How to unscrew spark plugs if they are stuck

How to unscrew a broken spark plug?

Despite the abundance of all kinds of automobile repair stations, many drivers strive to carry out repair work on the car themselves without outside help.
They are ready to sit in a garage pit all weekend just to carry out repairs on the “iron horse”. Many of them acquired the habit of independently repairing a car from their fathers and grandfathers in distant Soviet times, when the repair service was not yet sufficiently developed.

In principle, at this point the actions of unscrewing the broken spark plug can be considered successfully completed.

How to remove soured spark plugs

In most cases, planned or emergency replacement of spark plugs (SPS) does not cause problems. A few turns of a special key - and the used part is in your hands. However, sometimes situations arise when unscrewing the spark plug is problematic. She sticks tightly and does not give in to efforts. In such cases, you should not panic and make “sudden movements” that could aggravate the situation. There are techniques specifically designed to unscrew “stuck” spark plugs with “little effort.”

Unscrewing instructions

Torque wrench - for dismantling the SZ
So, if you decide to unscrew the spark plug or restore a threaded element, then instructions for dismantling the SZ will help you.

How to unscrew a spark plug to avoid mistakes, and what to do with an unscrewed spark plug:

Dismantling a device with a broken thread begins with removing the high-voltage cable and disconnecting the contacts. There is no need to rush, you need to be very careful. After removal, the installation site of the SZ is cleaned using a compressor; this will remove all debris and remnants of the device. Therefore, the thread cleaning procedure may take some time.
After this, you will need to take a special torque wrench; you can use it to adjust the applied force. If the candle is not working and is broken, then another tool cannot be used, since only this key can enter the NW well. In practice, device failure usually occurs on the top side of the ignition component, which is the finned insulator.
Using the key, slowly, you need to unscrew the failed SZ. The head itself and the wrench knob together with the extension must be installed exactly along the axis of the device. Unscrew the device smoothly without applying much effort. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in stripped threads, which can lead to further problems.
When dismantling the SZ, it is necessary to listen to the sounds, as they can tell a lot. If, for example, you hear a grinding sound when unscrewing, this indicates that everything is fine with the SZ and it is gradually being removed. If, after turning NW, the resistance does not begin to decrease, most likely, the metal part of the structure has already begun to melt. In this case, rotation may cause the thread to be stripped.
After this, you need to pour a solvent into the SZ socket - this substance will allow you to wash the threads and will facilitate easier unscrewing. Wait a few minutes after pouring the substance, after which you can smoothly and without sudden movements try to unscrew the SZ to the end.

You can unscrew the spark plugs without a torque wrench, but it’s better to tighten them with one!

Why do the SZ get jammed?

A correctly screwed spark plug simply cannot stick to a normally running engine. Most extraction problems are a consequence of incorrect operation. Among the main reasons for the difficult progress of the SZ are:

untimely replacement, as a result of which the SZ became stuck under the influence of prolonged mechanical and thermal loads;
poor quality material from which the candle is made;
excessive tightening force;
installation of SZ on a hot engine;
foreign particles on the threaded connection (the well was not cleaned before tightening).

What to do?

All work on replacing the SZ must be carried out only on a cold engine: without reducing the threaded hole due to expansion.

WD-40 is poured into the working area of the stuck SZ. A few hours of “soaking” is usually enough to remove accumulated scale. Then the spark plug is lightly tapped and an attempt is made to unscrew it. Often, to enhance the torque, an additional arm is used - a crank.

If these methods are not successful, it is better not to tempt fate and trust professional repairmen.

Drilling and unscrewing

If the first two methods do not help, you will need to remove the cylinder head cover and drill a hole in the spark plug holder. A special sleeve of the appropriate diameter is screwed into it, having either a hexagonal notch or a thread on the inside. This operation cannot be carried out on the engine, since there is a high risk of chips and metal dust getting into the working area of the cylinder.

It is better to take the cylinder head cover to a turning workshop, where the hole and installation of the “screw plug” will be done as carefully and accurately as possible, without damaging the thread. In any case, disassembling the cylinder head can serve as an excellent reason for routine repairs of the gas distribution mechanism, piston system and replacement of gaskets.

