Broken Spark Plug Removal

Removing the threads from a spark plug broken off in the cylinder head. This one is an E46 BMW but this works on all types of vehicles.

[@romanbohart8738]

Thank you for this video. The feeling of extracting the threads was greater than anything I have felt before. I don’t think there’s a drug or experience out there that could top this feeling.

[@rotate.]

Saved my life brother. Replaced spark plugs in a 1989 Jaguar Vanden Plas. Used a torque wrench to tighten but for some reason one of the spark plugs broke. You can imagine how I felt! Did a search, found your video, picked up the ez-out at Lowes for $10.00. Extracted and replaced the spark plug today. Holy sweet Jesus am I relieved!! Than you for posting this.

[@eviljack]

Thank you SO MUCH for this! I broke off a spark plug in my Prius and was at a loss as to what to do. I called around and had two mechanics flat out refuse to work on it. I had another tell me I was pretty much borked. I followed your technique and it worked like a charm. I cannot thank you enough, my friend. I would kiss you on the lips if you were here (in the manliest way possible)

[@girohead]

Holy hell, a broken plug in a BMW, that is a nightmare. Yoiu saved that guy like the price of the car!

[@JohnFalconer-is1db]

I was panicking until I saw this and heard your calm reassuring tones! I was going to be stranded without this demonstration. Worked a treat as you described. Thank you so much!

[@timfranz9156]

I just used the Ryobi screw extractor #5, an 8-pt socket (3/8"), and a t-handle (for even torque distribution) and it worked perfectly. This video is a lifesaver! Thanks!

[@anomie1040]

Oh thank God, seen 10 of these videos , I have the easy out, the extension , but no one but you explained what socket to use to hold the easy out THANK YOU VERY MUCH !

[@thomasdinneny5899]

I am so grateful for this video. After breaking off the spark plug in my 2009 ML350 I thought I was in for a huge expensive repair. This video saved me so much time and money. I used the Ryobi #5 extractor and a 3/8 inch spline socket. It worked like a charm. I was so happy once that broken spark plug was out. Thank you so much!

[@wuppji1316]

Did u hammer in the #5 ?

[@thomasdinneny5899]

@@wuppji1316 yes, just a couple of light taps with a hammer to set the extractor.

[@muhammadx1670]

Same here was glad it came out. Worked on second try. Best to go slow, steady and straight. First time maybe I hit hammer to soft. Better to increase hitting pressure than point of no return. The 2nd time I could feel the threads been dislodged. Then took of ratchet and the rest by hand with extension....steady n straight. Works. Used Thomas tools method

[@aubreyreel]

You are a gem, sir!! Ryobi #5 screw extractor w/ 3/8" socket and my heart was able to beat again. Thank you so much for posting this! A true blessing!

[@darinalexander1007]

Over torqued a spark plug, this worked like a charm!! Thank you!!

[@Crowntango]

Another grateful youtuber: 2002 Honda Accord SE. Over-torqued one of the spark plug and broke it leaving the thread inside. Ryobi #5 and the 3/8 universal socket saved the day. Thank you !

[@andypena6716]

Randomly used this video today and worked thank you!!🎉

[@tlnsheng]

This video is my saver. I was dumb enough using breaker bar to cut lose spark plug. The ceramic was broke and left thread inside. I was so panic and hopeless until found this video. IThank you so much.

[@fidestin1050]

Wanted to give you a huge thank you! This saved me big time. I got the Ryobi Spiral Screw Extractor set, used number 5 with a 3/8 socket and it worked. Followed your exact steps, gave it a slight tap, and worked it very slow and it worked like a charm. It might feel like it’s not working but it is, take your time and work slowly and it’ll come off. Thanks so much!

[@oliviahenson7420]

How did you fit in the 3/8 socket and the #5 extractor?

[@teerich987]

Thank you brother you just saved me with this video i had one broke on me in my jeep thank you thank you

[@CastroRSA]

2018 dodge challenger awd. I used all the exact tools and PB blaster...freight harbors $10.99 extractor set however. FOLLOW this man's instructions! This SAVED ME!! THANK YOU! Worked beautiful. I over torqued.Threads were IN THERE and this (and GOD), solved ALL.

[@alvarotv1]

Worked like a charm!!! Remember to be gentle. The easy out will grab on to the spark plug itself. Took it out in 10 seconds with my hand. Thank you!!!!!!

[@NuclearNutritionLLC]

YOU SIR ARE A LIFE SAVER!!! Use a #5, 10 mm spline socket 1/2 ratchet.. BEST FEELING IN THE WORLD!!

