My car has been running rough lately and shakes a little bit, it even tripped the check engine light. I had my mechanic look at it and he says he's not sure, but that the spark plugs were tightened too much and he didn't want to risk stripping the head by forcing them. Any idea on how to losen them up? They were installed at 75K miles and I'm at 97K now. My mistake was letting my friend tighten them instead of torqueing them to the right setting. Also, the mechanic said i should have put anti-seize on them because it is an aluminum head. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Well, there's not much you can do aside from taking the head off and putting some anti-seize spray on both sides or just hoping that they will come out with some brute force. You could try to spray some anti-seize compound in there like Liquid Wrench and see if it helps at all because I believe the stuff is flamable and will just burn off if it gets into the combustion chamber.

Just be gentle and even when trying to get them out.

 

Look into what metal the plugs are made of. From my understanding aluminum expands differently than steel or iron.... so it could be possible that the plugs will come out when the engine is at a high temperature.

Just a suggestion... I don't know if that'll help or work or not. Good luck!

 

Good thoughts man! :yes:

 

Also, if the worst happens and one of the spark plug holes does strip out... ask your local auto mechanic about Heli-Coil™ replacement thread inserts.

I had this same fate befall me with my GTi. The grease monkey who worked on the car before it came into my hands forgot to use anti-sieze and we had to use a breaker bar to get the plug out. :eek4:

Since I had AAA, I had the car towed to the machine shop in Larkspur. They were able to ream out the stripped threads and drive in the Heli-Coil threaded insert without taking off the head. The whole process took about 1.5 hours.

 

actually, be carefull with letting the motor be really hot and trying it. heating causes the metals to expand and may make the threads lock even tighter.

 

so put a fan on it when its cold (if it ever is)...i think ur going to have to strip them :/

 

Just do it when the engine has been off overnight. You want the head to be as cold as possible.

 

exactly my thought perhaps just go ahead and strip them out, and look into those Heli-Coil™ replacement thread inserts otherdave mentioned.

 

what about pouring some penatrating lube down there. I know it doesn't rust but just for the lubrication factor, I think it may help.