Informational Guide

How To Remove Stuck Spark Plug

In this guide, we show you how to remove stuck spark plug easily and safely.

You might know how to change spark plugs and the value of an automotive tune-up, but do you know how to remove stuck spark plug? In this article, we discuss how to remove stuck spark plug boot and evaluate the reasons that they get stuck.  

Why Do Spark Plugs Get Stuck? 

The most common reason that a spark plug gets stuck is because of carbon build up in the combustion chamber. As the contaminants build up on the spark plug threads, they become more difficult to remove.

This build up can also occur if the plugs didn’t get torqued to factory specs when you installed them. Additionally, if any oil gets on the spark plugs, corrosion can occur, causing them to become seized and stuck in place.  

engine with spark plugs

How To Remove Stuck Spark Plug (Step By Step Guide)

Before you learn how to remove seized spark plugs, you need to make sure you have the right supplies on hand. Here are a few items you might want to have. 

Removing Stuck Spark Plugs

  1. 1
    Before you can figure out how to remove the stuck socket from the spark plug well, you must first find the plugs. Once you find the stuck plugs, follow these steps to remove them. 
  2. 2
    Spray penetrating oil on the plug.  
  3. 3
    Tighten the plug slightly so the penetrating oil can move around on the threads. 
  4. 4
    Repeat spraying it with oil and tightening it slightly.  
  5. 5
    If the plug still won’t come out, start the engine to warm up the penetrating oil. 
  6. 6
    Allow the engine to cool back down before attempting to remove the plugs again.  

Once you get the stuck plugs out, you want to replace them with new ones to prevent any further issues.  

Removing Stuck Spark Plug Boots

You would use a similar approach to the steps needed when learning how to remove spark plug wires that are stuck. To remove stuck boots, follow these instructions. 

  • Determine which spark plug boot is stuck.  
  • Twist the boot in either direction and pull it off. 

The pulling rotation allows for superior disconnection from the spark plug. It also puts less strain on the wire. If you don’t use caution while pulling it off, you could cause damage to the wire, which would require a replacement for proper ignition.  

If you notice any damage to the boot when you remove it, it’s time to replace them.  

Removing Stuck Spark Plug from Aluminum Head

Because the spark plugs sit in the aluminum head, it’s important that you know how to remove the stuck spark plug from the aluminum head. Here are some basic steps to follow. 

  1. 1
    Locate the stuck plugs.  
  2. 2
    Spray penetrating oil on the plug.  
  3. 3
    Tighten the plug slightly, allowing the penetrating oil to move around on the threads. 
  4. 4
    Repeat spraying it with oil and tightening it slightly.  
  5. 5
    If the plug doesn’t come out, start the engine to warm up the penetrating oil. 
  6. 6
    Allow the engine to cool back down before attempting to remove the plugs again.  
  7. 7
    Replace any of the plugs that were stuck. 

Removing Stuck Spark Plug Socket

When you are working with the spark plugs, you might find yourself needing to know how to remove a stuck socket on a spark plug. If the socket is stuck, you can follow these tips illustrating how to remove a stuck spark plug socket. 

  1. 1
    Use a strong magnet to pull the socket out. 
  2. 2
    With a pick and hook, you might be able to get a better hold of it. 
  3. 3
    Use a locking extension to connect to the socket. 
  4. 4
    Apply tape on the male drive of the extension and place it back on the extension. 
  5. 5
    Use JB Weld on the extender to get a good stick.  

Removing Stuck Spark Plug Wires

If you need to know how to remove stuck spark plug wires, consider these steps. 

  1. 1
    Spray some lubricant on the spark plug wire end. The lubricant must get into every surface that the valve cover meets with the wire.  
  2. 2
    Grab tight onto the end of the plug with pliers. Do not grab onto the wire. 
  3. 3
    To work the lubricant across the rubber, twist the boot back and forth while pulling.  
  4. 4
    Repeat these steps until you can remove the plug wire.  

Replace any spark plugs wires that are damaged and check the condition of the plugs as well.  

motorcycle engine with spark plugs

How To Prevent Spark Plugs from Getting Stuck (Maintenance Tips) 

You can use anti-seize lube to treat spark plugs, but only if the manufacturer recommends it.  For example, the NGK website states not to put the lube on the spark plugs. You want to keep the spark plugs free of any other fluid or corrosion that could cause them to get stuck. Additional carbon build up leads to stuck spark plugs. 

To avoid carbon build up, you want to clean out the spark plug hole before installation and make sure you use the appropriate torque specs when you tighten them.  

engine showing spark plugs and wiring

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can a broken spark plug damage the engine? 

In some cases, a broken spark plug can require an engine replacement or rebuild. However, if you can get the spark plug out, you could save yourself a lot of money.  

Can I use WD40 to remove spark plugs? 

WD40 isn’t as much of a lubricant as much as it repels water. For this reason, it’s best to use a lubricant to get stuck spark plugs removed instead of WD40. 

Is it better to remove spark plugs when they’re hot or cold? 

You don't want to remove spark plugs while the engine is hot, or you could injure yourself. If you must warm up the engine to get the lubricant heated up, make sure it cools back down before trying to remove them.  

Conclusion

Now that you understand how to remove a stuck spark plug socket and wires, you have the tools required to accomplish these tough jobs. Get those spark plugs changed so your vehicle engine can run the way it was intended.  

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