Help! Broken spark plug in #2 cylinder (one under the turbo) I can't break it free

[adambilyeu]

I broke a spark plug off while changing them. The #2 cylinder (the closest one towards the front under the turbo exhaust) Does anyone know of a special tool to change this side of the spark plugs because there is absolutely no room to get any good torque while trying to break them free.
The 84/85 cars- this is a terrible design problem- I removed the 2 heat shields on that side but it still doesn't help. I need some ideas. I soaked it with penetration oil overnight but it still wont break free. help! Adam

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

This one is a real SOB. I had to cut a hole in the plastic inner fender in order to cut my stock downpipe in two for removal. Replaced it with a two piece downpipe. This hole allows you access to the passenger side front plug with simple socket sets and universals along with removing the passenger wheel. The hole is only visible with the wheel off. You cut the hole from the outside with the wheel off. This idea will allow the ability for max torque on the broken spark plug. There are other ideas so be patient. Brad

 

[83ttypecooled]

Hi,
I'm not familiar with sparkplug removal on hotair cars. However,usually there will be some sort of access with proper tools. For really squirrelly problems,a 3 ftX 3/8" extension and a double knuckle impact style universal plug socket will get that hard plug out through the wheel well.DONT use an impact gun; you risk breakage in the head. Good luck!

 

[Jerryl]

Hi,
I'm not familiar with sparkplug removal on hotair cars. However,usually there will be some sort of access with proper tools. For really squirrelly problems,a 3 ftX 3/8" extension and a double knuckle impact style universal plug socket will get that hard plug out through the wheel well. DONT use an impact gun; you risk breakage in the head. Good luck!

You don't know how good you got it! :tongue:
I use an 18" extension with a knuckle.
Of course, I removed the heat shields for MUCH easier access.

....... I removed the 2 heat shields on that side but it still doesn't help. I need some ideas ......

If you are thinking about getting rid of the heat shields, PM me.

 

[1dollardog]

I just got finished changing my plugs a few minutes ago. I agree it is a pain!!! For all 3 on the passanger side I had to literally sit on the motor and leverage them from that way (my knees are killing me) . I just couldn't get enough leverage from fender side. The long extention and pivot and a little muscle is the only way. The hard part for me was getting the one under the heater core back in. Tried for 20 minutes to get it started with my finger tips as well as with the socket but it wouldn't start. Finally took a boot from an old plug wire and put it on the plug. This gave me something to grip that was flexable enough to bend the plug back to the hole and start turning. Once it has a few threads in you can pull the boot off and put the socket on it with the pivot and extention.
Steve

 

[Jerryl]

I just got finished changing my plugs a few minutes ago. I agree it is a pain!!! For all 3 on the passanger side I had to literally sit on the motor and leverage them from that way (my knees are killing me) . I just couldn't get enough leverage from fender side. The long extention and pivot and a little muscle is the only way. The hard part for me was getting the one under the heater core back in. Tried for 20 minutes to get it started with my finger tips as well as with the socket but it wouldn't start. Finally took a boot from an old plug wire and put it on the plug. This gave me something to grip that was flexable enough to bend the plug back to the hole and start turning. Once it has a few threads in you can pull the boot off and put the socket on it with the pivot and extention.
Steve

Belief me, the more you do it, the easier it gets!
You can also use a piece if 1/8 vacuum hose.
I spay the holes with carb cleaner (liberally) before removing the plugs.
This will remove the oil and dirt and prevent plug contamination when reinstalling the plugs.