While removing a spark plug, it sheared off flush with the cylinder head. I applied WD40 a couple times over 36 hours & then attempted to use an easy out to remove the stuck threads, but it the threads won't budge. Any suggestions ?
If the only solution is to remove the cylinder head & take it to a machine shop, how difficult is it to remove the head ?
Note: in answer to your probable question: I waited about 6 hours after last use of the car; but with AZ heat that was obviously NOT enough time - won't do that again. :-(
Hello rite this is 1 ive actually done my self on my audi a3 .u need a nice size rachet extention bar with a torx bit(most car parts place stock these should cost about £10) on the end of the bar(similar to a star but with 6ix points on it and made of hard metal)place it into the cyclinder head in the middle of the rest of the spark plug and tap the end of the bar with a hammer not hard though literally tap it then turn the plug out of the head there not made of that harder metal plugs plus ull have a few mre attempts than an eazy out ..remember right for tight left for loose..hope this helps
If you have the nerve you could try using a screw extractor
Get an old plug saw it off at the same point as the other one sheared aan use it for a dummy run
Take a drill and make a hole down the centre big enough for the screw extractor (They come in different sizes and a set is quite cheap)
See if you can obtain a reasonable grip with the screw extractor
Make sure you do not drill right down to the porcilain other wise on the real attempt you will end up with the broken bits in the piston bores.
If you go for it then coat the area around the broken plug top with grease to catch any swarf when you use the drill
Clean up the area and then apply some heat to the block area not the plug give it a few minutes and then try the extractor
If that does not work then it is a workshop job
Really concerned about putting a torx bit into the end of the damaged plug and giving it a tap .
If the porcelain tip breaks the end of the snapped plug you have instant scoring of the barrel when you first start the engine up
That is a lot more expensive than even taking the head off to get the old plug out
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Use more tork?
Fig. 3: Hold the spark plug boot firmly, while giving it a slight 1/2 twist in each direction before pulling it off of the spark plug. remenber do this one at a time. replace the whole wire with new one.
Fig. 4: Once all dirt is removed from around the spark plug, carefully loosen and remove the plug
Fig. 5: Pull the used spark plug out of the cylinder head once it is completely loosened
Remove the spark plugs when the engine is cold, if possible, to prevent damage to the threads. If removal of the plugs is difficult, apply a few drops of penetrating oil(WD40) or silicone spray to the area around the base of the plug, and allow it a few minutes to work.1,008 views
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Thanks to all who answered; the plug threads were too imbedded, so I'll be removing the head & taking it to a shop for removal.
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