Spark plug removal help

paul_7_7_7

I've just come to change my spark plugs and found they are well and truely tight in the head, I have heard that it is possible to crack the aluminum head if you use too much force and obviously don't want to do that, how much force is safe to apply to remove them - it is certainly going to take a fair bit more than the specified torque. Any other tips for removing them?

thanks
Paul

JohnnyN

Have you tried removing them when the engine is stone cold? The specific torque for plugs is 25Nm and it is indeed possible to strip pot 4 thread and open up the water jacket.

MikeS

wd40 each spark plug and leave it in there for an hour

when engine is cold then try unscrew em out but be careful

when i did the plugs on my 2.2 for the first time they were welded in

when putting new plugs in then tighten em using your hands and not a ratchet

paul_7_7_7

Ye, tried it first things this morning - engine hadn't run in over 12 hours. Which end is pot4 - closest to the air filter or the oil filler cap? The only one I can move is the one closest to the air filter. Is there risk less with pots 1-3 then?

thanks

MikeS

if your uncomfortable about replacing them then leave em

are they faulty ?

paul_7_7_7

they haven't been done in 50K and the fuel consumption has started to rise a little lately so seemed reasonable to change them. Might ship it into the dealer and let them do it.