Spark Plug Stuck

[pehoffman]

I have a spark plug that is stripped and can't be removed easily. Anyone have any suggestions? Is there a way to drill it out without destroying your block or leaving fragments in the engine? Do I need to dismantle my entire engine?

[pehoffman]

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[wag-zhp]

Yikes, that's bad news! While it is possible to install a helicore thread repair with the head still on the car, there is the issue of how to get all of the fragments and shavings out of the cylinder... You could try to vacuum or blow them out, but I would worry that some would remain and score the cylinder. I'm thinking a head removal would be the safest bet.

[bimmer dot info]

You do not need to dismantle the entire engine to get to the other side of the sparkplug. Just the top end.
If you can not get it out from the top you will most likely have to take the head off to get it out. Sometimes with stripped fastners you can pull up while turning and that helps to get them out. You do not really have that option with where the plug is in the block. You might be able to get at it a little better by taking the valve cover off.

If you helicore with the head on you can load the tap with grease. It helps to keep the chips contained. You just have to remove it very often and clean it off.

[sstuner]

you can try the grease, it does work, i did that in afghanistan last year on an american hummer actually. and no it doesnt have spark plugs. i was messing with an injector that decided to pop out, and after that i was treated very well by those 3 soldiers. it was fantastic.


but on with what i was saying

the problem with the heli coils is that you have to drill out the hole, tap the hole with the heli coil tap and then insert the coil, and then there is a little tab that you have break off.

but there realy is only one way to be sure that you have all the filings and pieces out is to remove the head.

new head gasket, new head blots, get a new timing belt and tensioner , if you havent changed the water pump this is a good time to do so.

follow the bentley and you will have no problems.