Got a post on the spark plug sticky, but thought I'd try a new thread to get better visibility. Before I dive into my plugs on Wednesday just wanted to hear from the veterans if using the Lisle extractor is a no brainer. My one question is when you insert the extractor into the shield, is it obvious when to stop tightening it? The directions just say tighten until it's tight. I don't know if it's possible to screw this up, but thought I'd ask just the same. Any other tricks to it that I should be aware of? Thanks guys.

 

if you over tighten it and it doesnt have a good bite, it will pull it self right out. dont over tighten, after it bites and you start the extracting process, make sure you have a good1/2in long ratchet, i use a 15 inch long one. they can be real trouble. no air tools

 

yeah im also curious about this.. ive read that if the plug breaks, but leaves more than just the shell behind (shell + ground electrode shield) you have to pull the shield out with a set of pliers and then use the lisle?

 

Okay, I understand not over tightening it. Is it obvious when you've screwed the extractor in enough? Does it feel like tightening a bolt and you've got it seated down all the way?

 

right on. when it gets tight, give it that one extra little nudge, and you should be good. they usually take alot of muscle to get out. have you tried getting any of them out yet? most times you can get at leaast 3 out. biggest thing is that initial bite after thats its all cake

by the way this job usually pays about 10 hours with more than 5 broke

 

Thanks for the clarification. I'm interested to see how long this will take myself. I'm sure hoping none break. I'm just concerned that one will and I won't be able to get it out even with the Lisle. Probably worried over nothing, but with the next step pulling the head off it is kind of a big deal.

 

i have yet to see one that will not come out with that tool. imo that tool is THE best for removing those plugs they have other ones that are hit and miss on getting them out. sometimes its wise to leave the plug out and crank it over make sure nothing fell in the cylinder. you'll be fine, after the first one you'll it'll go alot faster

 

Took me about 14 hours total work time, Broke 7 out of 8 plugs. One thing with the lisle tool, Be sure when you use the porcelain pusher part, that you push it down far enough for the second part of the tool to get a bite. Also, I found that using a breaker bar for the first 2-3 turns worked better than a ratchet. And make sure you have plenty of ratchet extensions and universal joints. Sears has a pretty good deal on craftsman ratchet accessory sets. i picked up one for the 1/4 and one for the 1/2 drive. Take your time and you should be ok. Like previously stated, Make sure the threads get a good seat in the electrode shield.

 

Ohh! and follow the TSB on the removal of the plugs. The Ford TSB has instructions for a different removal tool but has alot of good information.
And dont forget the anti seize on the re-install.

 

Start threading it by hand till you feel it catch, then switch to the ratchet. You will noticeably feel it catch. Then a few turns on the ratchet and youll know when its tight enough. then add 1/4 more turn and you should be good.