[@theconstantjuggler]

Over torqued and this worked beautifully! Thanks for the video, was at a completely loss

[@ronfowler9563]

I wish I knew this 30 dollars ago. I bought the thread tool instead. But this is just what I needed to see. Thanks sooooo much!

[@chaa52]

Just did exactly what you did on my motorcycle! Luckily it was a new plug and a clean break off. I used the same 10 mm spline socket. It was slightly loose, so I used duct tape along the socket and the extractor so that it wouldn’t slip. I can’t thank you enough!!

[@jft8283]

I'm going through the same thing rn 😭 brand new spark snapped clean

[@remmor669]

Thank you for this! I had one break off on my 1994 SHO and this technique worked perfectly! Thanks again.

[@joegranger7844]

IF you are wondering what a good reliable easy out to buy is.. Its a Ryobi set from home depot. I am amazed with how much force I was able to put on it without snapping it off. I ended up using a breaker bar with full force on mine to get the spark plug loose. Got the job done.

[@ianwilkinson6131]

I also was successful using the Ryobi set!

[@eviljack]

Thanks! Worked for me too!

[@alexg8460]

Wow breaker bar full force i would have shit my pants 😕

[@Superdudehatesmilk]

Thank you for this. I haven't broken a spark plug but I'm trying to prepare myself just in case lol. My (37f) dad was a mechanic so he did all this stuff for me but he died several years ago. Good mechanics are getting harder to find. A shady mechanic took advantage of me (claiming my car needed parts it didn't and then charging for labor + returning parts the parts I bought), so I decided to learn to do this stuff myself. KZbin videos have helped me so much, but the comments have been just as informative.

[@MichaelMangi]

Thank you so much for this! I had a brand new spark plug break in a Kia Soul despite using anti-sieze compound and a torque wrench (the other 3 torqued down fine). I was able to extract it using this method and it even came most of the way out before I needed to tap on the extractor with a hammer to drive it in. That saved my bacon and the car is running fine on an old plug in that spot until its replacement arrives.

[@LeeFerikson]

Broke off the threads of a plug in the head of my ninja 250r. Followed these instructions (#4 screw extractor with 8mm 12-point socket for a smaller motorcycle plug, Liquid Wrench used as a lube), was gentle as hell, and the thing came out! Thank you sir, I owe you a drink. PS. I did need a magnetic grabber to extract the bit with the threads on it in the end, if you're attempting this you might need one too.

[@fgshepherd]

Ryobi for the win! (Also, a bit of anti-seize grease beforehand saved me.)

[@ethanvang7455]

Thank you so much for your help!, saved me so much money and for not fixing it in the winter!

[@HavikTheGreat]

Thank you for this! I was seriously worried I ruined my dirt bike because I over torqued the spark plug and broke the threads clean off! Ran to autozone and had it fixed in 10 minutes!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Awesome! Glad it helped.

[@jasonbyrnes2836]

Wow -- great instructions! Saved me hundreds of dollars!

[@archhangell]

Thanks a lot... I got same problem and it got resolved thanks to your input here. Besides I couldn't hammer it in the beginning because I was doing Subaru Legacy 2005, which has its sparkplugs position on sides thus not giving enough space for properly hammering it. Therefore it took some time and then I had to slightly hammer it to get it fixed before unscrewing the plug. Glad and relieved to get it fixed within 24 hours of breaking the plug in it and getting relevant tools for having it done. Thanks again.

[@fgshepherd]

I broke a spark plug in my ‘16 Passat today. Going to grab the Ryobi kit right now. Thanks!

[@markiemark3647]

Need to come back and thank this guy big time. I was able to extract it…and save a bunch of money…

[@jerrykey566]

Finally trying this tomorrow on a Ford Ecoboost. 9 years of being a mechanic and I finally broke my first spark plug. Yay

[@sidewayzmike]

Was it the 1.6 Ecoboost?

[@TheSammajor]

Wow Man it worked like magic You voided me an enormous problem Thanks 🙏

[@alickmw6245]

Thanks so much ... it have work ... I was very much concerne as all mechanic advice me for removing head cylinder but I didn't it my self and broken spark plug have come out ... excellent job man ... God bless you 👍

[@kevinbarnes4654]

hi thanks for your video i have had a plug break on my motor bike so i did just the same as u did with the BMW and it i got the plug out just fine.

[@Lopezfam210]

Your car got here oook... Lmao 🤣 I'm here watching this trying to help my father in law take out his spark plug to his 2008 chevy express thanks for the help bro 🙏

[@swiss275]

You sir are the man. Worked like a charm. Thank you.

