Broken spark plug (2 valve)

[Julio6306]

Good morning in need of advice, 5.4 Expedition 1997 triton engine (2Valve) broken spark plug at the base ( treads in head) with an embedded flute extractor that does not budge. I’m soaking it in penetrating lube in the meantime and have that cylinder disconnected. Any advice besides pulling the head is appreciated. Any special tools or tips? Bought the lisle tool but that is only for 3 valve so I returned it and then the extractor broke off. Just hoping something can grip that extractor and with days soaking the plug gives in.

 

[Yupster Dog]

Any special tools or tips?

Hard to tell from picture,
Is there enough height on the broken extractor to bang a smaller socket on it?

 

[Hamfisted]

How big is the remnants of the extractor shaft ? Gearwrench sells a extractor socket set that goes down to 1/4" that might bite on it. But honestly, if it's seized up in there bad enough to break an extractor, you're pretty screwed.

Gearwrench Extractor Socket Set at Home Depot

Gearwrench Extractor Socket Set at NAPA






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[Fastcar]

How big is the remnants of the extractor shaft ? Gearwrench sells a extractor socket set that goes down to 1/4" that might bite on it. But honestly, if it's seized up in there bad enough to break an extractor, you're pretty screwed.

Gearwrench Extractor Socket Set at Home Depot

Gearwrench Extractor Socket Set at NAPA

If he has an extension and a good six point impact socket and smacks it one after soaking it with real good penetrating oil he may get lucky. There are real good machinists around that can get it out. Of course they are a dying breed and hard to find. There has to be a couple in his area. Maybe a boat engine mechanic? Hell if he finds one he should have him remove the rest of the plugs you, know the rest of them are probably the same.




.

 

[Fastcar]

Good morning in need of advice, 5.4 Expedition 1997 triton engine (2Valve) broken spark plug at the base ( treads in head) with an embedded flute extractor that does not budge. I’m soaking it in penetrating lube in the meantime and have that cylinder disconnected. Any advice besides pulling the head is appreciated. Any special tools or tips? Bought the lisle tool but that is only for 3 valve so I returned it and then the extractor broke off. Just hoping something can grip that extractor and with days soaking the plug

Find a machinist that does over the fender work. Engine re-builder or somebody, I'm sure they run into this frequently. They should be able to remove it or drill it out using hardened drill bits and some sort of jig.

 

[Yupster Dog]

But honestly, if it's seized up in there bad enough to break an extractor, you're pretty screwed.

Exactly
You can't torque something that hard and not mess up that aluminum head.
It was not meant for that kind of torque.

 

[Fastcar]

Exactly
You can't torque something that hard and not mess up that aluminum head.
It was not meant for that kind of torque.

Very good point!