I was changing my plugs in my 94z28. The plug snapped on the passenger side second from the rear. It broke off at the base. There is nothing there but a hole and then the bottom of the plug. I was told by my mechanic that he could probably get ot out with an extractor w/o taking off the head. Can this be done or am I screwed. They said if they have to take off the head I would be looking at about 600.00.

 

Did you just break the porcelain off or the whole plug leaving the threaded portion in the head? If its just the porcelain, that is no biggie. If its the whole plug, I don't think I've seen anyone do that before.

 

Not just the pocelin. The whole friggin plug hex head and all.

 

It can easily be done with an EZ out extractor. This is caused by not using Anti Sieze on the threads when installing the plugs. My dad broke off 3 plugs in a 4 cylinder for this very reason. Aluminum heads using steel spark plugs tend to bond to each other over time after all the heat cycles, gauling the threads, then ya break em off

-Shannon

 

Thats not good, I didnt use anti-seize on mine

 

If the part that the socket goes on is still there,you should be able to get it out.Spray it with PB Blaster or equivelent.Use a good 6 pt. socket and turn it carefully making sure you are staying square with it.

 

Consult an engine machinest. He/she might be able to get it out in a jiffey and it might be less expensive than a mechanic who might have to mess with it.JMHO

 

Or...as Nomad suggested, you might be able to get it out with a large EZ out extractor.

Might want to use some liquid wrench too.

 

Yes, soak it with a lube !! If you have any other plugs with no anti sieze, loosen them slowly, stopping every half turn or so and tighten it a bit, then start loosening it again.
Needless to say, my dad put them back in w/o anti sieze and I had a bear of a time not breaking them off.

-Shannon

 

Thanks for your suggestions. I just bought it not too long ago. The previous owner did not use anti-seize on them. In fact, he replaced the drivers side but did replace the passenger side plugs, for obvious reasons. Anyway, the ones on the passenger side were original AC delco. They had 115,000 miles on them and thats why it broke off, I believe.

 

I just wanted everyone to know the dealer removed the broken plug with an extractor. No damage to the head 260.00 though So much saving money.