Seized spark plugs

[666bxg]

Hi all...

Sent my wife's car, 1997 W208 CLK200' for a 'B Service' last week by an independent.

Shocked to be told that the spark plugs have threaded/seized, and they wouldn't dare even touch it. Was told it would be a major job if the plugs fail later on... and it was due to plugs being improperly fitted during the last service (?)

Looking at the service book last plug change was 2 yrs ago by a franchised dealer. A quick ring to the service department was filled with denial of liability etc...

Few questions to the guys out there:

1. is this a common problem?

2. is this regarded as wear and tear or is otherwise?

thanks in advance

 

[lotusmark2]

Not totally uncommon but have they all seized??

link
This tells the tale.
They need to come out one way or another
I had one seize in my old Capri, after much grunting got it out from the engine when warm.

 

[guydewdney]

had a siezed plug in my old volvo - i got the engine as hot as i could (even covered the radiator a bit) - then they came out very easily... but i burnt my hand

 

[Brian WH]

had a siezed plug in my old volvo - i got the engine as hot as i could (even covered the radiator a bit) - then they came out very easily... but i burnt my hand

Not a job for the faint hearted though, and best done by a recognised Garage as if they break then you cannot move the car until they are drilled out.

Moved to Engine Section.

 

[silverarrow]

spray wd 40 loads of it and leave overnight then red hot engine and try to turn but use a new plug removal tool as they give a tighter fit and then if needed spray cold wd 40 on the plug not the head
i would be surprised if they have all got stuck
lets hope not and then use copper grease
please name and shame the garage
other option is to drive with the same plugs but but they will need changing at some point

 

[andy_k]

I'm not sure how the indy could tell they were seized in without at least removing some of them - it would be very very rare for a whole set of plugs to seize

take it back to the dealer with the original receipt and ask them to change the plugs

Alternatively you could follow the advice offered here and remove them yourself. Use a good quality socket to remove them and if you have access to it a T bar as you can apply the force required evenly and directly onto the plug and eliminate a lot of the lateral forces (which are more likely to damage the plug) which are created by using a normal socket wrench.

Andy

 

[grober]

Impact screwdriver

I have used an impact screwdriver with a 1/2 " drive plus a good quality plug socket plus a 5 lb hammer to remove stubborn plugs Bit nerve wracking and you need a good angle of attack. I dont know if this applies to alloy heads I would be inclined to try the hot head method first. Whatever you do take your time and think every move thro before applyingany force.