Seized spark plug?

Barley

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2003 TJ 2.4L 5spd. Bought used, 166k mileage, performing maintenance, and have discovered a problem. The #1 plug will not come out. The rest of the plugs were not too much of a problem, but came out clean. From the looks of things, the plugs were in a long time and anti-seize was not used. What is it going to take to remove that #1 plug?
 
2003 TJ 2.4L 5spd. Bought used, 166k mileage, performing maintenance, and have discovered a problem. The #1 plug will not come out. The rest of the plugs were not too much of a problem, but came out clean. From the looks of things, the plugs were in a long time and anti-seize was not used. What is it going to take to remove that #1 plug?

Is it not even braking loose, or does it start to thread out then stop?
 
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Yes. I stopped trying to get the plug to move for fear of stripping the aluminum. I sprayed a healthy dose of PB Blaster into the spark plug well this afternoon so it can soak overnight. I would really like to avoid removing the head to install a Helicoil.
 
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Have you tried using some penetrating oil, like PB Blaster or Kroil? There could be sufficient carbon buildup on the end of the plug threads jamming things up.
PB-Blaster is barely better than WD40 that isn't even a penetrant. Liquid Wrench, Kroil, and Break-Free are all significantly better choices than PB-Blaster.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I will be checking on the spark plug in the morning. I will post any update.
 
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PB-Blaster is barely better than WD40 that isn't even a penetrant. Liquid Wrench, Kroil, and Break-Free are all significantly better choices than PB-Blaster.
Thanks for your opinion Jerry, next time maybe try not to be so condescending. Don't forget, sometimes the shit you want everyone to like because you say so... isn't necessarily readily available in their neck of the woods.

Penetrating spray, which includes WD PB, and all others mentioned would have NO issue getting past the loosened threads to soak into any carbon build up on the end of the plug...


https://www.motor1.com/products-services/auto-products/best-penetrating-oil/

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/best-penetrating-oil/

https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/28592/best-penetrating-oils


And lets toss in a UK opinion too!!!
https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/...rated-penetrating-fluids-for-your-rusty-nuts/
 
Thanks for your opinion Jerry, next time maybe try not to be so condescending. Don't forget, sometimes the shit you want everyone to like because you say so... isn't necessarily readily available in their neck of the woods.

Penetrating spray, which includes WD PB, and all others mentioned would have NO issue getting past the loosened threads to soak into any carbon build up on the end of the plug...


https://www.motor1.com/products-services/auto-products/best-penetrating-oil/

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/best-penetrating-oil/

https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/28592/best-penetrating-oils


And lets toss in a UK opinion too!!!
https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/...rated-penetrating-fluids-for-your-rusty-nuts/

I really don't think he was trying to come across in a condescending manner. I know @Jerry Bransford has a general dislike of PB Blaster as he has mentioned it several times.
I've used PB Blaster for years and it really in nothing great, but that's what our shop used. There are better options out there.
There one purpose that PB Blaster is really useful for is MACE. I keep a can of it in all my vehicles.
I'm not sure if you have ever experienced getting PB Blaster in your eyes, but holy mother of God, the shit burns like hell.

As for removing the spark, If the OP doesn't have access to a good penetrating oil, I would soak it with Seafoam or a solvent that will dissolve the carbon build up on the threads.
 
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Thanks for your opinion Jerry, next time maybe try not to be so condescending.
If you think expressing a personal opinion on which penetrants are the best means condescending then have at it. There are several good Youtube videos on penetrant tests like this one from Farm Project and PB-Blaster didn't do well as well as the others on them.

 
Try tightening slightly then go the other direction in small increments and work it back and forth while shooting your favorite penetrant oil in the hole

This. This is the trick to removing rusty bolts. Most people lose patience and don't want to keep turning it backward. It feels counterproductive. I settled on the belief being willing to go slowly back and forth takes less time, and trouble, than drilling out the bolt after you break it. I have a PHD in drilling out broken bolts.
 
If you think expressing a personal opinion on which penetrants are the best means condescending then have at it. There are several good Youtube videos on penetrant tests like this one from Farm Project and PB-Blaster didn't do well as well as the others on them.




Hey Jer, thanks for the vid. I have frequently used the transmission fluid/acetone mix in the past. Was interesting to see the homemade version rate #2. My other go to is Screwloose, but discovered my can ran out of propellant before the fluid was expended. Wish one that had been in the vid. All that was left on the shelf is PBB. Now, I do not have a warm fuzzy about using it, but it is better than nothing.
 
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