[@20tea]

Worked for a busted plug on my 6.2 liter yukon. Use a vaccum to get the porcelain out and then get at it with the #5 easy out. Make sure it's a high quality easy out/extractor tool, not a cheapo one or it will break. Good luck!

[@kaankizil7654]

Thank you my dude just got mine out appreciate the quick instructional video

[@shami420able]

Dude you are so awesome. Worked like a charm.

[@ImTheBestListen]

Sir you are a life saver. Thank you!

[@shubsgaming5786]

You are the next god sir ! Thank you worked smoothly

[@rogeliovazquez912]

Thanks for your help , just fix two broken spark plug in my f150 …

[@Ambitiousavocado]

Thanks man this worked saved me atleast a thousand bucks on my f150 Also for anyone else doing this, DONT use liquid wrench. It didnt work to loosen the spark plug thread. PB blaster worked, let it soak overnight and spray more 10 mins before removing Cheers

[@YourCarGuyDR]

That’s awesome to hear. Great job getting it fixed.

[@CherryDenise-qb6jt]

Thanks so much video help so much we got that spork plug out given u 10000 thanks 💪🏽💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@thekidjorgie]

GREAT VIDEO! THANK YOU SO MUCH! SAVED ME SO MUCH TIME!

[@exrt_1359]

This videos saved me bruhh , tip tho u can still turn it with a 12 point socket but to pull it out when your done you need a magnet

[@mookjdg]

Thank you thank you the technique works very well I had the number one on a 2008 grand prix after getting easy out and I sprayed it with pb six times over 2 HRS then taped the number 5 Irwin EZ out in by putting a socket that fit the EZ out on the taped it in with my big ratchet head did not want to have to take the fans out to be Abel to get a hammer in to tap the EZ out in and it works like a champ 🏆 so again THANK YOU ! AND A WELL DONE VIDEO TO Thanks John 😅😊

[@raideralexofficial]

Total life saver on this Ford vehicle!!

[@dirkcard6105]

Thank you dude this saved me so much grief. 100% worked Thank you

[@WookieMonster75]

I was wondering how to get a socket on over that. It’s those little bits of info that really helps people. Thanks

[@YourCarGuyDR]

The Wookie Monster I have some specialty spline drive sockets that work for almost any shape of fastener. The best way is to buy a square drive socket to fit or an eight point socket will work.

[@filiphaska3653]

once on motorcycle I was changing spark plugs. While loosening it broke lika this. I dont have tool for this. So I managed to take normal flst head screw driver, sharpened side edges and tapped in the hole. Then started turning with ratchen and broke loose. One of the most lucky saves I managed to do.

[@ruthmaina8537]

Thank you 💕 this has saved me!!!!!

[@anomie1040]

You didn't mention you turn the wrench to the left, I saw that and everything went as planned. Thanks Again.

[@HG-NLINE]

Thank you so much you’re a life saver

[@davidzuniga9262]

Awesome video.

[@curtice75]

2008 honda fit motor. The #5 Ryobi (19/64) is too small for the spark plug body and falls through. I bought an 8 piece ATE Tool Piece Screw Extractor kit, but the 5th one (19/64) in the 8 piece set is larger than #5 ryobi and barely starts to thread at all. It goes all the way into the spark plug body and barely starts to catch near the end of the threads. I pulled it out with shavings but it never grabbed. The next size up wont fit - socket is too large and won't fit down the hole. I took a 5/8" spade hole drill thing and grinded it down to taper and sharpened the edges. I tapped it in with a hammer pretty good, but it would not budge at all. Soaked with penetrating oil but no luck. Will try again tomorrow. Have you seen the spark plug body be too large before? #5 Ryobi is too small for the threaded body left in the engine. Not sure why my opening is much larger than everyone elses. Thanks

[@423alonso]

Thank you very much .....

[@alexcleaho6159]

That bih dea worked good for me 💯💯 hopefully another doesn't break off again

[@breezyjayee]

UPDATED TRICK FOR THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING IN 2023🚨🚨🚨🚨 Use a screw extractor with a bit that fits into a screw driver with exchangeable ends and screw it out slowly and carefully. You can find a screw extractor from Harbor Freight for under $10 and it will save you a expensive trip to the auto shop! I just did it and it worked. Best of luck!

[@whthunderstorm216]

Thank you so much it worked !!!

