Last Updated on December 5, 2022 by tawhid
If you’ve ever had a stuck spark plug, you know how frustrating it can be. You’ve probably also heard that aluminum heads are especially prone to this problem. While it’s true that aluminum is softer than other metals and thus more prone to damage, there are ways to remove a stuck spark plug without damaging the head.
- If the spark plug is stuck in the aluminum head, gently tap it with a hammer to loosen it
- Use a ratchet and socket to remove the spark plug
- Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the new spark plug before installing it
- Torque the new spark plug to 20 ft
- (27 Nm)
Best Penetrating Oil for Stuck Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs are stuck, you want to use the best penetrating oil to get them unstuck. Here are some of the best options.
WD-40: This is a classic option for unsticking anything.
It’s likely that you already have WD-40 in your garage or workshop. Just spray it on and let it sit for a while before trying to remove the plugs.
Kano Kroil: This is a favorite among mechanics and other professionals who work with stuck fasteners.
It’s designed to penetrate deep into threads and loosen them up. Just apply it liberally to the area around the stuck plug and wait for it to do its thing.
Liquid Wrench: This is another product that you may already have around the house.
It’s great for loosening all kinds of stuck parts, including spark plugs. Apply it generously and wait for it to work its magic before removing the plugs.
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How Do You Get a Spark Plug Out of a Aluminum Head?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your car’s spark plugs. But they play a vital role in keeping your engine running smoothly. Over time, spark plugs can become fouled by carbon deposits and other debris.
When this happens, they need to be replaced.
Getting a spark plug out of an aluminum head can be tricky. The best way to do it is with a special tool called a spark plug socket.
This socket has a rubber insert that grips the spark plug so it can be turned without damage to the aluminum head.
First, make sure the engine is cool before attempting to remove the spark plugs. Then, locate the spark plugs and unscrew them with the socket.
Be careful not to drop them, as they may break if they hit the ground too hard. Once the old plugs are out, screw in the new ones hand-tight until they’re snug. Finally, use the socket to tighten them another quarter-turn or so.
Can I Use Wd-40 on a Stuck Spark Plug?
If your spark plug is stuck, you may be able to use WD-40 to help loosen it. First, make sure that the area around the spark plug is clean and free of debris. Next, spray a generous amount of WD-40 onto the spark plug.
Let the WD-40 soak in for a few minutes before trying to remove the spark plug. If it still won’t budge, you may need to resort to other methods, such as using a spark plug socket with an extension bar.
How Do You Remove a Stuck Spark Plug Without Breaking It?
If you’re lucky, you may be able to remove a stuck spark plug without breaking it. However, if the spark plug is severely corroded or seized, you may not be so fortunate. In either case, the first step is to make sure that the spark plug socket is clean and free of debris.
Next, apply some anti-seize compound or petroleum jelly to the threads of the spark plug. This will help to lubricate and protect the threads from damage when removing the plug.
If the spark plug is only lightly stuck, you may be able to remove it by hand.
Simply unscrew it counterclockwise until it comes out. If it’s tight, use a ratchet and socket to loosen it. Be careful not to over-tighten or force the plugs out as this can damage them beyond repair.
For more stubborn plugs, you’ll need a little more muscle. Firsttry using an impact wrench with a 6-point socket (this is important – DO NOT use an 8-point socket as it can strip the head of the spark plug). Set the impact wrench to reverse (counterclockwise) and give it a few good whacks on its side with a hammer – this should loosen up any corrosion that may be binding up the works.
Then try again to remove the plug with your impact wrench – if successful, stop before completely removingtheplugasit maybe difficultto get startedagainifyouletitto spin too freely inreverse(been there…done that)!
If all else fails and you still can’t removetheplug,you’ll haveto resortto drillingitout.(I don’t likethismethodasitis very easytodamageand break offthe tipof drill bitand thenyou’re reallyscrewed!)
First center punchthe top ofsparkplugholeto preventdrillingfromwanderingoffcenterand damagingignitioncoilpackor wires underneath…then startdrillinga small pilot holeinto top ofsparkplugholewith agrindingbit(likeon Dremel tool).You wanttogoonly deepenoughsothattipof drill bitjustbreaks throughbottom metal washerofplug(about 1/4″). Nowchangeoverto acobaltstepdrillbitthatwill cutthroughsteeland aluminum alloywithouttoo much trouble(be patient!).
Startwith smallersizethen workyourwayupuntil holeslightly largerthan bottommetalwasherofplugis cut throughtop ofthespark plughousing(don’t goanydeeper!).Now takearesinimpregnatedtapewraparoundpilot holeintospark plughousingsothattapewont’walk’whenstartingtocutthreadsinto housingfor newextractorthreadsto matchsizeoftheoriginalthreadsonbottom ofoldsparkplug!Useandeepwellsocketonimpactwrenchsettoclockwiseandcarefullystartcuttingnewextractorthreadsinto topspark plughousingbeingverycarefultodonotgoanydeeperthanthewasherseat at bottomofthesparkplug!Oncecompleteremoveresin tapeand insertoneofseveralsizesoffemaleEZ outs intonew threadsyou justcutinto topspark plughousingthenusetheimpactwrenchtocarefullybackoutoldstuck spakrplug!
How Do You Remove a Stubborn Plug?
If you’re dealing with a stubborn plug, there are a few things you can do to try to remove it. First, make sure that you have the right tools for the job. You’ll need a plunger and an auger (a plumbing snake).
If you don’t have an auger, you can try using a coat hanger or a plumbers’ wire.
Once you have your tools, start by running hot water down the drain to loosen the plug. Then, place your plunger over the drain and plunge up and down vigorously.
If that doesn’t work, try using your auger or snake to clear the clog. Insert the tool into the drain and turn it until you feel resistance. Once you hit the clog, continue turning until it breaks up and clears out of the way.
How to Remove Seized or Stuck Spark Plugs
Conclusion
If your spark plug is stuck in your aluminum head, don’t worry! There are a few easy ways to remove it. First, try using a spark plug socket and an impact wrench.
If that doesn’t work, you can try heating the head with a propane torch. Finally, if all else fails, you can drill out the spark plug.