For those focused on the original question about a seized plug, this is an update. The plug came out. For those who may have a stuck plug in the future, I will share the sequence of its removal in general terms.
Patience. Some recommended this and it is good advice , although it took me a week before the plug was loose.
1. Started the process on a Saturday using PB Blaster and slow, short back and forth turns to help get the penetrating oil into the threads. Did the same on Sunday and Monday. Still no change.
2. Tuesday, was still with PB-B and still just getting the 1/8 to 1/4 movement. Decided to add a 50/50 mix of Acetone and transmission fluid to the process.
3. Wednesday, after the usual back and forth turns, I got the engine up to operating temperature at idle, and applied more of the A&T mix. Tried turning after an hour, or so, but no change.
3. By Thursday, I can still only get 1/8 to 1/4 back and forth turns. Decided to try the suggestion of carburetor cleaner and brake cleaner. No immediate change. Stopped trying to turn the plug, but gave it a dose each of carburetor and brake cleaner.
4. Friday, I began the back and forth process without adding any more carb or brake cleaner. I notice the plug seemed to turn counter clockwise easily compared to Thursday. So, I just kept turning the plug. It felt a little snug, but backed all the way out. There was no carbon build up on the plug, but it seemed to have some rust corrosion in the threads.
Since this was the first time I had ever dealt with a stuck plug in any engine, I do not know how much the various changes in penetrating solvents affected the process. Based on my progress, it seems that the carb and brake cleaner combo actually penetrated the threads and loosened the plug overnight. This is not a real overall scientific analysis, but if I ever have another stuck plug I will start with the carb and brake cleaner solvents.
Patience. Some recommended this and it is good advice , although it took me a week before the plug was loose.
1. Started the process on a Saturday using PB Blaster and slow, short back and forth turns to help get the penetrating oil into the threads. Did the same on Sunday and Monday. Still no change.
2. Tuesday, was still with PB-B and still just getting the 1/8 to 1/4 movement. Decided to add a 50/50 mix of Acetone and transmission fluid to the process.
3. Wednesday, after the usual back and forth turns, I got the engine up to operating temperature at idle, and applied more of the A&T mix. Tried turning after an hour, or so, but no change.
3. By Thursday, I can still only get 1/8 to 1/4 back and forth turns. Decided to try the suggestion of carburetor cleaner and brake cleaner. No immediate change. Stopped trying to turn the plug, but gave it a dose each of carburetor and brake cleaner.
4. Friday, I began the back and forth process without adding any more carb or brake cleaner. I notice the plug seemed to turn counter clockwise easily compared to Thursday. So, I just kept turning the plug. It felt a little snug, but backed all the way out. There was no carbon build up on the plug, but it seemed to have some rust corrosion in the threads.
Since this was the first time I had ever dealt with a stuck plug in any engine, I do not know how much the various changes in penetrating solvents affected the process. Based on my progress, it seems that the carb and brake cleaner combo actually penetrated the threads and loosened the plug overnight. This is not a real overall scientific analysis, but if I ever have another stuck plug I will start with the carb and brake cleaner solvents.