[@Janitha_Chamikara]

You saved me a 100$ mate, thank you❤

[@blackgenesis7472]

Spiral easy out works sometimes. What work for me on o ertorques spark plug is 4 sided square strait flute easy out # 4 (on ford explorer)

[@tjacero23]

What are the tools ? And sizes and prices if can bout to do the very same thing

[@michaelhansen2109]

That's a very aggressive easy out. I am having this problem right now. The easy out I got is not grabbing. What brand of easy out are you using?

[@Drivingtalkies]

Very good video

[@privateer0561]

The spiral extractors break off far too easily. I use the square extractors, which grip the edges over a small surface area and tend not to expand the entire surface area of the remaining spark plug threads.

[@vincentcampos3926]

Thanks, help out!

[@Misfits89]

Thanks

[@bandyfoot1]

Great instructions. I used a #4 Easy-Out instead with a 9MM instead of a #5 Easy-out with the 10MM head. Thanks!

[@nsidibeumootong4520]

Hello, and thanks for your video Pls kindly assist with the link where I can get the square drive splined sockets. Many thanks in advance.

[@slikrhodez3336]

Thanks for posting. I still broke the easy out. Sometimes that happens.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

That is not fun!

[@sidewayzmike]

How did u recover the broken easy out? Burr bit? Maybe compression stroke 😂?

[@slikrhodez3336]

I escalated to the next level and replaced the head with a rebuilt unit. Not sure what else you can do with the head still on the engine.

[@theunbroken7678]

How are you getting the no5 easy out to stay still?

[@ianwilkinson6131]

I snapped a spark plug head right off trying to remove it. My friend/neighbor did the same. We were able to use the Ryobi extractor #5 from Home Depot it comes in a kit for like 10 bucks. Due to lockdowns in our region we were limited to the tools we were able to get. We used a 3/8 extension backwards (it is not a perfect fit) on the drill bit. With an adjustable wrench that we had a short pipe on. We sprayed penetrating oil for 2 days and took it really easy. We turned the wrench (also supporting the extension) until there was good pressure and tapped the extension bit on the head with a hammer. We were successful at removing 2 broken spark plugs. I hope this helps but don't hold me accountable if things go sideways!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Great info! Thank you.

[@joepawling4735]

Thanks for the video. I have a question, my car is at 113,000 first time replacing plugs. I have this EXACT problem, however I presoaked my plug for two days before my plug broke leaving only the threaded portion in head. My last hope is doing this procedure. Do you think it will work?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

It is your best hope. As long as the plug isn’t cross threaded it should work.

[@healthfullivingify]

Great! Thanks.

[@yo_ez1590]

Did you have to drill it first? If not so basically the ratchet was on “righty tighty, lefty loosy” you tapped the the EZ out onto the plug and starting screwing out first? (Lefty loosy) or righty tighty so it can get inside of the plug and then left loosy??

[@YourCarGuyDR]

The ceramic came out of the plug so there was no need to drill the easy out is what’s called a reverse or left handed spiral so you only go lefty loosy and it will bite in to the plug and begin turning it out.

[@diqualita]

Thanks for the video , which size is the extractor ?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

The extractor is a #5.

[@lewissustaita2699]

It worked thank you

[@jamesnjoroge8578]

I have a size 5 easy out but it does not fit tight in the 10mm special socket.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

James Njoroge you can use a square drive or 8 point socket. Normally 1/4 inch. The 10mm that I used is a spline drive socket.

[@FxckingZeRO]

Hello! I am trying to atempt this same thing on my car, what size and brand of ez out is this, I went into harbor freight and the ones they had seemed too small . Thank you in advance for your help

[@YourCarGuyDR]

The brand shouldn’t matter much, size 4 or 5 should be what you need.

[@Genny2Turbos]

i got find a socket thats fits the #5 they all just warp and break when putting torque on them

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Find a spline drive or square drive socket.

[@blazinsaddlez5134]

What size easy out was that . I was wondering because I have the same issue and I have an easy out that looks like yours I wanted to know what size your easy out was. Then I can purchase that socket . I have not tried the socket yet

[@YourCarGuyDR]

The easy out is a #5

[@GreatKlanuga]

I have the same problem on my 08 E90 BMW but the ceramic is still inside the snapped plug. How would get the EZ Out to engage the thread? Thx.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

That gets much tougher. You could use a long drill bit to drill out the ceramic. However you would need to make sure to get all of the ceramic out very carefully with some sort of a vacuum.

