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Too tight spark plugs

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2017 8:59 am
by mannncho
Hello.
I got car in for sparkplugs change. and other things also. First mechanic told me that he managed to take 1 out, but other 3 are too tight, and that he dont want to risk to break something bigger. Gues that previous owner tighten them way too much. I called another mechanic, he told me the same thing. that he can try, but result can be very expensive part change, and that I need to be prepared. Is this really the case? is possible to break something if used lot f force? Im sceptic because mechanics here like to earn good on people. But id like to know if this is the true or not.

Re: Too tight spark plugs

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2017 10:09 am
by Cuprabob
If the spark plugs are over tightened or cross-threaded there is a risk they will shear and leave part of the plug will be left in the thread of the head.

Re: Too tight spark plugs

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2017 10:14 am
by xjay1337
Sometimes they can be tight. I remember on my friends car we were changing the plugs and one was very, very tight. A few sharp, smooth movements on a ratchet freed it out without issue.
They need to be secured but don't need to be done up to two ugga duggas.

Re: Too tight spark plugs

Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2017 5:44 am
by mannncho
Yes, but somebody done it wrong. Is true that is possible to damage whole head if try to remove them with more force?

Re: Too tight spark plugs

Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2017 10:04 am
by blower
It is possible to damage the thread if you use too much force - but this is usually when they have been mis-threaded.

Spark plugs should always be removed on a cold engine, that is when they are the safest to remove - if the engine is hot you can damage the thread more easily.
If you are taking it to a mechanic - might be worth leaving it with them for a day and they can try removing them in the morning.