Spark plug rounded thread!

[tommy_1664]

In the process of changing my gf's spark plugs on her ph2 1.2 16v, but the second plug appears to have no thread on the nut part or be very rounded off....any ideas on how to get it out? Or is it a head off jobbie..?

 

[mini-valver]

Eh? No thread or the head has rounded off??

 

[tommy_1664]

sorry yea to clarify, the head has rounded off....ie the plug is screwed in tight, but can't undo it as the nut is completely rounded...!

 

[D1CKY]

Try a deep socket the next size down, it may work

 

[mini-valver]

As alove then really, hit it on with a mallet, dont f**king sog it on though.

 

[kev182cup]

Yeah smaller socket and hammer it on.

 

[ABOO]

One of my plugs has a heli-coil fitted as some issues with fitting and connection,,
WTF is a heli-coil I hear you say...

http://www.emhart.com/products/helicoil.asp

 

[tommy_1664]

ABOO, interesting - how have you used it? What issues did you have?

 

[markblack172]

I have a similar thing to a helicoil fitted to mine

 

[sideways danny]

are you using a 6 sided socket?

 

[tommy_1664]

Using this - http://www.laserhandtools.co.uk/item.aspx?cat=374&item=3830

It looks like the nut has completely snapped off though...so not sure if a smaller socket would do the trick!

 

[sideways danny]

can you get a picture. I'm unclear on what you mean, think you might be confusing terminology

 

[tommy_1664]

Basically, the spark plug is screwed in tight - but at some point someone has tried to get it out and in the process rounded off/snapped off the nut/head part of the plug....so now its left screwed in but with no apparent way of unscrewing it..

 

[chris197]

So has the nut part completely snapped off leaving what's left of the sparkplug flush with the cylinder head?

 

[iimushroomzii]

Just change the other three lol!

 

[tommy_1664]

So has the nut part completely snapped off leaving what's left of the sparkplug flush with the cylinder head?

Yup! Any easy ways of getting it out? Guessing drilling is not a good idea..

 

[Darren85]

If its as bad as that the only way I can see is getting the head whipped off and getting it taken out that way.. Had this happen to my old Rover, (un)fortunatly I soon suffered the common gasket failure and had to have it sorted, got it all done at the same time.. PITA!

 

[chris197]

Yup! Any easy ways of getting it out? Guessing drilling is not a good idea..

Jeebus, that's not going to be fun. Obviously drilling/tapping is going to present more problems. You don't want bits of metal falling into the cylinders.

While your trying to think of a way I'd start soaking that in WD40 whenever you have 5 minutes spare. If you do find a way of getting hold of it the WD may help with the freeing up.

Can you get a picture up so we can see what we're dealing with?