Spark Plug Removal

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Last edited by kcb37; 04-23-2013 at 11:25 PM.
Reply:So this started in 2005 (going slow)  bought my 1949 F-1.  Have found over the years the engine was rebuild and sleeved, one sleeve fell figured that's why it was parked.  (last registerd in 76.)I tried to get the spark plugs out in 05, broke the first two.  Got one out with an extractor a friend let me use.  Was afraid of breaking the extractor on the second.  So I stopped.Fast forward over the years to now, not sure if I want to rebuild the flathead 6 or put in a newer V8.  Was in the shop (detatched garage) looked down at the head and over at my little 110 Eastwood mig.  Figured why not, I know this works, seen alot of pics, read alot, etc...So I drag the head over the to door (weld outside) and proceded to go a little different route and weld a bolt the the plug.  Took a very thin layer off the top.  So I found another bolt and took out what was left of the plug.  Did not clean this up other then blowing out the center with a blow gun.  So I ended up with the ground on the bolt.  Which cause a very crooked bolt.  But it came out so I'm happy.  Either way thinking I am going to go with a newer V8 so not much to loose.Here are some pics for ya.The truck, the head, the plug in the head, and out.  Took pics when I did it, but storage card broke so this is what I have.Going to add, welded it, soaked with PB Blaster right after, let it cool about 3 min.Took some effort with a 3/8" ratchet.  It turned and was spining pretty easy.Previously had a 12" Cresent on it with the extractor and alot of force.Last edited by kcb37; 04-23-2013 at 11:25 PM.
Reply:Good deal on removing the old plug. At least that opens up the possibilty of rebuilding the engine and restoring the old truck to more original condition if you want to go that route. Not many of the old flat head sixes still functioning.I would tend to believe that the heat from the welding may have helped in breaking the plug free since you had such a time with the other using the extractor and 12". Heat can be a BIG help in freeing rusted threads.
Reply:ive found extractors to cause problems in thin walled stuff like broken spark plugs, they tend to bulge out the part causing it to bind in the threaded hole, welding does the opposite, it will cause some shrinkage which makes things a lot easier.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauI would tend to believe that the heat from the welding may have helped in breaking the plug free since you had such a time with the other using the extractor and 12". Heat can be a BIG help in freeing rusted threads.
Reply:Congratulations! Welding is my go to method for broken and stuck bolt removal. Good luck on the restoration.
Reply:I did a stuck bolt on a V8 ford pickup.  It was either get the plug out or pull the cylinder head.  I amazed myself.  I didn't have much hope but it worked.  I used a short piece of pipe and stick welding inside the bottom of the pipe.
Reply:There is another method to remove rusted stuck parts.  Heat the part and apply candle wax and let it seep into the threads.  I have used this on O2 sensors.
Reply:Great extraction job.   And now you can say ". . . and that's how it's done." Keep us posted on the restore.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Nice save.I did the same thing with a rusted and corroded heating element in the bottom of my water heater. It was either try welding to it or buy a whole new heater. Saved myself hundreds of dollars. Don't trash that engine. Even if you go with a V-8, take on the flathead as a project. Post pictures. Then put it up for sale for some profit.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:A method that has worked on newer engines with stuck plugs is to shoot the plug with a heavy coat of PB Blaster. The secret is to then use a drill with torque settings and a socket to vibrate the hell out of the plug. The ratcheting action of the drill causes the PB Blaster to work its way down the threads of the plug. It may take a couple tries, but I bet you get the plug out without damaging the threads in the head.The drill won't get it out. You still will need a wrench or ratchet to break it loose.
Reply:Nice save! Hobart Handler 190Hobart Spool-Gun 100Lincoln 225 ACMiller & Pipeliner HoodDewalt 14" Chopsaw, GrindersHarris O/AVictor TorchCustom Built O/A CartCustom Welding CartHeavy Duty 16 Speed Floor Drill PressPipe-BenderDrill Doctor