I'm in the middle of following the DIY to change my spark plugs. One of the old ones on the passenger closest to cabin does not want to come out!

I've put my whole weight againt it and it still won't budge!

Any suggestions to get it loose?

Also, in the case that I can't get it out, is there any issue driving with 5 new and 1 old one until I can get to a mechanic?

Thanks in advance

 

I don't think there will be a problem with 5 new and 1 old spark plug unless the old one is dead or damage.

 

Try spraying a little WD-40 and let it penetrate. There's also something called PB Blaster that works well with loosening rusted nuts and I would say it's a little better than WD-40.

If this still doesn't work, try warming up the engine and then trying to loosen it. The heat on the aluminum block should expand and the spark plug should be easier to remove.

To prevent this, I would suggest putting anti-seize paste on the threads of the spark plug when you change them out. You can get it from any auto parts store and it's usually a silver/black thick paste. Only put a little bit on the threads to prevent them from seizing up, like in your situation. You don't want to put too much and have it squeeze out into the combustion chamber.

Good luck!

 

you have to try to BREAK the torque. not with the slow, smooth pressure of your weight, but with a FAST, jerk motion. you have to act like an impact wrench. if you cant do it, hit your wrench/ratchet with something, a mallet or 2x4. or try to extend your ratchet/wrench by putting a pipe over it, allowing you more leverage.

allowiing the engine to warm up like previously mentioned is another good tip ive never even thought of

 

however, you should wait for the engine to cool before you reinstall for the same reason. if you dont have a torque wrench, you should install the plugs finger tight first, and then give them another ONE HALF to TWO THIRDS more of a turn.

 

es808 is right...though I've only done it on a Honda head, same principle. Get the car to operating temp, and then remove the stuck plug. Do wait till it cools to reinstall the new one. Might wanna try antisease too in the future.

 

Thanks gents.... I got it done... Used a longer rachet for more leverage and it came off easily. Unfortunately the only longer rachet I had was my torque wrench... Hopefully I didn't mess up the calibration.

After I was done I got the check VSC light.... After reinspecting all of the sensored I realized I didn't plug one back in and the light came off.

Anyhow, its all done! Thanks for input... Seeing the mpg's going up already

 

Wouldn't heating it have the opposite effect? Everything expands when heated, including the walls of the engine around the spark plug and the plugs themselves. It also why you should only install the plugs when the engine has cooled properly - so you get the proper torque. I'm not 100% sure but I think you'd be better off ensuring the whole engine is completely cold before doing this.

 

An 18-24" pipe slid over the ratchet handle usually will loosen that bugger up! Never use the torque wench.

 

+1 man, never use a torque wrench for anything but torquing.

 

anthrax...the expansion of the metals is what you want. The aluminum block will expand faster and more than the smaller ceramic/stainless plug (which is designed to withstand heat). Although the expansion will be very slight, it will be enough to loosen the threads. Remember a .001 inch expansion is huge when you're talking about thread clearances.

sean glad you got your plug out.

 

Never a good idea to pull a plug from a hot head. Good way to screw the threads up and have to pull the head.