Rethreading tool stuck in spark plug hole

KIMBERLY PARKS

MEMBER
2004 FORD ESCAPE
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
146,000 MILES

I have a rethreading tool stuck in my spark plug hole. I am a woman and I am willing to try anything, I just ask that you please explain to me carefully what to do. I've tried everything on YouTube, from PCV pipe, to JB weld, to grinding a drive down to try to make it fit the hole, I've tried magnets and it will not budge. Please help.

5 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I would suggest starting with getting some pictures of what you are dealing with so that we can see it and probably get some ideas of how to get this out.

Also, let's get a little background on the issue. I can assume you have a cross threaded spark plug or stripped plug?

If so, what exactly is stuck in the hole? The tap or did you already tap it and you were trying to install the threads?

Here is a guide that will cover the terms of the parts to make sure we are on the same page:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDt5OUIZTs0&t=288s

A picture will help get us on the same page so I think that is the next step. Thanks

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Friday, September 17th, 2021 AT 7:29 PM

KIMBERLY PARKS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

What's stuck in the hole is the rethreading tool. When the spark plug and coil blew out I let the car sit, then went and got a new plug and new coil. Thing to get the spark plug screwed in for about 20 minutes I realized the hole must be stripped or cross threaded. I went and got the kit. Dropped the piece down there but didn't realize the socket that fit on too of it was too big to go down the hole. As soon as I seen that I instantly got my magnet. It didn't budge and hasn't since. I almost have a 21 mm socket grinded down just enough to go down and possibly screw it back out. Which is my last resort unless you guys have a better idea.

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Sunday, September 19th, 2021 AT 6:52 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Okay. I understand. Unfortunately that is a tough situation. However, just thinking ahead. Even if you get it out what is the repair going to be?

More than likely the head is going to have to be removed at this point. When you tried to cut the new threads, did you coat the tap in grease? If not then any shavings that were cut are now down in the engine.

If it were me, I would just cut my losses at this point and remove the head, remove the tap and then evaluate the condition of the threads because you may have to replace it. Then you can clean off the top of the piston of any metal shavings.

I attached the process below for the LH head. Please let me know if you have questions on this.

Thanks

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Sunday, September 19th, 2021 AT 8:21 PM

F2505.4LARIAT

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Was there any resolution? I’m in the same exact position. Didn’t realize that I should check the socket size prior.

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Saturday, December 10th, 2022 AT 8:21 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

You may be able to pound a copper tube over the stuck tool to see if you can get it out that way if not the cylinder head to need to come off for repair. Can you upload some images of the problem this can help us see what's going on?