10 replies to this topic

[daemonchild]

Hey guys - me again!

Now, this is a non-mini problem, but where else would I come to ask but here with my favourite mates...!?

I'm doing a service on my girlfriend's Astra (pteugh!). It last had one way back when the Dead Sea was still only sick, so...
I can't get the spark plugs to move. At all. The aperture for the plug wrench is small, so the plug wrench sockets from my normal tool kit are too wide. I bought a suitable 10mm plug wrench from halfords, complete with springy bit, but I really cant get them to turn.

Any advice on loosening them up? Could a garage have used some air tool to tighten them? Or is it just heating/cooling/heating/cooling that's tightened them?

Cheers!

Tom

[TA2DMAC]

Spray carb cleaner, WD40 or Liquid Wrench on them and let them sit a few hours. It might loosen them up.

[icklemini]

them T shaped spark plug wrenches are pants for undoing plugs...

I use a long 10mm (with magnet end on it) spark plug socket that driven from a 3/8" ratchet/bar...

[dklawson]

+1 on using a ratchet wrench with whatever adapters and extensions you need. If the plugs are as tight as you describe, you need more leverage. Of course, remember "lefty loosey, righty tighty".

[Frisco]

Soak them in plusgas and as said you need a ratchet.
Don't rush the soaking stage though, they can break which means taking the head off

[benspickup2011]

Another thing we used to do was take it for a drive to get the head warmed up, then they come out, otter if you force them, they'll snap off, then your right in the doggy doo!

[iDemonix]

Soak them in oil for an afternoon (overnight would be better) then get something with leverage (long torque wrench?) and very very slowly apply pressure (careful not to go flying when they come unstuck).

[dow62]

I always put small amount of coppa slip on plug threads, will help you get them out in future.

[ANON]

don't bother soaking them, decent socket with a bar/ratchet. as others have said the t bar ones are useless.

[Tamworthbay]

Soaking is definately worth it, Diesel is the cheapest and works a treat. Halfords do some amazing stuff called shock and unlock which has shifted stuff on occasions when all else had afiled.

[daemonchild]

Cheers guys! I was worried about the soaking option causing them to break up as mentioned above. We'll try it nonetheless if the following doesn't work. I like the idea of getting the block warm, so we'll do that... on the way to Halfords to buy a suitable deep socket for my tool kit!