Such misunderstandings include the formation of spark plug carbon, an internal malfunction of the spark plug, a change in the spark plug gap (between the working contacts) and, finally, the least pleasant pleasure, the breakage of the ceramic part of the spark plug when unscrewing it from the spark plug well.

Usually what happened is accompanied by confusion, if not complete confusion. However, not everything is so scary in practice. Let's take a closer look at how to remove a broken spark plug from a cylinder head.

How to unscrew a destroyed SZ

There are often situations when unsuccessful attempts to unscrew the SZ end in failure - the failure of part of it. However, even this development of the situation is not yet a tragedy. It is quite possible to unscrew a broken SZ. For this purpose, a special key is purchased in the store - an extractor.

Armed with the necessary tools, start unscrewing:

clean the work site and fill it with WD-40;
screw the extractor into the fragment;
attach the extractor to a torque wrench and try to carefully unscrew the SZ;
creaking and crackling are normal phenomena, signaling that the candle has “gone”;
you need to turn slowly, without sudden movements and excessive efforts, so as not to break the thread;
After removal, clean the spark plug well from debris and check the integrity of the threads.

This operation is quite risky due to the high probability of thread damage. Its failure is fraught with further replacement of the cylinder head or regrinding it for a special adapter insert. However, since further operation of the car is impossible with a broken SZ, even such a risk becomes justified.

Buy new spare parts on time and do not forget to monitor the health of your car!

The procedure for replacing spark plugs in a car often does not cause any difficulties or problems for vehicle drivers, since in most such situations the procedure is carried out either as planned or in the event of an accident. When a given part becomes unusable, it is replaced using a specialized key. However, changing spark plugs can cause some inconvenience to the car owner. This happens because it burns and it is not so easy to unscrew it even with force. If the spark plug does not unscrew: what to do?

In this situation, you should not panic; all you need is to refrain from sudden movements. In this case, you can make the situation even worse. However, today there are several ways to more safely remove spark plugs that are stuck. Therefore, many drivers have a question about why the spark plug does not unscrew: what to do in this case? It is worth noting that these spare parts, which are screwed correctly in a serviceable and well-functioning engine, can burn for a reason; there must be reasons for this. However, when this part does stick, it may mean that the vehicle was not used correctly. It is for this reason that problems arise with removing candles.

Preparation

Before you start unscrewing the igniters, you need to prepare. First, you need to wait until the engine has completely cooled down.

When heated, the aluminum cylinder head expands and clamps the spark plugs into the threads, making it impossible to unscrew them. In addition, a cold unit will protect you from burns.

For the twisting procedure, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:

torque wrench;
special hexagon;
compressor;
WD-40 oil.

After the engine has cooled, you need to disconnect all contacts. Using special means and a clean rag, you must thoroughly clean the location of the heating elements from dirt so that nothing falls into the spark plug well.

Using a compressor with a thin tube or other device that pumps air, you need to blow out the well itself. This must be done very carefully, as there is usually a lot of debris and dirt in the nest. After blowing, you need to fill the socket with WD-40 oil. It will lubricate the thread and make it easier to unscrew. You can start work 10-15 minutes after the oil has been added.

Where to go if the spark plugs are stuck, and how to turn them out

There are situations when independently removing this spare part turns out quite sadly. As a rule, such cases are accompanied by deformation or breakage of the threaded hole or destruction of the spark plug itself into pieces. However, the failure of the part itself is not so disastrous, because even in this condition it can be removed. All you need to do is purchase a special key called an extractor from the store. With its help, you can remove the remains of the spark plug, but this procedure can be quite risky, because this way you can damage the threaded hole. The consequences of this procedure may involve further changing the cylinder head or converting it to a special adapter.

However, if the spark plugs are defective, the vehicle cannot be used. Still, it is worth noting that if you cannot cope with this task yourself, it is better to contact a service center for help. Therefore, many drivers of mobile vehicles turn to services with the statement: “I can’t unscrew the spark plug, what should I do?” Such requests are quite common and experienced, skilled craftsmen can help resolve this issue. Not many vehicle repair centers can do the job efficiently and accurately as required by the client.

