Spark plug stuck

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 4, 2022 | 10:05 AM

David_viny

Thread Starter

Launching!

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 254

Likes: 0

From: Maine

Spark plug stuck

So on my Camaro the #8 spark plug is stuck/cross threaded from previous owner. I tried to take it out years ago and it was giving the feeling of stripping the head threads so I left it, as I didn't have time to take the head off if it stripped.

The time has come that it has to come out this year.
So the question is, what is the best scenario to get it out without stripping the threads?
Engine cold
Engine hot

Jun 4, 2022 | 10:17 AM

01CamaroSSTx

11 Second Club

iTrader: (3)

Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 6,020

Likes: 2,299

From: Conroe, Texas

Either way hot or cold if it's stripped then what?

Jun 4, 2022 | 10:20 AM

01CamaroSSTx

11 Second Club

iTrader: (3)

Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 6,020

Likes: 2,299

From: Conroe, Texas

Maybe no anti-seize was used on the spark plugs when installed which is why it feels so tight.

Jun 4, 2022 | 12:56 PM

LilJayV10

TECH Senior Member

iTrader: (39)

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 9,716

Likes: 999

From: Evansville,IN

In theory if it's just stuck, I would try to take it off when it's warm.

If it's cross threaded it's not going to matter.

If it's seized and pulls the threads out with the spark plug you will have to pull the head.

If it's cross threaded you are going to have to pull the head.

Jun 5, 2022 | 05:03 PM

wannafbody

TECH Senior Member

iTrader: (3)

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 5,637

Likes: 1,159

From: Pittsburgh

Remove when warm and check and see if there is aluminum on the threads. You probably will need a Time Sert kit to fix the damage.

Jun 7, 2022 | 04:49 PM

grinder11

TECH Junkie

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 3,212

Likes: 1,612

From: Michigan & Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannafbody

Remove when warm and check and see if there is aluminum on the threads. You probably will need a Time Sert kit to fix the damage.

15-20 years ago, give or take, I saw something I wish I had thought of. It was a special, backwards tap made especially for repairing spark plug threads. Don't remember who makes it, but it was especially made for repairing spark plug threads WITHOUT REMOVING THE HEAD!! IIRC, it would "collapse" when you'd insert it into the threads in the head, then you would expand the tap with a tool that came with the tap, and thread it out of the head. Don't laugh, it worked, and worked well. Absolutely no chips in the cylinder using this tool, because it pushed the threads ahead of the tap!! Do a search online. It was geared toward motorcycle heads, but should work fine in a car engine.....IF you can get access to the threaded hole. Hope this helps.......