Someone tightened the spark plugs too tight and.

ANONYMOUS

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
65,000 MILES

Someone tightened the spark plugs too tight and I can't seem to break them loose with regular force. Is there something I can do or should I just use enough force too break them loose? I know this must be done on a cold engine, but I'm afraid I may twist one off where I can't get it out, or strip the threads out of the aluminum head. It's a 2002 2.2L Eco-Tech engine.

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 AT 2:21 AM

13 Replies

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

I DON'T KNOW YOUR ENGINE----I DON'T KNOW HOW DEEP THEY ARE

JUST CHECKING (NEVER KNOW). CCW (LEFTY-LOOSY)?

OTHER THAN JUST "GOING FOR IT"

DO YOU THINK THIS PRODUCT (DESIGNED TO SHRINK THE INNER PART) MIGHT HELP. THE "NORM" IS TO HEAT AND EXPAND THE "OUTER PART" (W/ HEAT---PROBABLY NOT AN OPTION HERE)

I'VE USED THIS PRODUCT AND ALSO AN "AIR DUSTER" (TURNED UPSIDE DOWN. LIKE FOR BLOWING OFF YOUR KEYBOARD)---FREEZING STUFF HAS WORKED FOR ME, WHEN I WAS IN A BIND

HERE'S YOU A PIC

KEEP US POSTED

THE MEDIC

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 AT 2:53 AM

BENSJETS

MEMBER
64 POSTS

Thanks everyone. I will try the locktight freeze product. Its hard to believe someone would tighten the plugs this tight. I'd just go for it as someone suggested, but I'm afraid of breaking something and then having to take the head off to fix. I still may try my impact wrench with the hopes that the vibrations will help to break them loose. They are all the way in. The car runs ok, just want a starting point being I just bought the car.

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 AT 3:14 AM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

WHEN YOU GET THE NEW ONES

YOU JUST CAN'T GET TOO MUCH "ANTI-SEIZE" ON THEM THREADS! ( I MEAN--DO IT BETTER THAN OLE JUAN DID AT THE FACTORY!). EVEN IF THEY COME WITH IT ON 'EM---KEEP IT ON THE THREADS.I "GOB" ANTI-SEIZE ON ANYTHING I MAY WANT TO GET BACK OFF!

INSURE YOU LET US KNOW HOW IT'S-A-GOING!

THE MEDIC

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 AT 3:23 AM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

The eco tech plugs are about 6 inches in. What length ratchet are you using?Also you are using a 5/8" spark plug socket correct?If your using a spark plug socket there is less chance of breaking the plug. If your using a shorter 3/8" drive ratchet you will have to get a longer 12 plus inch ratchet. Also you could try turning the plug a quarter turn loose then spray some pub blaster penetrant spray down in the plug wells and let it soak in. On the new plugs put some anti seize on the. Threads when you put steel into aluminum you should really have that on the factory doesn't use it.

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 AT 2:59 PM

BENSJETS

MEMBER
64 POSTS

I'm using a half inch drive ratchet, a 5/8" spark plug socket and a long enough extension. My problem is I can't budge them.I'm afraid if I try to much force, I'll pull the threads out of the aluminum head.I haven't tried the loctite freeze product yet, and I'm having a hard time trying to understand how this stuff is going to reach the threads on the plugs, especially being they are made to seal and let nothing in or out. Louie, if this is you, hello my old friend. You really helped me out when I owned a Saturn. You really now your business. If this isn't Louie, please don't take offense. I mean no disrespect. And yes everyone, I will differently use plenty of anti-seize on the new plugs if I ever get the old ones out. Thanks again everyone.

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Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 AT 4:53 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

I'M NOT THERE---THEY ARE RECESSED

OBJECT THIS TIME IS COOL THE CENTER KEEP THE OUTER PART WARM

SO I'VE DEVISED A CJ MEDEVAC-O-MATIC PLAN!

THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE THREADS ON THE PLUG COOLER IS GONNA BE THRU "CONDUCTION"

COOL THE HEX BODY AND HOPE IT WILL TRANSFER THRU THE STEEL TO THE THREADS

AT THE SAME TIME---KEEPING IT OFF OF THE ALUMINUM. NO WANTY THAT TO SHRINK TOO!

USE A PLAIN JANE DEEP SOCKET SHOVED OVER THE PLUG. SQUIRT THE "COLD STUFF" INTO THE SOCKET. HENCE, MAYBE THAT WILL CONTAIN IT AROUND JUST THE PLUG BODY, MAYBE LITTLE WILL SLIP PAST IT

WHEN YOU THINK IT'S READY---SWAP BACK OVER TO THE SPARK PLUG SOCKET (W/ INTERNAL RUBBER) AND ATTEMPT TO TURN IT

I SHOULDA BEEN AN ENGINEER.I ALWAYS HAVE LIKED TRAINS!

THE MEDIC

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Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 AT 1:13 AM

SATURNTECH9

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Yes this is louie and am sure I did help you when you did have a Saturn I have helped thousands of people on here with Saturn's They used the eco techs on some of the Saturn models so I know those engines also. Has the plugs ever been changed?Because those plugs in those engines are good for 100,000 miles. Also if the threads were to pull you could repair it without pulling the head. With a timesert which is stronger then the oringal threads. Its what all the gm dealers use to repair threads on the car's. If your doing maintaince there good for a 100,000 miles. Also I wouldn't use a impact gun to remove the plugs.

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Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 AT 5:13 AM

BENSJETS

MEMBER
64 POSTS

CJ MEDAVAC'S idea sounds like it may work. But keeping the product off the aluminum even squirting in the socket as he suggest sounds a bit tricky. Glad you are still there louie. I live in Pa and doing this in my driveway. I never heard of timesert, but it sounds expensive and I'm on a very low fixed income.I as able to get one out easy. It was an AC plug, so I'm guessing they are the orginal ones. If I wait til 100,000, it seems to me they will be even harder to get out. Also, I won't try the impact wrench as Louie suggest. Never steered me wrong yet, not meaning everyone on this site doesn't know their stuff. Just bought the car used and trying to make my own maintence schedule. It does run great, but maybe I can make it run better, and lets not forget the gas prices. Pa. Is getting ready to put another gas tax on us here. Thanks again everyone for your suggestions, and I'm very glad to here from Louie again. He is the tops when it comes to Saturns without a doubt.

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Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 AT 6:41 AM

BENSJETS

MEMBER
64 POSTS

Sorry people. I should've asked if pulling the threads is a common thing on these models before I start this project?

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Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 AT 12:24 PM

SATURNTECH9

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Pulling the threads isn't common on the eco tech I have changed tons of plugs on them and its not a common thing that happens.

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Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 AT 4:12 PM

BENSJETS

MEMBER
64 POSTS

Thanks Saturntech9 (Louie). I'm just going to use the correct tools and arm force to take them out. You have NEVER been wrong yet dealing with my auto problems. As soon as the winds die down here in Pa, I'll be in the driveway trying. Thanks again and really good to have your help once again. I hope you and yours are safe and well. I'll let a message here once I've tried so to keep you updated.

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Monday, March 4th, 2013 AT 8:18 AM

BENSJETS

MEMBER
64 POSTS

They came out without much problems. Thanks again everyone for your help and suggestions. Also a BIG shout to Saturntech9. If he ever tells you something to do to fix your auto, I suggest doing it. He knows his business and has always been exactly right. If one listens to what he says, it will save you time and probably money too. Thanks Louie.
Sincerely,
N. Lockamy

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Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 AT 9:53 PM

SATURNTECH9