[@gerardochavez8388]

Hey I have a question....is it possible for the engine to get rusted if I put to much PB blaster because to took it to a mechanic after I couldn’t take it out and I feel like he’s trying to rip me off

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Gerardo Chavez pb blaster will not cause rust. It will protect against rust. However if the system sat with the plug out in a humid area there is a chance that it would develop rust in the upper cylinder. Particularly if it sat open for more than a few days. However in most cases that is just surface rust and will go away as soon as the engine turns over. If it sat open for an extended period of time the rust could cause pitting which can cause some issues.

[@4wdtennessee459]

A12 point socket will work to

[@omereyoub254]

Hey I have a question, does the easy out size matter depending on the plug? My car is 2016 bmw 328i x drive

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Omer Eyoub not usually. Even though some plug size vary most of them are very close to the same size at the electrode.

[@omereyoub254]

Thanks you are awesome !

[@jordanaugustine1123]

What did u use to keep the easy out tool to stick to the extension since I’ve only seen them used for drills?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

I used a spline drive socket that held the tool. You can get square Drive sockets, eight point sockets or use a tight fitting six or twelve point socket as well.

[@Akuma_Raou]

Yo I have a Honda Issue - 2006 Honda Odyssey Tampered Tip, over the cooper core ground electrode. Snapped in the engine area and it was dry but dark with white dirt on it. The main problem now is the Honda does not start. 1) Starter replaced 2)Ignition replaced 3) Battery full 4) Ground issue fixed. 5)Spark Plugs replaced with -4 tip Audi A6 4.2 Quattro spark plugs..... 6) Used a portable 1500A Jump Starter - failed 7) Car makes Clicking sound when turning the key. What can I do now, help needed!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Akuma Raou you need to make sure the engine isn’t seized by using a ratchet to turn it by hand. The main crankshaft pulley is where you want to hook up and see if if the engine will turn. If it turns fine check both your power and ground cables.

[@Akuma_Raou]

@@YourCarGuyDRthanks i'll give it a try

[@antonioevans1373]

I’m having a hard time finding the socket that will fit the extension and extractor. Can anyone send me the exact tool they use .or some links so I could possibly order it. Thank you in advance

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Here is a set that should work. Lisle 70500 Tap Socket Set www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRFOE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VBWHNWPXY41QY1CB51F3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@abrambam3331]

What size is the easy out ? Thank you!!!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

aBram Bam size #5

[@patient0500]

Link for the part please

[@caitiemoon238]

What is the name of the extension bar you have on top of the ez out? It seems like it would need to be a female to female extension and I can’t find anything like that.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

I used a standard 3/8” drive extension six inches long with a socket on the end of it that would grip the ez out.

[@prorespons]

I have the #5 extractor like yours but the 10mm socket doesn't grip to the extractor. Use duct tape instead to hold it together?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Baseball Hitting Drills the socket I used is a special spline drive socket you can also use a square drive or 8 point socket. Otherwise you won’t get the engagement you need to turn out the plug.

[@prorespons]

@@YourCarGuyDR turning it is no problem with the socket I have... I was referring to after I'm done turning it because there is no rubber inside the socket to grip the extractor bit as i'm bringing it up

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Baseball Hitting Drills yes you could use tape or use a magnet once it is unscrewed.

[@prorespons]

@@YourCarGuyDR this worked! it came right out. I ended up taping a piece of long string to the extractor bit in case it came loose. Now, the car won't start lol so going to work on it tomorrow morning. hopefully a connection issue.

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Baseball Hitting Drills I am glad you got it out.

[@CarterFooty11]

My car has aluminum heads. Would this still be safe/fine to do?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Carter Reiss yes

[@hallnbass2569]

You saved my ass, thank you

[@luxchannelx6039]

I don’t get it when it’s inside are u loosing it or tighten it ? To make it come out

[@YourCarGuyDR]

The extractor/easy out has a reverse spiral in it so that while turning counter clockwise the extractor will bite into the plug and then the plug will turn itself out.

[@MrCnotez28]

What size to use for an Nissan Altima 2.5L SL ? I have that same problem

[@YourCarGuyDR]

Should be the same size.

[@TegAzi1022]

So it just goes right through the plug?..how did you get it to do that? My issue, the spark plug has snapped and there's a surface to it. Will an easy out just tap right through it? Please help!

[@YourCarGuyDR]

You will need to drill or break out the ceramic core of the plug. Just make sure to get all the bits out of the cut liner afterwards using a shop vac or other means.

[@TegAzi1022]

@@YourCarGuyDR okay, what tools would I need? I assume a drill, but are there certain bits? Certain extensions?

[@YourCarGuyDR]

@@TegAzi1022 porcelain will break out easier than it will drill. A small diameter chisel or punch works well for this.