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Thread: Number 4 spark plug frozen

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Number 4 spark plug frozen

    2013 335is 40k miles. Went to change plugs they all came out easily but 4 wont budge. Don't want to break it off or strip it. The old plugs appear to be original as have BMW stamped on them. Thinking of taking it for a ride to heat up head to expand. Any thoughts?

  2. #2
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    Not sure if that might actually tighten the clearance! Pour some penetrating oil into the sparkplug well-leave overnite,I would then try to tighten it a smidge,then reverse direction to loosen, repeat!Alternating between slight tightening and heavy loosening would seem the better option.Are they the originally installed factory plugs?Overtightening of aluminum materials is a big no-noI highly doubt this problem is due to corrosion.

  3. #3
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    Just a little stuck probably. Ive had to be pretty forceful a few times. Very hard to shear a spark plug...

  4. #4
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    i tried after taking it for a drive it moves maybe 1/32 of a turn but i am super scared of stripping out the head. Its aluminum correct? going to try and get some penetrating oil down there. Ive been working on a lot of cars for 30+ years never had one do this.

  5. #5
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    Try switching up to a 1/2"Drive ratchet or breaker bar.
    The higher torque should break it loose,
    and it will seem much easier!

  6. #6
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    So just wanted to follow up. I was able to finally get it out but boy was I nervous. If you've ever looked down that hole there is nothing you could do but cry if it got stuck or if porcelain got cracked.

    At first it literally would not budge at all I was afraid of either stripping the socket or plug. I put some PB blaster down by the base of plug overnight and next day I was able to get it to move 1/4 turn but then locked up neither in or out. More penetrating oil and finally after getting 1/8-1/4 turn I was able to get it to go back and forth. Finally I put a 1/2 racket on it and worked it in and it finally started to go. Frankly I had visions of many thousands at the dealership after I stripped the 12 point but it held and I got it out. I would advise anyone in this situation to use a good penetrating oil that's the only thing that got this out.

  7. #7
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    Good to hear you got it out. Did you put any antiseize or lube on the threads of the new plugs?
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

  8. #8
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    I figured with a little muscle and additional torque from a 1/2"drive,you would be successful.
    You can use a fine coating of anti-seize if you prefer,
    but more importantly - only torque down to spec, it's only aluminum!

  9. #9
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    And make sure that you use copper-based anti-seize compound if you do use an anti-seize compound.

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