Not all of them can fix the problem properly. And in the end, you will have to pay extra to correct the work of unprofessional service workers. Therefore, it is worth contacting professionals who know what to do in this case and can correctly and without damaging the thread remove stuck candles that are unsuitable for further work. In this case, questions about the fact that I cannot unscrew the spark plug are resolved a little faster and better. However, professionals work only in good service centers that repair and troubleshoot problems related to vehicles. Therefore, do not risk fixing problems yourself if your attempts do not work.

Take a responsible approach to resolving this issue, and the situation will not be difficult.

How to unscrew spark plugs
How to clean spark plugs
How to replace spark plugs in a Subaru

Socket wrench "10", spark plug wrench

When unscrewing a spark plug on a warm engine, it is not allowed to grasp the ceramic part of the spark plug, as this can lead to the appearance of microcracks in it, which will make the spark plug unsuitable for further use.

If it is necessary to clean the spark plug, the use of abrasive materials is prohibited, as this can lead to a decrease in the gap between the spark plug contacts.

Suitable size spark plug wrench, technical Vaseline

Using a special spark plug wrench of the appropriate size, remove the spark plugs of all cylinders. Examine them. By the appearance of the spark plug, you can assess the technical condition of the engine, as well as the spark plug itself.

• Light brown or grayish coating – the engine has been repaired;

• A reddish or tan-colored coating means that gasoline contains a lot of iron-containing additives, which leads to accelerated wear of the spark plugs. It is recommended to change the place where you refuel your car.

• Black, dry soot indicates the air-fuel mixture is too rich. This phenomenon is usually accompanied by increased fuel consumption.

• A wet black coating indicates that a large amount of oil has entered the combustion chamber.

• A yellowish coating on the spark plug insulator indicates its leakage.

• A whitish cobweb on the electrode indicates improper sparking.

In the last two described cases, the spark plugs must be replaced.

- keys;
- scan;
— special lubricant;
- measuring device.

Glow plugs. Part 2

how to unscrew a broken spark plug

Tags: replacing spark plugs, fielder, spark plug won't come out

Comments 21

Under no circumstances should problem spark plugs (like this one) be unscrewed from hot aluminum heads. This happened in the old days on cast iron heads; you would either unscrew the aluminum together with the cut thread (the new spark plug won’t hold) or break off the threaded part of the spark plug (you’d have to remove the head). There is only one option - gradually soak. Buy a large bottle of VDeshka, and every time immediately after the trip, fill the well to the maximum. Don't try to twist it right away. Next trip - if the stop is for 2-3 hours, then fill it up again. After 4-5 times, try to move the candle from its place. If you go, don’t force it right away. Fill it in again and back and forth, gradually turning it out. Don’t be afraid that VDeshka will get into the cylinder and will burn out without problems the first time you start the engine.

thanks for the comprehensive information. What do you think about the mentioned tools for unscrewing broken spark plugs/bolts and nuts? forum.amadeus-project.com…sion/index.php/t4108.html

There are others of a different type and manufacturer. They are of little use. If the thread is not tightly clamped, then it will not come off the part, but if it is a serious case, like yours, they will not help, the extractor itself will simply break off. Tested many times on myself. They are sometimes needed in simpler cases...

Damn, something is not looking so rosy (((

the eyes are afraid, but the hands are doing...

WD rules! I think she was the one who helped me. I unscrewed it without any problems and without much effort after first filling it with Vedakh for 4 nights, and then driving as usual for a couple of weeks

This is interesting: Vision testing for motorists: what do you need to know?

I'm happy for you)))) good luck.

It’s better to really prepare yourself - buy a set of extractors, not this time, they’ll come in handy next time) Check out forum.amadeus-project.com...sion/index.php/t4108.html

Well, thank you! Very useful information. You need to take a closer look at this set))) But the author writes that it’s better not to turn it on when it’s hot, but everyone here advises trying. So again I don’t know what’s best to do

It’s better to really prepare yourself - buy a set of extractors, not this time, they’ll come in handy next time) Check out forum.amadeus-project.com...sion/index.php/t4108.html

I bought a set, but, thank God, I didn’t need it)))

I also had the same problem, it couldn’t be unscrewed... I made the lever bigger and as a result the thread from the spark plug remained in place and everything else broke off. I went to the specialists and they said either disassemble the engine or come up with a special tool and pick until you can unscrew it... so you don’t need any strength or intelligence for this at all situations

+1 You shouldn’t use strong force, pour in decarbonizer or kerosene, leave it for a day, then try to unscrew it...

