Broken spark plug extractor tool will not come out

BIGG123

MEMBER
2007 FORD F-150
5.4L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I took my truck listed above to the mechanic to change the spark plugs. They broke every plug, but managed to extract each one successfully, except the very last plug. Now, not only have they not extracted the broken plug, but their extractor tool is stuck in my cylinder, it won't come out, and it just spins. The don't know how to get out. All they have talked is pulling my heads to remove it, but having to buy and install a new head because this is probably damaged. After that they are suggesting even changing out the engine, all new heads, or even having to pull the motor just to change out the heads. I'm looking for insight, help, or anything to guide me in the right direction and what to do. Are these guys correct in what they are telling me?

Thanks!

G

3 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good evening,

The 3 valve motor was a nightmare. The plugs never wanted to come out and everyone I did, I broke all the plugs as well. I went through what they did but never had an issue with the tool.

At this point, the head would have to come off to get the tool out and check for the damage. Instead of removing the motor, I used to jack up the cab about 5 inches and put 4X4 blocks of wood at the mounts to give me enough clearance to remove the head. Saves removing the engine.

I have to ask this. Their tool broke. If it was my shop, I would not hold you responsible for that. That is the shop that did something wrong and this happened.

Ford had so many issues with phasers that when the codes come up, they recommend replacing the engine.

I would question why they want to hold you responsible for this as it was not something you did.

Roy

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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 5:43 PM

BIGG123

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for your reply. I don't know why honestly that it is assumed it's my liability thus my cost. The plug they said broke off unlike they normally to like on the porcelain shaft. Their tool that's in there just spins. So no matter what it's attached to it must just be spinning as well? Does that mean my threads are shot, too? I think what bothers me more and more is the head mechanic wasn't doing the work, even when this other guy had been on my truck over 6 hours trying to get plugs changed. There's not been any talk of making it right for me, just what the next step is and what it's going to cost me. Not trying to sound rude or hateful, they did it I didn't. Why is it on me, my fault, and they are left with no accountability for basically messing my truck up? And why would I want them to do any head work if they got their tool stuck in my cylinder? It was the cylinder against firewall on passenger side, and the guy could have moved the computer out of his way to had a better angle on the cylinder, but didn't. Heck, there's not even an offer of them to eat the labor cost for head removal or such. I think it's sounding shady.

G

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Monday, January 6th, 2020 AT 9:43 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

I agree. You need to bring this up with the manager. Tell them you did not cause any damage to the truck, they did and they should be responsible.

Time to get tough on them.

Roy

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Tuesday, January 7th, 2020 AT 2:57 AM