Spark plug stuck... huge sinking feeling

I'm changing my spark plugs. It's due according to the manual.

Plug closest to firewall on passenger side started tightening up as I was unscrewing it. The other two changed out fine. I used anti-seize at the last change, and spun them all in by hand to try and prevent cross-threading.

Right now the plug is somewhere between in and out all the way.

Any advice on what I should do?

I'm thinking of a tow truck to the dealer?

 

can you screw it back down and it free up?

 

Just did that, then started unscrewing again. With a bit of "giv 'er" the plug came out. I don''t see any alumnium chunks on the plug threads, but then again they would likely have fallen into the cylinder .

I suppose I could try threading a new plug in to see if the threads are pooched right?

 

Get it towed. It all depends on how hard you were trying to get it out will be the issue of ruining threads. I don't like using never seize. If u can find an old school tech he will have a few tricks up his sleeve to have a better chance of getting it out. If it's stuck now both ways your pretty much SOL and if they take the threads out your looking at a thread insert if they can get in there straight.

Ooooops guess you got it out. Good for you. Get that never seize out of there and go slow.

 

You're fine; taking them out isn't the problem. Installing them correctly is the problem

 

thread one in by hand and do not force it. if it threads in fairly easily you will probably be okay. i mean if you have already pulled the old plug out try it.

 

The new one threads in by hand OK. Hopefully when I torque it down to spec it stays tight and doesn't start to spin free haha.

 

should be okay. i have never had any problems changing spark plug but i have always done it about every 30 to 4k miles. i dont use a torque wrench but it wouldnt hurt but i have never had trouble with them coming out. I think you will be ok.

 

x2
If it was in correct, you shouldn't have to worry.

 

I think I'm good. Reached 15 ft-lb without an issue. Buttoned everything back up and the truck started fine, running "normal."

I hate that sinking feeling. Hate it.

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

 

I think I'm good. Reached 15 ft-lb without an issue. Buttoned everything back up and the truck started fine, running "normal."

I hate that sinking feeling. Hate it.

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

Going to change the driver side plugs now, that's always fun. Then it's back to fretting over whether the offer we put in on our first house is accepted or not .

 

Dont use never sieze..that stuff turns to a glob when it gets hot. You need dielectric greese on the threads.

 

What you described is exactly what it feels like to remove plugs from a hot or warm engine. I don't know if you did this, but it's best to change plugs when the engine is cold, preferably after sitting overnight.

 

I only ran the truck for a few minutes, enough to move the truck from the driveway, out onto the street and back into the garage.

I'll bear that in mind for the next time, and maybe wait an hour or so before starting the work after moving into the garage. Thanks.

 

Anti seize is rated for hi-temps, no issues there.

Here is more info from NGK.

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/tb-0630111antisieze.pdf

 

Ya, I know dealers and shops will do it on a warm or even hot engine, but it is never a good idea to change plugs on a hot engine.

Same goes for anything that threads into the block.

When things get hot, they expand. When they expand, they get bigger. EVERYTHING gets bigger, including the space between the block and the bolt/plug/etc...

It's not such a big deal with steel parts, and we used to do it on iron blocks/heads all the time... but on aluminum heads, you've got a head that has expanded a LOT more than the steel end of the spark plug.
Change it, install a COLD plug, torque to 15lbs, and when that engine cools down, that plug is now LOCKED in. Even after warming the engine up again, the steel will expand and it will still be tighter than when you installed it.

 

+1

I've never had a problem when using it, but I also make sure that I don't get any out on the tip... it's all in the threads, and I don't glob it on. I lay an even coat on the threads and wipe my finger around so the anti-seize is only down in the grooves.

 

At least it's not a 5.4 triton!

 

You can say that again. That's exactly my thoughts max.

 

Yeah I'll take uhh 8 heli-coils please.