stripped spark plug???

[CrownVicChick]

Is there anything I can do 2 get it out, or am I at the mercy of a mechanic? I have no idea...someone told me the only way 2 get it out is to remove the cylinder head? That sounds expensive??

[way2old]

Depends on where the plug is stripped. Is it the shoulders rounded off, or the threads stripped? If it is the shoulders rounded off, there is a tool called a "Turbo Socket" that is reverse fluted. You can break off the porcelin center and use the Turbo Socket to remove the lower part. The socket grabs tighter as it loosens the broken part.

[Blue)(Fusion]

And if you mean the threads are stripped, not sure how to get it out, but you will have to TimeSert it afterwards. These heads only have 4-5 threads for the plugs which makes them very easy to damage if you over tighten the plugs. If they're damaged, the plug may easily be ejected from normal operating pressures. TimeSerts can be performed without removing the head, but after seeing how much aluminum is removed and is dropped into the cylinder, I would never do this without removing the heads (see the image at the bottom of this page).

ALWAYS tighten spark plugs in these engines to 16 ft-lbs and NEVER use anti seize or oil around the threads - this causes over tightening.

P.S. If you have to pull the heads (which is unlikely), just replace them with some junkyard 2001+ heads and cams. They will increase your cylinder compression to ~11.0:1 and have increased air flow with the 2001+ intake manifold. Together, you will add roughly 40RWHP/RWTQ.