How To Remove A Broken Spark Plug

Recently while replacing Spark Plugs on a Ford F-150, I had two of them brake off, leaving the threads down in the bore in the cylinder. Removing them is not an easy task. Thankfully this type of thing doesn't happen too often. We had to use several tools and some penetrating oil and a lot of patience, we succeeded at getting them removed. Hope our technique will help you if you find yourself in this same situation.
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Due to factors beyond the control of MintHillBilly, he cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information or improper use of this information. Due to factors beyond the control of MintHillBilly, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. MintHillBilly assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. MintHillBilly recommends safe practices when working with power tools, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not MintHillBilly.

[@galactic904]

My built up stress vanished after seeing that, there's hope that everything goes smoothly. Thanks a bunch.

[@OutspokenRap]

Well give us an update already

[@adrianjames1940]

Thank you for this. I just went to five stores in town looking for a long tap piece, while asking can I just jam a socket extension on it, a resounding no from everyone. Then I see this video and you did exactly what I was thinking. Thank you.

[@theresajohnson6746]

Thank you so much for this video. My husband has been changing spark plugs since he was a teenager and has never had this happen and of course it happened to my son's 2007 Dodge ram 1500 are we have been going crazy trying to figure out how to get it out. You are a lifesaver

[@minthillbilly]

Glad it helped! Glad you got that broke plug out.

[@DeniseSlack]

Where did you get the extractor?

[@Thebowzer221]

Anti seize the new plug threads ?

[@guillermo32]

I appreciate you making this video thank you.

[@YanYalan]

Your video save the day!!! We were despair when it happened and we found your video. It worked like a charm!!! You saved the day and our car!!!

[@dritongjevukaj7286]

Where did you buy that tool and that is it called? Thanks.

[@mohamadalnmes8490]

I have a question and I hope someone can help I have a 2016 ford fusion and the spark plug is just spinning and doesn’t come out spins both directions any ideas on how to take it out any help please ?

[@msrkstine684]

Where do I find that tool sir?

[@tausogataala8891]

That's happened to today, I'm trying to remove the broken spark but I can't find the tool

[@04xb12s]

What did you call the extractor? I played it several times and couldn't tell. I'm getting ready to do my 07 F150 and I'm expecting at least one to break. I want to get the extractor to have it here when it does.

[@jamesgarrisonii1410]

I think he said it was a square type stud extractor.

[@curth9204]

What size square extractor do you use? I have this problem with my 2004 Grand Prix same issue same simile plug 5/8

[@TheBigBruski]

I have #6 threads seized into the head. I have everything but the threads removed. I guess I'll pour some ATF down there and pray while I get twisting.

[@bas-boiseautomotive3748]

nice video

[@quietresource956]

Im on my fuckin lunch break - this guy in bad santa

[@ddljddlj704]

Every mechanic must put grease on threads before applying when it is new...my scooter has stuck spark plug

[@dwightswan2265]

The heat at the head will fry the grease.

[@kllrvet]

What brand/model extractor did you use?

[@gingerehrhardt843]

Exactly what I needed to know. Thank you.

[@exone3053]

No thank YOU

[@everythingvideos24]

Do you have a link for the tool you stuck into the spark plug to back it out?

[@andyslawnsheretoserveyou2041]

Thank you so much for making this video have 7 broken spark plugs on a Ford Triton 5.4 3 valve

[@mistacdawg]

My tool is stuck in the broken socket, can’t find a socket to fit on the square extractor

[@minthillbilly]

Rock it back the other way to get it unstuck. They make square drive sockets. Here is a link to a set on Amazon amzn.to/3xSW7qK (affiliate link)

[@snickpickle]

For those who aren’t catching the name of what he’s using, it’s a stud extractor. It’s four-sided, and secured into a socket. I’m still trying to find out how to not get porcelain chips into the cylinder, as my plug just plain broke outright! According to others here on the comments, it is impossible to avoid, unfortunately. As far as using a vacuum cleaner goes, I plan on using a cornering tool, then inserting a drinking straw into the tool, and sealing it with some kind of tape (duct tape, most likely?). THANKFULLY, I have a camera tool to check for debris in the cylinder! Best $120 I’ve spent in quite a while! Well worth the investment, in case you’re wondering. Now to get that penetrating oil in there… I dread thinking about if the rear plugs in my Town & Country refuse to come out properly. :-/

[@jakewestmoreland8430]

Your video save me from spending thousands of dollars. I found your video and as a last attempt, hail mary before I took it to the dealership or a local shop. Thanks so much for the video!!!

[@07SATS]

what is the tool did you use to extract plug?

[@MUHAMMADKHAN-pe7ez]

sir, you made this tool or it is available on Amazon???

[@392.PABI5]

That's what I need to know

[@VCGConstruction]

Useful thanks!

