Removing broken spark plug?

[SA E30]

Ok, I'm stumped.

The spark plug snapped off inside the cylinder head. Only part that is left is the threaded section and the portion of the electrode that extends into the combustion chamber.

I have tried an easy out but it just starts stripping out once its tight.

Any other options?

[jlevie]

An easy out is the only option, whether the head is on the engine or on the bench. The odds are that the threads in the head are going to be trashed when you do get the remains of the plug out and a TimeSert will be needed. I'd recommend that you pull the head, take it to a machine shop, and let a pro deal with it.

[AndrewBird]

Tap the easy-out into the spark plug with a hammer. This will seat it better and make it bite in better.

[sharky]

;Nitros got it, it sucks but it work. Spray the shit out of it w/ PB and let it sit too.

[andrewm]

An easy out is the only option, whether the head is on the engine or on the bench. The odds are that the threads in the head are going to be trashed when you do get the remains of the plug out and a TimeSert will be needed. I'd recommend that you pull the head, take it to a machine shop, and let a pro deal with it.

I'd pull the head myself, honestly.

[AndrewBird]

Might as well try and do it without pulling it. Worse case you have to pull it anyway. Might as well try and save a lot of time and effort.

[sharky]

dont pull the head, I have done this many times with a extractor

[SA E30]

dont pull the head, I have done this many times with a extractor

I assume you mean bolt extractor? That was my 1st idea but I couldn't get one big enough for the hole.

I tried tapping it, and spraying it with Tool in a Can (same idea as PB Blaster), same thing. Looks like it would need to be drilled out.

I assume there isn't a way to do that with the head still on the car, without getting gunk into the combustion chamber?

[Massimo]

Turn car on?

[delatlanta1281]

A plumbing supplier can get you a good bolt extractor, I used to work for this company. We made all kinds of bolt extractors.

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/25-Screw-Extractor-Set/EN/index.htm

Pricey, but they are the jazz.
smaller set

http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/10-Screw-Extractor-Set/EN/index.htm

You may be able to order them through Home Depot as well. Contractor sales usually has a Ridgid catalog handy. Just make sure it's the plumbing company, not the power tool company. A plumbing house may have them in stock though.

[SA E30]

I'm in South Africa, might take a while for it to get here :P I like the idea tho! Let's see if Ican source anything locally.

[delatlanta1281]

There's plumbing in SA, Ridgid will be sold there.

[Tino-m30b35]

Jy sal die head moet afhaal jong. Sterkte ;)

[SA E30]

What I eventually did was drilled the spark plug out with tons of grease on the bit, then used an ociloscope and checked for debris in the engine, and vaccumed the tiny bit out that I could find, and stuck a magnet in there to check for good measure.

I then installed a timesert and redid my checking of debris.

Car has been running great, and saved me a ton of time, and mostly money.