Ok, so I was in a hurry to get to the meet today and I was pulling out my sparkplugs. I stripped my trailing front rotor sparkplug and the white shaft on the sparkplug cracked and broke apart. Don't ask my why it happened I learned my lesson, but any advice on what to do? I researched and found options which weren't very appealing. I would like to avoid taking the engine apart. Does anyone have any other ideas?

 

You may be able to save the threads by using a thread chaser. just do it very carfully

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070921x00003a

 

The problem right now is getting the spark plug out right now. I bought a King Gator socket but it only stripped it more. The spark plug is beyond recognition now due to various attempts.

 

did you strip out the threads in the plug hole? or did you strip the hex head off of the plug?
if it is the threads then you need to run a tap through the hole and cut new threads. be sure to coat the tap in grease to pick up the metal shavings
are you using a 12 point socket? if so get a 6 point. if it doesnt fit on you could tap it on.
you could also weld a nut on to the remaining part of the plug then try to loosen it.

if you are not capable of this you need to take it to a shop so you dont make the problem worse.

if your in seattle my shop can extract it and or cut the new threads for ya. hope that helps

 

I stripped the hex head. I don't ahve the means of wielding but thats a good idea. And I was using a 12 point. I think I'll take it to a shop.

 

Should I put our plan on hold until you can check out shop options?

 

Nah let's continue. It's better if its done free than having to pay someone to do it =[ Going to a shop is but next option.

 

Does the hex bolt stick out like on the FD? You should be able to grind two opposing sides down then use a monkey wrench.

And spend $6 and get a SP socket for your plugs next time!! ;p
Btw, I just did my spark plugs Friday evening, took about 20min, so much easier than the 300ZX I had before.

~CYD

 

Snap-on or Matco trucks carry a some socket heads that remove stripped out heads. Can't remember the name off the top of my head.

Another option is Easy-out bits, you have to drill a hole into the spark plug in order to use them. Usually your last option. I've used them many a time, recently I had to do that on one of my transmission plugs. It was a stupid *** hex pattern plug. If you drill all the way through you will have to remove the shavings.

http://www.toolprice.com/category/.screwextractors/

Ace, Baxters, Napa, they should all have this kit.

GL

 

o dam that sucks :-(

 

UPDATE: I had a shop take it out for me =[