Can't get these spark plugs out or in!

[mikesbaron]

First Generation XTERRA and I've spent about three hours trying to get the spark plugs out. I was only able to get three of them replaced. Anyone here with experience doing Xterra spark plugs? I'm going nuts and ready to take it to a shop.

 

[Kevin B.]

What's the problem? Hard to get at or frozen in place?

 

[Greg]

If the plugs are stuck and VERY tight, put the plug wires back on, button everything back up and go for a drive. Get the engine HOT, work it hard and as soon as you can, pull the plugs while it's still hot. They should come right out!

 

[BlueWolfFab]

And I recommend anti-seize when going back in! (Like Frank's red-hot, I use that sh!t on everything)

 

[mombobuggy]

Were the ones that came out covered with a lot of carbon? If so you could try seafoam or one of the Carbon melting products like Ford uses prior to changing plugs on Triton Engines. Weird.

 

[SLC97SR5]

Another vote for using a heavy dose of decarbonizer added to the fuel prior to removal along with some penetrating oil shot on top of the plug and then run the engine hard for a tank to allow the fuel to disolve the deposits.

 

[mikesbaron]

The problem is not that I can't get them un loosened. It's that I can't even get the socket on the last three, even using wobblers and extensions!

 

[Rot Box]

Is it a clearance issue or is there something in the way that is not allowing the socket to slide onto the plug?

I've had the ends pull out of the boots/wires/coil pack leaving a small portion of it stuck to the top of the plug which in turn did not allow the socket to slide all the way onto the plug. It takes some patience to remove those ends.. A pick set really helps. (Does that make sense?)

I like to remove the rubber tube inside of the socket when installing plugs. If you don't it's a pain to get the socket back out of the hole.



I thought your user name looked familiar Welcome to the forum! What are you riding these days? Do you still have the XR?

 

[Skylinerider]

This may help: http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11220