than one plug is frozen and can remove the aluminum threads on the way out. Something you might consider before attempting to remove any more is to allow a good penetrating oil to soak at the remaining plugs and this might help to get them loose without damage.
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 20
Well , the difference is you are there and I am not, so we need to go by what you see and tell me.
If as you say, the plug is turning and will not come out, when you drive or run the engine it can blow the plug out and you really don't want to be on the road when this happens...
There is always the possibility more than one plug is frozen and can remove the aluminum threads on the way out. Something you might consider before attempting to remove any more is to allow a good penetrating oil to soak at the remaining plugs and this might help to get them loose without damage.
If as you say, the plug is turning and will not come out, when you drive or run the engine it can blow the plug out and you really don't want to be on the road when this happens...
There is always the possibility more than one plug is frozen and can remove the aluminum threads on the way out. Something you might consider before attempting to remove any more is to allow a good penetrating oil to soak at the remaining plugs and this might help to get them loose without damage.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,419
From: Albany/NY/USA
Not sure grabbing the spark plugs with the socket??
What kind of resistance do you feel?
Does it move at all??
If it is not coming out then it could have been cross threaded going in??
Once on the road to removing the plugs ... it becomes an adventure ...??
What kind of resistance do you feel?
Does it move at all??
If it is not coming out then it could have been cross threaded going in??
Once on the road to removing the plugs ... it becomes an adventure ...??
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,895
The right way to remove spark plugs is to blow out any dirt and grit before removing the plugs.
You can try any good penetrating oil like "PB Blaster" sold in just about all auto supply stores. You just spray some in the hole and let it work overnight if possible.
I would not use WD 40 because it evaporates and doesn't do much. It does displace water, however.
Once you are able to move the plug, work it back and forth slightly so the penetrent can lubricate the threads
What happens if the plug gets blown out is the compression and fuel injected now get blown into the engine compartment, make a lot of noise and conditions are right for a fire to start. I believe the word "Adventure" describes it quite well !
You can try any good penetrating oil like "PB Blaster" sold in just about all auto supply stores. You just spray some in the hole and let it work overnight if possible.
I would not use WD 40 because it evaporates and doesn't do much. It does displace water, however.
Once you are able to move the plug, work it back and forth slightly so the penetrent can lubricate the threads
What happens if the plug gets blown out is the compression and fuel injected now get blown into the engine compartment, make a lot of noise and conditions are right for a fire to start. I believe the word "Adventure" describes it quite well !
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 20
Its strange. I'm a novice but have changed plugs several times before on my other cars. So the socket seems to seat on the plug. But I get almost no resistance as I turn. There's no initial breaking free feeling which is why it seems either I'm not grabbing it or its turning too freely. Same experience with the 2nd plug.
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 20
Checked them again. Each one the same. The plug socket boot sits on the plug (because it got stuck on one and I needed long needle nose to pull it off) but just doesn't grab the plug nut to unscrew it. I know I'm using the correct socket so I guess I'll be taking it to a mechanic. Sucks for such and easy service but probably they'll find something else going on.