nddragon01

Hi All,

I'm in the process of getting the spark plugs changed and have been having an interesting difficulty - there is so much dirt and debris in the spark plug well that it completely covers the spark plug nut. Can't even get the socket tool to grip the plug even a little bit.

I've tried breaking it loose with an end of a wire clothes hanger.

I've tried vacuuming it out via a tube.

I've tried blowing it all out with compressed air canister.

I've tried blowing it out with an air pump (thinking the compressed air wasn't powerful enough... which it wasn't, lol).



The sand/dirt/mud/whatever is pretty packed down in there. Any helpful advice?



...I'm this close to wits end I was debating using a power washer and blasting the dirt out, lol.

srb1194

Not an expert but I'd recommend saturating it with penetrating oil and then using compressed air from an air compressor. I'd also recommend a long tip blow nozzle to get good coverage into the port.

powerranger262

I would agree. Wear eye protection when spraying it out. Also, make damn sure that you get it all cleaned out, before you take those plugs out. You don't want that getting down into the cylinders. That goes for the penetrating oil as well. A bunch of that in there can hydro-lock your engine.
Apparently, that truck has done a little bit of mudding? It sure is fun at the time, but man does it take a toll on a truck that's not purpose built for it.

nddragon01

Thanks for the advice guys.

No mudding, but it's not babied at all and I like having fun in the rain and snow. It's been 5-6 years since last plug change and I guess over time dirt just managed to get its way into the holes beyond the supposed protection of the coil boot.

EDIT: I do have an air hose kit on order, and am hoping the longer needle type end will be able to better direct the air into the plug well.

It's not helping any that it's the two rear plugs on the passenger side that are the problem...

Dirttracker18

I got you covered!

I was there but it was only a small piece of something stoping me from getting one plug out.

i'm not sure if you have actually looked in there to see it but in my case it was a rear plug so I could not see in. I took a picture with my phone and this is what I saw.



Now I have access to a crap ton of tools and just could not figure this one out. I did the same as you and tired compressed air, sharp tools, vacuum, etc.

So this is what finally solved it for my. This contraption is a hole saw that just fit around the hex on the plug (use another plug for sizing). I then figured out a way to add a bolt to the end so I could lower it down and use a ratchet and socket to put pressure on it and turn it. Right away the piece broke apart and I was able to vacuum and get the plug out!



Good luck!

powerranger262

^ You sir, are one smart S.O.B.
That's a great idea.

redfishtd

I realize you were smart not to put hole saw size on here as some plugs are 9/16 others 5/8.
Gives us all reasons to clean out hole first to not get junk down on piston. I stuff rags in them when I have them open .

PerryB

Use the pressure washer. Don't waste your time with penetrating oil (save that for after you have cracked the plugs loose, if necessary), it does nothing to break up soil and sand. You may need to do it a couple times, followed by compressed air. The hole saw is a great idea to break it up first.

PerryB

Are the later style plugs ('08-'10) 5/8"? I thought all the 5.4's were 9/16.

SCORGE

I used a very fine point air compressor attachment. Had a piece of plastic wedged right in between the plug and wall...had someone hold a mirror...took a thin flat-tip screwdriver and a hammer, one good pop and the piece broke, then sucked it out with a shop vac.