Spark plug removal concern?

Tiny
RWALBROEHL
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,000 MILES
Need to change spark plugs after 19 years in car with 78000. Was concerned if they will come out ok without stripping. Someone said something about shooting some P Blaster down at the base overnight but Idon'tt feel like getting that in the engine or on plugs. What's your feelings on the issue?
Thanks Bob
Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 AT 3:32 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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  • 10 POSTS
Were you able to see my concern regarding removing my spark plugs?
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Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,433 POSTS
PBlaster won't hurt it if it did get into the cylinders, it would be a tiny amount and instantly burnt off. What I would do is start it, run it some. Use air to blow any dirt from around the plugs, then a quick shot of blaster into the wells. Then remove the plugs. They should come out without a lot of fuss.
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Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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I heard not to try to remove them until the engine is cold. So run its to warm up then remove engine cover and coils and spray with a little blaster and then let it sit overnight until its cold and then remove them?
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Thursday, October 9th, 2025 AT 4:52 PM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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Okay, thanks. Should they engine be cold before trying to remove them?
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Thursday, October 9th, 2025 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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Run the engine, while it is warm spray it. Then let the engine cool down and remove the plugs. You do it this way because of thermal expansion. The plugs are made of steel, the head is aluminum. The have different rates of expansion that makes the plugs grip tighter as the aluminum expands when heated up. The plugs dissipate heat from the cylinder through the threads and seat and they expand as well. So when they are warm they are the tightest they can be. Now you shut off the engine and the coolant and aluminum cools off fastest with the plugs holding heat longer and staying expanded a little longer due to them being steel. Once they all cool down the threads will "loosen" up some, the blaster can then seep in a bit. Now you can break them free and remove them.
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Thursday, October 9th, 2025 AT 6:56 PM
Tiny
RWALBROEHL
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Thank you sir.
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Friday, October 10th, 2025 AT 7:07 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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STEVE W. Is one of our best! Let us know if you need anything else, we are here to help.
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Friday, October 10th, 2025 AT 8:25 AM

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