Stuck Spark Plugs

[shadow23]

I have a '96 Honda Passport with 165k miles that I brought recently to carry materials when I am redoing my home. 1. Wanted to change the spark plugs, I cannot get them out, they do not turn and I am afraid that if I try to hard, I may damage something...any suggestions? 2. THE brakes need to be chane up front and the brake pedal is low when I apply the brakes, I started hearing a banging sound coming from the left front wheel when I go over some bumps or minor round holes/bumps...when I brought the truck, the owner infomed me it needed brakes very soon. It steers fine with no excess play in the steering, I am thinking that the pads must be really shot or worst case...bad ball-joints...the sounds is like a loose fender sounds, any ideas. I am goign to look at the brakes over the weekend.

Thanks,

Shadow23

[amigo-2k]

Make sure you try to change them on a dead cold engine.

if they don't budge leave them in.

[Ramblin Fever]

Sounds like the sparks were in too long; agree, try changing them on a dead cold engine - if they still won't budge, forget it.

[highlandlake]

I agree with the others. A ten year old truck that isn't your primary transportation is better left alone when it comes to stuck parts. Should be running OK? If so, then focusing on the brakes was a good idea you have if the plugs are still uncooperative when cold. Maybe just replace the ones that come out nicely if you have new ones in hand already.
Good luck,
Tom

[Gizmo42]

I would think letting the engine warm up a bit (just 1-2 minutes) from dead cold would help since the heads are aluminum and the plug threads are steel. The head will expand faster then the plug so should help it loosen eaiser. Make sure everything is back to cold again before putting the new ones back in though.

If you get them out put some anti seize on the threads of the new ones before installing.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by Gizmo42

I would think letting the engine warm up a bit (just 1-2 minutes) from dead cold would help...

You could try that, but generally the aluminum will clamp down tighter on the plug as it heats/expands. Holes shrink with expansion, OD's expand. Another thing you can try is rap on the socket extention a few times before attempting to loosen. All else fails, like the other fellas said, it it aint broke dont fix it.

G/luck
Joel

[Gizmo42]

Nope, holes expand when heated. Thus the age old method of heating to remove stuck objects (IE heating a steering knucke to get it to release from a ball joint, or heating a bearing to get it to slide off a shaft).

[rodeo02]

Hmmm.. Yeah! You're right!! If that's the case tho, why do all the books & manufacturers specify to change spark plugs cold on an aluminum (head) engine?!?! The steel on the spark plug base will have expanded some and the aluminum surrounding it will have expanded a lot if she's heated?!? I'm more confused then normal now..

Joel

[Gizmo42]

Because the aluminum will also cool and contract faster then the steel of the spark plug. Thats when you run into problems of stripping threads. If you do it when both parts are fully heated it might be ok (not sure if one expands more then the other) but rarely does anyone change plugs immediatly after shutting off the engine.

[rodeo02]

I knew I'd been down this road before. Check this thread: http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/...;f=24;t=001605

G/luck
Joel

[Gizmo42]

See.. told ya

I'm a genius

j/k