jammed in spark plugs....

[fitz_vt]

my spark plug on one of my cylinders is not budging.... i don't wanna force it too much because it could break or i might have to get a helicoil..... and i dont wanna do that.
does anyone have any solutions apart from taking it to a mechanic to have them changed?!?

[Ozzie]

what u usin to take it out?

a proper sparkplug socket should easily remove it.

[fitz_vt]

a T bar but its not solid its flexible and i tried using a socket wrench with a 5/8 spark plug socket on it.

[Ozzie]

youll need a 16mm sparkplug socket, an extention and a rachet and it will undo with ease

[fitz_vt]

thats what i am using.... its 5/8(16 MM with a 2" extension and it wont budge

[Ozzie]

are you sure your turning it the right direction (anti clockwise)?

the plugs shouldnt have been done up tight in the first place,
try a breaker bar over the rachet and force it if its that tight, but beware the damage to the thread may already be done.

[fitz_vt]

i think the tosser of a mechanic that changed them last time (not a holden bloke or myself) tightened them too tight... thanks for your help i will try what you have suggested and write back.....

PS ..... turning the right way for the 6th spark plug is to the rear of the engine bay correct??

[Ozzie]

you should be turning left for all plugs (anti clockwise)

[fitz_vt]

thanks ozzie

[Ozzie]

your welcome mate let me know how you go

[fitz_vt]

will do i might let her cool down overnight and do it in the morning.

[fitz_vt]

nope sparky's wouldnt budge even when cold...

[pablo]

You could try running some penetrating oil (WD40, etc)around the plug base, leave overnight or when you use the car, the heat will let it work in a little more. Slide a piece of pipe over the tommy bar to give more leaverage. Make sure you don't tilt the socket when applying force, otherwise you chance breaking the insulator, then if you are unsuccessful, it makes difficult driving with 7 working cylinders to get profesional help.
Pablo