Seized Spark Plug - Pulled threads!!

HellStorm · 07-20-2008

Well I finished my X-Charger installation and was very excited about firing it up! Unfortunately, at the very end of the install when I went to replace the spark plugs, cylinder #3's plug was a bear. I assume the plug was cross threaded when it was installed. My car has 11000 miles on it and still had the original plugs. So now instead of testing out my supercharger install (which looks awesome) I am waiting for a tow truck to take my car to the dealership to see if they can work some magic on the threads in the head for cylinder #3. Has anyone ever had this happen before? I have always been really careful about threading sparkplugs correctly and this is the first time I have had difficulty removing a plug from such a new car. Needless to say I am a little bummed out about this turn of events. I hope the repair is not too extensive and I can get my car back soon! I haven't even been able to crank the car up since the X install. I am sure the dealership is going to have a field day with my car once they see the supercharger setting on top of the engine. I hope they will still work on my plug thread issue-even if I have to tow the car back to my house to op-check it.
All in all, the X-charger install was pretty cut and dry. Too bad the easy thing ended up bitting my in the tail.

**stlwagon** · 07-20-2008

First I've heard of this on a V6... Very common on the GT.

adabiri2 · 07-20-2008

Aluminum Head. Spark plug is pot metal.

You should run the motor for a couple seconds to "warm" it, and the plugs will come out easier.

Hard lesson learned w/ my Pontiac. I looked in the book and they recommend anti-seize on top two threads(not near combustion chamber).

It only pulled a couple peices out and the new spark threaded right in. So see if you can thread it first.

Use ANTI-SEIZE on all of them.

**stlwagon** · 07-20-2008

If the plug remains in the head, Ford charges like $250 to remove it.

05horse · 02-02-2009

yikes! yea i busted one off.. but i got it.

good luck!

burnrubber4.0 · 02-02-2009

ooo the suspense! yea ive heard of this more on the GT's too. its pretty common i guess. im almost afraid to pull mine but i guess at 25000mi i better go ahead and do it before i get too much build up. but 110000mi on stock plugs, thats pretty good. let us know how it goes, id also like to know a little more on that x instal.

**stlwagon** · 02-03-2009

A thin coat of anti-seize on the barrel will help reduce the chance of them breaking.

Mustang2005 · 02-04-2009

How much will Ford charge if you just have them replace the plugs. And do they charge extra if they break one.

ModularMuscle · 02-05-2009

I'm pulling mine today to put in Autolite HT0 plugs.

I think I'm going to let Lead Blaster soak on them for a few minutes first.

**stlwagon** · 02-05-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustang2005

How much will Ford charge if you just have them replace the plugs. And do they charge extra if they break one.

If it breaks when they remove them (assuming they're Motorcraft plugs), they'd be responsible.

billthecougnut · 02-07-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlwagon

If it breaks when they remove them (assuming they're Motorcraft plugs), they'd be responsible.

Stlwagonl: do you know if this aplies to folks whose warrentee has expired?

BIG G · 02-07-2009

if the warentee is up it will not be covered by ford

big G

**stlwagon** · 02-07-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by billthecougnut

Stlwagonl: do you know if this aplies to folks whose warrentee has expired?

I would certainly think so. It would be the same if they damaged something else while the car was in their care.