Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

How to remove spark plug that is broken?

I tried changing the spark plugs on 2002 civic and one of them ended breaking off. All the white ceramic part is gone all thats left is the metal thread part that screws in and the electrode at the tip. I was told that if i had a long drill bit i can drill it in and reverse it to see if it comes out but I have not tried it yet cuz I havent found any at the hardware stores yet. Any suggestions?

Update:

The socket part on the spark plug also broke off too QQ

7 Answers

Relevance
  • 10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    This is a challenge even for a seasoned mechanic, The easy out idea is the best, If it does not come out with this approach it would be best to pay to have it removed by a shop you trust.

    It is odd that the plug broke off in this manner so the cylinder head may have to be removed for the proper repair, I have seen some where the threads pull out of the head and can be repaired with an insert but when the shell of the plug is galled to the threads in the cylinder head so bad the hex breaks of, this is a different ball game.

  • 10 years ago

    Sounds as if who ever changed the spark plugs last never heard of wiping Never Seize on the threads. Do as you like but if you're smart the cylinder head should come off and a machinist can dead center counter-bore what's left of the spark plug and easy-out the rest. If you chose to drill the scrap out you'll never center it up properly while dropping scrap down inside the cylinder bore. Of course you know all of this.

    Source(s): Alignment, suspension and brake shop.
  • 10 years ago

    first of all make sure you are using a socket made for spark plugs -it will have rubber on the inside to keep the ceramic from snapping. if the ceramics already off just use a short well socket

  • 10 years ago

    What are you talking about? It doesn't matter if you broke the ceramic off. You should be able to put a socket on it and turn it

  • How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
  • monkey
    Lv 4
    10 years ago

    Take it to a machine shop and get it removed there . That way there is less chance of jambing the threads in the head of the motor and you don't want that to happen!

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    suggest try a easy out

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    scissors should do trick

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.