Broken spark plug

I have heard about this nightmare before but never had one until now. A 1995 Beretta, 3.1 I bought to use as a beater car was in bad need of a tune up (among other things) and one of the plugs broke off below the hex, which shocked me as the plugs they had put in it were fairly new (but cheap) ones. Almost impossible to get to as it is in the back of the engine and maybe 3/8" visable (with mirror) still sticking up and some porcelain. I would guess I am looking at pulling the head(s) and taking both in to machine shop, as I might as well have both checked, fixed as needed and replace all gaskets. That is, unless someone knows of a procedure they would recommend. Hard to work in the area and not sure an easy out would help. I would assume the plug was most likley cross threaded. Any thoughts???

Is the plug actually broke, as in a 5/8 spark plug socket has nothing to get hold of?

You should be able to have the broken plug removed, and the plug hole fixed without removing the heads. Might cost a bit but still would be cheaper than taking all that stuff off and putting it back on over a bad plug.

No there is nothing for a socket to grip. Only a round bit if the bottom and the insulator inside that. The hex part broke off. Not sure what brand it was but it was CHEAP as well as installed wrong. I am debating on what to do next as it is just so hard to even look back there let alone work there. I had pulled several items off the motor such as ignition module/coils, wires, hoses and part of the front end for various repairs so not able to drive it anywhere as is. Not even licensed. I might just get rid of it too, not sure. Time is a problem for me as I have a lot of irons in the fire and do not want to deal with removal of the top end right now. I see where there was a specialty tool made for Ford trucks that has a problem with broken plugs and might even try an easy out. Maybe I will get lucky, or, maybe I could have it towed to a machine shop, although I think that might be expensive. Just not sure...

It might be best to consult an expert about this. A broken spark plug might cause you trouble.

_____________________
Shane

Mid America Motorworks (http://www.who-sells-it.com/cy/mid-america-motorworks-675/chevrolet-corvette-parts-and-accessories-catalog-310/original-engine.html) - Original engine in Chevrolet Corvette Parts and Accessories by Mid America Motorworks

As I checked further, the plug that broke was extremely OLD, and had apparently been in there a long long time. They had replaced the rest with cheapo plugs and skipped over this one. The car is not driveable but a local mechainc is going to look at it later this week, but, it looks more and more like I will be removing both heads. If so I will get the heads re worked, replace all gaskets and do it right. I may get lucky though but I doubt it. Just no room to work with and good possibilty the head is badly cross threaded.

It can be done and it has. The prob here is the moroff that put the steal plug into a an aluminum head with any anti sieze on it caused it to weld it self. There are kits out there for this type off problem. Do your homework. The biggest worry I allways have here is getting all the scrap out of the top of the piston before you fire it. It can be done.

I have soaked them with penetrating oil. Lisle or other tool companies make extractors. They are about 1 inch long and come in a set. They kind of thread in. Use a socket on it and bump it hard. Be careful not to break the tool. If it still won't come loose use a breaker bar and tap it with a plastic mallet. If this fails pull the socket and spray with P-B blaster let set over night and retry.
I can feel the point when they will break and stop. Look at it this way if it works you will save money. You can always buy a reworked head and get a valve job on the other head. If it comes out use a platmium plug and use anti seeze on the threads. I would suggest all new platmium plugs with anti seeze.

if your still having problems with this get ahold of me.... beretta central@motortopia.com

Thanks, got rid of the car though. We tried several things and nothing worked so I was prepared to take off both heads, take them to Givens Crankshaft(machine shop) for rebuilds and then do a gasket change and other general stuff. However a deal came along on a truck I had been wanting for a long time, and I had to make a decision on whether to deal with this or get the truck. As we already had three vehicles I really did not want to keep a fourth, so I sold it to make some room. Worked out better for me. Thanks again to all who gave advice.

Thanks, got rid of the car though. We tried several things and nothing worked so I was prepared to take off both heads, take them to Givens Crankshaft(machine shop) for rebuilds and then do a gasket change and other general stuff. However a deal came along on a truck I had been wanting for a long time, and I had to make a decision on whether to deal with this or get the truck. As we already had three vehicles I really did not want to keep a fourth, so I sold it to make some room. Worked out better for me. Thanks again to all who gave advice.I wished you would have offered it to me and kenny, we might have taken it off your hands...