So after waiting for my engine to cool down I get out my new spark plug removing tool, and new spark plugs, now I thought this was going to be an easy thing, just unscrew the old ones, screw the new ones in and connect the new leads.

Now after removing the lead and putting my brand new, shiny, spark plug remover onto the spark plug and twisting, yes the right way, nothing happens, so I applies a little more force and still nothing, tried the other 3 spark plugs and the same happened.... So I break out the old muscles and the tool broke!

Oh I also tryed while the engine was warm, and then when it was hot. So eh what was I doing wrong?

so you can't screw them back in?

screw them back on? They never came out... felt as if they are welded in.... I broke the tool while trying to twist them out...

screw them back on? They never came out... felt as if they are welded in.... I broke the tool while trying to twist them out...

Did you use a cheapie t handled tool with the flexible link? They are useless, used to use a decent ratchet with a spark plug holder attachment. Just be careful not to break the plug off at the ceramic.

Did you use a cheapie t handled tool with the flexible link? They are useless, used to use a decent ratchet with a spark plug holder attachment. Just be careful not to break the plug off at the ceramic.

Yeah there the ones, still can't believe it just broke though....

Yeah there the ones, still can't believe it just broke though....
There not really made of metal as we know it! They're pretty easy to break

Cheap or not, that seems pretty tight to me. Good guide is firm but not tight - gotta remember it expands when hot anyway lol.
I find about a half turn from finger tight (using extension bar, but before attaching ratchet) is sufficient.

Did you use a cheapie t handled tool with the flexible link? They are useless
yep, useless junk

used to use a decent ratchet with a spark plug holder attachment.
yep, 10" ratchet handle with a 8" extension so it clears the camcover

Just be careful not to break the plug off at the ceramic.
yep done that too. lol

Had to drive out to get another tool & set of plugs, quite amazed the Astron II ran ok! :confused:

Always carry at least ONE spare spark plug in your toolbox. :D

Spark plugs should only be torqued to about 10 foot pounds, aka bugger all. Hope your thread isn't damaged.

I've had bad experiences in the past with stuff that's been done up too tight by mechanics :rant: .

yeah as black beard said spark plugs are around 10fp which is pretty much half a turn after it starts to get grip so not tight at all and definately shouldnt break the tool :confused:

Hope your turning the ratchet anti-clockwise to loosen? I find that using a deep socket, extension and decent ratchet there is no problem. You could also try spraying a release agent like WD-40 or similar to loosen. Be very careful though, I recently spoke to a chap in a Supercheap store who'd stripped the threads when removing a plug.

not unless the person before stripped the plugs but its weird cos someone cant be that stupid to strip all of the plugs (as you said you have tried undoing a few of them)

Well if the threads are rat **** it wasn't me that did it, those spark plugs wont budge!

Going to try an improvise!

I have the same problem right now. I have to swap them, but can't get them out... :(

I bought the $12 tool from Repco. it has that spring at the bottom... its probably crap, but better than none...

Well if the threads are rat **** it wasn't me that did it, those spark plugs wont budge!

Going to try an improvise!
Ratchets aren't very strong if you torque them hard.

Get a tommy bar for your socket & put a length of pipe to extend it.
(I usually borrow the lever of my trolley jack for that)

Ratchets aren't very strong if you torque them hard.

Get a tommy bar for your socket & put a length of pipe to extend it.
(I usually borrow the lever of my trolley jack for that)

I was thiking about this, but if it can break with just my hand a bit of leverage arm isn't going to do much good, when I am over at dads work shop I might have a go with some better tools...

I bought the $12 tool from Repco. it has that spring at the bottom... its probably crap, but better than none...

With a ble handle and a 4 way joint on the bottom?

I was thiking about this, but if it can break with just my hand a bit of leverage arm isn't going to do much good, when I am over at dads work shop I might have a go with some better tools...


With a ble handle and a 4 way joint on the bottom?
This is what i bought. Except this cheap one wasn't the right size. But it looks the same

This is what i bought. Except this cheap one wasn't the right size. But it looks the same

Buy a good Sidcrome 5/8? spark plug socket, extension and rachet. It'll last forever and makes it very easy. I changed all 6 plugs last weekend in 1.5 hours (Including removal and refit of inlet manifold. Pretty good for a first time. Oh, and a Good torque wrench is a smart investment.

This is what i bought. Except this cheap one wasn't the right size. But it looks the same

Yeah thats the one I got, anyway I got my revenge on the universe, it breaks my spark tool and I spilt 3L of sump oil...

Did a mechanic put them in for you?
My old merc i had a mechanic do a service on it for me, which included plugs.
He threaded one (i could NOT move it to replace it myself) so i went back to him and got him to change my plugs again (he knew they were the same when he eventually got them out).
Was up to him to repair his previous mistake then lol.