 
     |
| 1986 2.8 V6 - spark plug # 4 just spins (Page 2/3) |
|
Skybax
|
JUL 12, 04:07 PM
|
|
Cast iron.
Sounds like your porcelain tower is cracked (common due to improper install or removal).
First things first, use a light and a mirror to get a good look at what is moving and what is not.
To remove the spark plugs...
- remove all 3 spark plug wire boots from all 3 spark plugs below the rear window
- use an air can or air gun to blow debris out from around spark plug base
- use a pick to scrape/dig around all 3 spark plugs to remove any remaining debris
- again use an air can or air gun to blow debris out from around spark plug base
- spray some PB Blaster around all 3 spark plugs and let that soak over night
- NOW you are ready to attempt to remove the spark plugs, using a spark plug socket that has rubber gasket inside the keep it centered around porcelain tower, making sure the socket is fully seated on the spark plug base, with a ratchet and short extension, firmly and swiftly you want to crack the spark plug loose, then ratchet it out.
Disclaimer: In very rare cases depending how rusty it is or how long the spark plugs have been in there, the spark plugs can break off in the head when trying to remove them, but again that's very rare, and that's why its wise to follow the instructions above to minimize that risk.
I changed approximately 23,400 spark plugs on all makes and models, many old and rusty, for 60 hours a week over 3 years time... and NEVER had one break off.[This message has been edited by Skybax (edited 07-12-2021).]
|
|
|
Patrick
|
JUL 12, 04:23 PM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by ArthurPeale:
what I thought - what I hoped - was that the hex part of the assembly was spinning separate from the threaded part of the assembly, but the gist I'm getting is that it's all one piece, is that accurate? I know on some spark plugs they can be separate.
If you put a finger on the top of the plug, it will wiggle, just a little.
|
|
The shell (where the socket wrench grabs), threaded portion and side electrode are all basically one metal piece. The insulator, insulator tip (and center electrode) are "glued" to the outer metal parts. If the shell ever somehow broke off from the threaded portion, I suspect the shell and insulator would just pull away from the head rather easily.
 [This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-12-2021).]
|
|
|
|
ArthurPeale
|
JUL 12, 04:24 PM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by Skybax:
Cast iron.
Sounds like your porcelain tower is cracked (common due to improper install or removal).
First thing first...
- remove all 3 spark plug wire boots from all 3 spark plugs at the firewall
- use an air can or air gun to blow debris out from around spark plug base
- use a pick to scrape/dig around all 3 spark plugs to remove any remaining debris
- again use an air can or air gun to blow debris out from around spark plug base
- spray some PB Blaster around all 3 spark plugs and let that soak over night
Now you are ready to attempt to remove the spark plugs, using a spark plug socket that has rubber gasket inside the keep it centered around porcelain tower, making sure the socket is fully seated on the spark plug base, with a ratchet and short extension, firmly and swiftly you want to crack the spark plug loose, then ratchet it out.
Disclaimer: In very rare cases depending how rusty it is in there or how long the spark plugs have been it there, the spark plugs can break off in the head when trying to remove them, but again that's very rare, and that's why its wise to follow the instructions above to minimize that risk.
|
|
So I see. Just looked. IDK why I thought it was aluminum.
I appreciate the tips. This is not my first Fiero for which I've removed the rear plugs, so I had a little bit of experience doing this. The PO seems to have replaced at least five of the six plugs in the recent past, because all of the plugs I've checked have been fairly clean. When I was going through the trunk after taking ownership, I found two very crusty plugs (likely from the back). One was intact, the other was broken in two. There wasn't a third. I'm thinking the PO had issues removing #4 and just stopped.
|
|
|
Patrick
|
JUL 12, 04:29 PM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by ArthurPeale:
This is not my first Fiero for which I've removed the rear plugs... I found two very crusty plugs (likely from the back).
|
|
You're doing it again. 
| quote | Originally posted by ArthurPeale:
Curses; yes, of course. Brain did the thing where when you're facing it, that's then the front.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patrick
|
JUL 12, 04:44 PM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
If the shell ever somehow broke off from the threaded portion, I suspect the shell and insulator would just pull away from the head rather easily.
|
|
Perhaps you're dealing with the same issue as in this thread - Broken spark plug
I tried to enlarge and "enhance" the one photo posted in that thread. Still a lousy image, but...
|
|
|
|
Will
|
JUL 12, 04:45 PM
|
|
This wasn't a Fiero.
Sometimes S@#$% happens with spark plugs
I was SUPER lucky in this case in that I was able to get the shell out with a fancy extractor.[This message has been edited by Will (edited 07-12-2021).]
|
|
|
|
ArthurPeale
|
JUL 12, 05:47 PM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
You're doing it again.
|
|
R A G E
sorry about that
If it was like the situation in the thread you referenced, wouldn't the porcelain and hex come out, leaving the threaded part? I thought that's what happened there.
|
|
|
|
ArthurPeale
|
JUL 12, 05:49 PM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by Will:
This wasn't a Fiero.
Sometimes S@#$% happens with spark plugs
I was SUPER lucky in this case in that I was able to get the shell out with a fancy extractor.
|
|
Eek!
Maybe (big maybe) the porcelain is loose in the sleeve, but there's enough friction that it's just not easily pulling out?
It's raining there, and everything is reassembled, so I won't have the opportunity to try this again until the weekend (assuming good weather)
|
|
|
|
Patrick
|
JUL 12, 06:17 PM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by ArthurPeale:
If it was like the situation in the thread you referenced, wouldn't the porcelain and hex come out, leaving the threaded part?
|
|
Yes... perhaps with the help of a stern word or two.[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-12-2021).]
|
|
|
|
ArthurPeale
|
AUG 04, 12:24 AM
|
|
just a follow-up: the threads were fine - the spark plug was completely rounded over.
I ended up purchasing an Irwin deep socket extractor, and had it out in fewer than five minutes.
After changing the plugs, she runs so much better. The gap on that specific plug was .075! and, the rest varied wildly.
|
|
|
|