Broken Spark Plug

[Al Schober]

The bullet missed me today.
Went to the boat this morning to install new spark plugs then go for a sail. Things were going fine until I got to the last plug - broke it. Tried loosening the stub with vise grips, but that got me nowhere. Left it soaking with some MMO while I went for bigger tools (3# hammer, cold chisel, etc).
Started by just tapping on the top, but all this did was to make the stub a little shorter. Then I started with the bigger hammer and the cold chisel - managed to get two notches going 180 deg apart. Tap, tap - tap, tap. Occasionally I'd try with the vise grips and a screw driver to get it to turn. I'd also brought a book, so would give it a rest now and then and let things soak.
Mid afternoon I decided that the head would have to come off - but tomorrow. I was going to give it until noon Saturday to loosen up.
Shortly thereafter I was trying the vise grip/screw driver combo and I thought I felt some motion - maybe??? Yes - it wiggles. More back & forth, and finally a full turn. At last it came out!
Put some grease on the spark plug tap and clean out the hole. Finally, 7 hours later the new plugs are installed.

[thatch]

If it's any consolation, it looks like the tip was burning at a decent color.
Tom

[Marty Levenson]

scaring me

What is the best way to avoid spark plugs seizing?

Thanks!

[JOHN COOKSON]

What is the best way to avoid spark plugs seizing?
!

Use a bit of never seize on the threads.
Don't get 'em cross thread.
Check them two or three times a year and re gap 'em.
Reverse the plug order. On my engine #4 spark plug gets grungier quicker.

TRUE GRIT

[quiesence65]

Probably the best and "most inexpensive" tune-up you can do for your A-4 is to replace the plugs every year....I usually do it twice a season. Having them come out easily every time is just a bonus!

[ndutton]

Probably the best and "most inexpensive" tune-up you can do for your A-4 is to replace the plugs every year....I usually do it twice a season. Having them come out easily every time is just a bonus!

+1
Spark plugs are by design disposable and cheap compared to many other boat goodies. Can't imagine a downside to regular replacement.

[JDK]

That's exactly how they break off......mine were so corroded when I got the boat that one plug blew out as it gave way, wouldv shot through the cockpit floor if it wasn't connected to it's wire.....

These are the tool for removing busted up plugs, pound the special socket on there and crank that baby loose with as much brute force as necessary.......under 20 dollars at Advanced for the special set....

[Al Schober]

I'll have to look for those and add a set to my tool kit. It would have saved me a couple of hours. I still would have had the drive home & back to the boat, but I would have avoided all that tap-tap with the 3# hammer.
I think the right answer is to replace the plugs before they get as rusty as mine (but they ran fine...).

[Laker]

I am curious - how long had that plug been in the head?

[Al Schober]

Obviously, too long. Probably 10 years (hate to admit it..).

[thatch]

I will take this opportunity to say that this is nothing more than a display how easy it is to keep one of these engines running. If you install a decent fuel filter and possibly an EI system, they should run at least as good as your lawnmower.
Tom

[Laker]

Well , lesson learned. I look at spark plugs in the Atomic 4 as a quick and easy diagnostic opportunity. Pulling the plugs at least once per season gives one a glimpse into the innards of the little engine , how it is digesting it's fuel , etc. (And prevents a plug to block fusion...) Kind of like looking your kid in the eye and putting a hand to the forehead to gauge well being.