Extractors are sold for such situations. Or the old fashioned way - you hammer in a triangular file and unscrew what is left of the thread.

there was the same situation

I also had stuck ones on my Mazda, and that’s all) And I also broke 2 spark plugs - the ones with a hinge. Then I took the head from the tool kit, then found a longer tube - it was used as a lever. I unscrewed it with a jerk. It’s only a pity that the iridium spark plugs I supplied for 590 rubles apiece lasted a little more than 20,000 km on our gasoline (

hmm...great. I'll try to unscrew the head with the pipe while it's hot

Hot and smoothly, without jerking! More leverage is better. I have heard more than once about broken candles. Okay, I’m stuck here, but some people very often in front of me start puffing and tightening these spark plugs, and I generally keep quiet about the wheel nuts - they can even start with their feet)…

why is all this necessary? Why tighten it so hard? After all, you’ll have to unscrew it yourself later. I'll try it hot

hmm...great. I'll try to unscrew the head with the pipe while it's hot

unscrew it together with the thread, good luck!

How could you break the key, or is it double-knocked? Take a key and a pipe, push a powerful thread into the hole, and push a pipe onto it to increase leverage, and twist it, whatever will do! And you have to change the candle!

yes, exactly, with a hinge and, apparently, Chinese. It broke under more effort. I tried to unscrew it with my dad’s pipe wrench - the handle that is inserted into the hole of this very pipe bends

Using a Spline or Torx bit

The easiest and least expensive way to unscrew a broken spark plug on a VAZ is to sacrifice a curly bat in the shape of an “asterisk”. To remove the spark plug you will need a Torx, Spline or other similar socket with a size of 12 mm. You need to put an extension on the bat and with a few precise blows drive it two or three millimeters into the neck of the clip stuck in the block.

It is better to pre-treat the candle with quick-acting lubricant or pour kerosene into the groove of the lid and leave it for a day. Unscrewing a broken spark plug is done using a ratchet handle counterclockwise. This method is suitable for candles that have broken off due to defects, but they are unlikely to be able to unscrew tightly tightened candles.

Unscrewing a broken spark plug with an extractor

The spark plug can be unscrewed using a special extractor. This tool is a mixture of a drill and a tap with a left-hand thread. It is specially designed for unscrewing broken bolts and studs.

The extractor is screwed into the holder counterclockwise by hand, and further insertion occurs using a wrench. After several turns, the skirt will separate from the clip, which will get stuck on the extractor and will not allow further screwing. The skirt should be removed and the countersink inserted again. Over time, the screwing force will become so great that the spark plug will give in and come out. When using an extractor, no chips are generated that can get into the cylinder and damage it.

Unscrewing instructions

To unscrew, you can use a special hexagon or torque wrench.

Using a torque wrench, the force when unscrewing is controlled, thereby preventing thread breakage. A simple wrench for unscrewing the igniter will not work, as it will not fit into the well, in addition, you may strip the threads or break it.

Each heating element has a hexagon for a torque wrench, which is located approximately in the middle of the spark plug. Thanks to him, twisting is carried out. Usually the insulator breaks off - the upper part of the spark plug. We place the key on the remaining part of the part in the socket. After this, you should slowly begin to unscrew the part with smooth movements. In this case, the collar, head and extension must be held strictly parallel to the axis of the device. The spark plug has a right-hand thread, so it must be unscrewed counterclockwise. The movements must be made without using much force so as not to break the thread, otherwise you will have to go to the service center, since you yourself will no longer be able to unscrew the broken part.

When turning the key, listen to the sounds. If a grinding noise is heard, the part is unscrewed as expected. If you feel a jerk and unscrewing becomes easier, this may mean that the thread has been stripped. In this case, I recommend turning the key back and waiting a little while the thread cools down. Then, using smooth movements in different directions, unscrew the broken part.

(SZ) are consumables whose purpose is to transfer a spark to the engine cylinders to ignite the combustible mixture. Failure of the SZ will lead to the fact that normal operation of the motor will be impossible. In this article we will talk about how to use a screwdriver for repairs and how to unscrew the SZ.