[@minthillbilly]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dawsonjorgensen3521]

@@minthillbilly hey man, love your vid, very helpful, im just having Absolute worst time trying to break free 1 spark plug on my 98 f150 with the 4.6, it broke the thread end off inside the hole and I've bought spiral and square flute extractor but no luck, it's at the very back on #4 plug, I just can't seem to get a hammer or something to wedge the tool in there, got any suggestions?

[@fabriceburon7977]

Thank you Guys for the tips - Broke a spark plug in a Mazda CX-9 - bought fluted screw extractor on amazon and tried it - it worked !!!!!

[@nelliesellon4351]

So my plug broke off but the ceramic portion of the plug is still attached. What's my safest way of removing it and being able to get an ez out in to remove the threads?

[@minthillbilly]

Try vacuuming it out. Tape a smaller piece or tubing to your shop vac and see if that will suck it out. Worth a try

[@Grizzmc13]

I watched 5 times to catch what you called that tool but you slur your words so it’s not understandable then I go to the comments to see if you listed it there and sure enough..nope. Stud extractor? Screw extractor? Stub extractor? Good grief.

[@TheBigBruski]

It looks like a 3/8 square fluted bolt extractor.

[@DesertBumWoodWorkn]

Good info Bobby on the broken spark plug, In didn't know they broke in that way. Thanks for sharing. DesertBum AKA Chuck

[@Skillzpatchi]

For some reason he sound like hank hill.. im selling propane

[@SuperEvilmonkey88]

Haha! I'm guessing by the name he's from a Charlotte, NC suburb called Mint Hill. Next to another suburb called Matthews. Accent sounds pretty normal for anyone from or raised around the area.

[@sonuamrit3078]

Thanks bro i saved $400 dollars thanks very much

[@minthillbilly]

Glad I could help, You can throw a couple hundred my way. LOL Just kidding, glad you got it fixed!

[@htfdlouissirois]

I have a 97 Ford F-150 4.6 l is there any other way to get the threads out? I have a broken spark plug to get out Seems like welded it's so tight

[@huntercornett1300]

What did you say the name of the tool was called? A sugs extractor? I’m sorry just unsure what you said

[@minthillbilly]

A thread extractor or easy out. You can find these for sale at most parts stores. Think I got this kit at Napa

[@huntercornett1300]

@@minthillbilly thank you sir! Spark plug broke off in my 06 Suzuki 750 katana. You’re a life saver!! Going to grab one tomorrow

[@fichtl500]

Hi, I am solving this problem. I thought of heating the ring of the candle with a flame. It's good idea? OM110 engine

[@392.PABI5]

Where can I get the tool from

[@minthillbilly]

I got the extractors from Napa

[@charlesbanks3464]

I have got a 2005 Chevrolet Impala with a broken spark plug Where the threaded part is still in the spark plug hole and it's on the side where the firewall is is there an easier way to get that out

[@killer121LowPro]

Worked like a charm thank you sir.

[@advkhizar3728]

Mechanic just broke my plug yesterday and asked me that to open the head but this technique really work thanks alot

[@brianveltri3107]

I work for crossroads cars. Can you tell me the part number on the extractor please

[@nickeyhansen5259]

Thanks, that was exactly what i needed to know. You're the man!

[@theresajohnson6746]

Thanks!

[@minthillbilly]

Thank you very much for the tip. That's the first tip I ever got here on youtube. I didn't know people could do that. Thank you very much. I appreciate it!

[@coleernest8421]

Do i have to get all of the porcelain out before i use this tool

[@christopherk2020]

Omg thanks a million

[@wulfclaw4921]

Life saver ! Thanks brother !!!

[@kevinacosta2232]

3/8 Fluted Screw Extractor

[@christophermatina3156]

Thanks Sir from South Africa

[@benmadiope1735]

Thanks, now m looking for this tool

[@excelerater]

hey poncho make and model of the tool ?

[@ashlifts6886]

sealey ak719 5pc

[@leroym6762]

Well done sir!

[@kurtwm2010]

boring video.... was too easy :)

[@elizabethb4830]

Any recommendations on how to remove the porcelain without it falling into the engine? The porcelain is preventing the extractor from gripping the plug.

[@celyl]

I was told; there is no way around it. Particles will fall into the cylinder. Stick a small tube in there attached to a vacuum cleaner and or blow it out with a compressor. Do it a number of times, get as much out as possible. Send in a probe camera to checkout remaining bits. Blow it out some more. The rest will blow out the exhaust valve, hopefully. Good luck.

[@MicahFunk]

Can additionally use a vacuum connected to a hose in an attempt to suck up debris. But use an inspection camera in the cylinder to check for anything remaining.

[@dothedoword]

this happened to me last night, but only the thread was left inside. the hex nut was still attached to the spark plug. will this technique work on the threads alone?

[@technologyreviews3620]

No bull 🐂 and sounds like you’re a fun guy too.