<VV> Oops - need advice

[Tony Underwood]

At 12:39 AM 3/15/2011, Chris & Bill Strickland wrote:

> >It sheared the plug off flat against the head - so just the metal 
> of the sparkplug is in the threads of the head with nothing to 
> grip. ... a mouse had made its nest around this plug, so i suspect 
> that getting the remainder out will be a challenge.
> >




Got a MIG welder?   Or, a bud who owns one and knows how to use it?


Find a *clean* non-galvanized nonplated bolt that's a loose fit 
inside the broken shell.  This allows you to get between the bolt and 
the shell with the welder.   Then while holding the bolt somewhere 
close to center with vise-grips or whatever, CAREFULLY weld a bead 
around the bolt and shell junction.  The first tack will hold the 
bolt in place so you can finish it off.   This will accomplish 
double-duty things, one being providing something for a wrench to 
grab, to twist the shell out of the head... and the welding heat (and 
it's gonna be damned hot) is going to swell the hole and make the 
aluminum break loose from the plug shell.   No, the weld bead will 
not stick to the aluminum and if you're careful it won't mar the head 
material.    Don't try to horsewhip the shell out in a single 
twist.   Work it and tap on it and loosen it until it begins to come 
out without having to twist hard.   Once it begins to break loose, 
hit it with your favorite penetrant just for insurance.


Been there done that/this.   It works.



tony..