My 85 GT started missing when under load last week so I decided to do some overdue maintenance (plugs, wires, distributer cap, ignition control module, oil, o2 sensor (which had fallen out somehow)). To make a long story short, the front plugs were rusted into the had and I twisted one of them apart trying to get it out (the threads are still in the head, the rest of it came out). So, I have a few questions:

1. Can the head be removed without pulling the engine, or is it easier just to pull the whole thing?
2. Has this ever happened to anyone? Do the front plugs tend to rust more than the rear?

Thanks for the help
Charlie

Yes & yes.
You have to pull the entire intake off of course as well as the exhaust manufold & bracket for the AC compressor. It's not a big deal to do it in the car (stand in the trunk; go under it for some bolts), just a pain in the back.
The front cylinders get water on them so the plugs tend to rust in. Put anti-sieze on them to help.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Thanks for the prompt response! I thought of question number 3.

If this has happened to anyone else, how did you fix it - did you have to replace the head or is there a trick to getting the threads out?

Thanks again
Charlie

Same thing happened to me, took hours, but I was able to get the remainder of the sparkplugs out without damageing the threads (used my tap and die set fom Sears). If worse comes to worse they do sell repair thread kits at most local parts store. If you are unsure of your skills to perform this a machine shop should be able to do everything for you in a 24 hours or less turnaround time frame.
Bottom line is you do have options, just see what works best for you.

Should have said I drilled mine out &, once it got hot running the drill through it, the remainder screwed out.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

You might also want to consider, while it may be a task, getting those broken spark plugs out, it'll be even more challenging getting those front exhaust manifold bolts out!

Unless of course you just drop the engine so you can get to everything.

I've had 2 cars I dealt with broken plugs, and chose to delay first and try and get the plugs out. Glad I did. In both cases I was successful. I still need to do some manifold work eventually, and from what I've researched, it's either a week of soaking bolts before you start, or dropping the engine so it's easier to get to everything.

Know this doesn't give you any great suggestions, just trying to be supportive for what many of us have already been through.

Good luck

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Marc in sunny Titusville, FL

• 84 SE son's car, loaded
  
• 85 Coup w/V6 transplant
  
• 85 GT newly on the road
  
• 86 SE/GT conversion just bought - big plans!