spark plug woes

[ki4npz]

So i recently aquired a 1995 325i for my daughter's first car, and today i decided to change the spark plugs. So as i'm pulling the old plugs, i get the aft-most cylinder (i assume #6), and i notice that a previous owner dropped a WASHER down the plug hole and it so happens to be the perfect fit :mad Obviously i cant get the spark plug wrench on there, and it seems to be wedged in there pretty tight :mad i tried a magnet, some chewing gum, and everything else i could think of, but cannot seem to get this out of there. Also, the electrode on the plug looks different than all the other plugs that i've pulled out, so there's no telling how long its been like that--could even be the original plug. :eyecrazy
:helpAnyone have any ideas how to get that out? If i took it to a mechanic/dealer, what do you think they would charge to extract it?
Thanks for your help

[flyfishvt]

First thing is dont be too careful about trying to salvage the plug. The only part of it you need intact is the hex part at the bottom. Plugs are cheap. If you cant get it out any other way then try breaking the plug.

Of course I just said all this without seeing the car. If the washer is totally blocking access to the plug then try grabbing an allen wrench with some vise grips and use the "L" shape to lift it out.

[MrSaikou]

Dang...that sucks. Getting a plug stuck in there is one of my greatest fears

[flyfishvt]

I read over the posting again and it sounds like the washer slid down over the plug just far enough so it doesn't interfere with the coil setting in place and the plug is sticking out of the hole in the washer. Before you use my idea and destroy the plug (making the car useless) try using super glue on a couple of long screws. Glue one to each side of the washer. File or grind the end of the screws flat and let it sit for a couple hours so it cures as hard as possible. then pull it out. if the glue doesn't hold then at least there is no damage and you can leave it in there until you can figure a way to get it out.

[rguil15]

I'd get some jb weld or other epoxy, put it on the end of that magnet of yours, stick it down the hole and make good contact with the washer. Then go drink a few cold ones or whatever it is you do that will keep you from pulling to early, come back when it's cured and start tuggin. I think the combination of the magnetic pull AND the epoxy should be complete overkill, and therefore successful.

[MrSaikou]

...otherwise, changing the spark plugs on the Bimmer is a simple, beautiful, and relaxing thing to do. Nicely engineered :thumbup:

That's why I buy the cheap coppers, so I can do it more often :D