K11 Stripped Plug Thread in Head

[andy288]

Changing the plugs recently, one plug is just 'spinning' in its threads - will not tighten or indeed loosen any more than it already is to remove it.

As the plugs are recessed in the 'tubes' this is creating a bigg issue for removal.

Are the 'tubes' an integral part of the cylinder head or can they be removed themselves - maybe by removing the rocker cover?

Any simple & cheap ideas on removal of the stuck plug in situ - don't fancy removing the head?

 

[frank]

You could try a helicoil, but i have an lpg CG head with helicoils in and they failed miserably, i think you will end up fitting another head tbh

 

[andy288]

So if I remove the rocker cover, does this improve access to remove the spark plug or not then?

 

[frank]

So if I remove the rocker cover, does this improve access to remove the spark plug or not then?

No, and those tubes are a very very tight fit, and the thread is still recessed about 100 mm into the head

 

[Al Shore]

is the spark still in 1 piece in teh head or has the ceramic come away from the metal?

 

[andy288]

All in one piece - still in the head all intact - it just won't unscrew or tighten up!

 

[Al Shore]

hmm, mystery, unless of course its already unscrewed as far as it will go and just isnt stuck to the rubber gromit thus not coming out with the piece, but im assuing youve already tried that

 

[flipside]

sound's to me like the hex shape has rounded off on the plug or your socket . look down it with a torch to see if it's lost its shape , or maybe the plug socket your using has rounded try a different plug spanner

 

[andy288]

The plug spanner itself is fine as it undid the remaining three plugs without difficulty, the hex on the rogue plug is intact also as I've peered down the tube with a torch and fished around 'flexible claw spring loaded grabber thing' (technical description - not) and I can definately rotate the plug but cannot withdraw it.

I'm struggling to find a solution!

 

[frank]

The plug spanner itself is fine as it undid the remaining three plugs without difficulty, the hex on the rogue plug is intact also as I've peered down the tube with a torch and fished around 'flexible claw spring loaded grabber thing' (technical description - not) and I can definately rotate the plug but cannot withdraw it.

I'm struggling to find a solution!

Obviously a stripped thread eh andy (as the title suggests) have you tried running it to blow the plug out ?

 

[andy288]

Yeah, but no joy there either - bit of a poser ain't it?

There's gotta be a way me thinks!