[s-cars] spark plug removal problems

[chris chambers]

Gentz,

I am not a fan of using a tap in the spark plug hole in this application
while the engine is in the car. I'm wondering if it might be safer to
just liberally coat the threads with a product like kroil to break down
any buildup and possibly leave clean "enough" threads?

With that being said I witnessed an "old school" mechanic too many moons
ago that I care to admit use a tap to clean up the spark plug threads before.

He rotated the engine so that the cylinder in question was close to
top dead center, and then inserted an immaculately clean piece of cloth 
( I believe part of a clean cloth diaper) through the hole into the
cylinder and rotated the engine bringing the piston higher up to help hold
the cloth in place.

This part is hazy, but I seem to recall he applied a small amount of
grease to the exposed portion of the diaper to catch debris.

He then proceeded to clean the threads with the tap using a vacuum to
remove debris. After cleaning the threads he cleaned with the vacuum and
finally pulled the cloth out removing "the rest" of the particles.

I have no idea how truely effective this method is, just thought I would
share it.


HTH
Chris


--- On Thu, 4/23/09, Peter Schulz <pcschulz at comcast.net> wrote:

> From: Peter Schulz <pcschulz at comcast.net>
> Subject: Re: [s-cars] spark plug removal problems
> To: "Steve Marinello" <smarinello at entouch.net>
> Cc: s-car-list at audifans.com
> Date: Thursday, April 23, 2009, 9:12 AM
> 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
> >
> >_______________________________________________
> >S-CAR-List mailing list
> >S-CAR-List at audifans.com
> >http://audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/s-car-list
> 
> -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) 
> 
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