[s-cars] spark plug removal problems

[Steve Marinello]

That's the current process, minus the heat on the first pass.  #'s 2 & 4 are
still stuck; #3 came out squeaking like a banshee this evening, but intact
threads.  Soaking for another day and will try it again. If they don't come
loose, I'll put three new plugs in and fire it up and let it warm a bit and
try again.

At least they were the right plugs.  I would have been really p*ssed if not,
since I supplied them.

Thanks,

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Schulz [mailto:pcschulz at comcast.net] 
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 8:13 AM
To: Steve Marinello
Cc: s-car-list at audifans.com
Subject: Re: [s-cars] spark plug removal problems

Steve:

Had a similar issue when I purchased my red 
90q20v that had sat for a full year ( 7a engine)
I wanted to replace the plugs before driving it 
home, was only able to get # 1 and 5 out, of course they were the wrong
plug.
#s 2-4 didn't want to come out,  so I drove the 
car home on 4 running cylinders only ( after 
having disconnected the fuel injector lead to the dead cylinder.)

I soaked the sparkplug gallies with penetrating 
fluid over the course of a few days, then started 
the reluctant engine and let it get hot.
Then gingerly removed the #2-4 plugs ( wrong type and of course totally
fouled)

So -lots of penetrating fluid, heat,. and a soft 
touch ( knowing when to stop when the plug thread is binding)
(I guess patience is key :-)


-Peter


At 09:49 PM 4/22/2009 -0500, Steve Marinello wrote:
>Okay, I admit it.  I let someone change my plugs ONCE in all the years I’ve
>owned this car.  I have been bit.
>
>
>
>#5 was gooey wet and loose; #1 released and came out just fine and was a
bit
>dirty, but that’s it.
>
>
>
>#’s 2,3 &4; SH*T!
>
>
>
>#4 was pretty tight, but released and came out ½ a turn, and then bound up.
>Bound up going back in with less than an 1/8 of a turn.
>
>#3 was not as tight, came out and did the same thing.
>
>#2 came out easier, probably a full turn plus before binding.
>
>
>
>The engine has cooled, but is still warm enough so that I got a bit warm in
>that time standing over it, but it’s also in a closed garage and Spring is
>already turning to Summer in Houston.  I figure to let it sit overnight and
>see what happens.  Any advice for penetrants or lubes while it sits.  I’m
>not in the mood to have to helicoil these freakin’ things and I don’t want
>to have to pay someone else to do it.
>
>
>
>By the way, I’ve been old school when I’ve changed them
usually putting a
>dab of motor oil on the threads, as opposed to the current de rigeur of
>anti-seize.
>
>
>
>Ideas?!  Got to be plenty of BTDT out there.
>
>
>
>Thanks,
>
>
>Steve
>
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-Peter Schulz
Chelmsford Ma, USA
http://www.naaclub.org/

1995.5 S6 Avant Emerald/Ecru
1995.5 S6 Avant Silver/Platinum
1991 90 20v Q Red
1991 CQ silver  (eS2 recipient)