Spark Plug - Seizes or Breaks/Removal Procedure
Article No.93-24-15
11/24/93
SPARK PLUG - SEIZES OR BREAKS - REMOVAL PROCEDURE AND PREVENTATIVE ACTION
FORD:
1988-93 FESTIVA
ISSUE:
Spark Plugs may seize in the cylinder head or may break while attempting to remove them. This may occur due to corrosion of the spark plug(s).
ACTION:
Refer to the following service procedure for spark plug removal and for measures to prevent recurrence of corrosion/seizure.
CAUTION:
DO NOT ATTEMPT SPARK PLUG REMOVAL ON A HOT ENGINE. REMOVAL OF THE SPARK PLUGS WITH THE ENGINE AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE WILL INCREASE REMOVAL TORQUE AND MAY RESULT IN SEIZED OR BROKEN SPARK PLUGS OR CYLINDER HEAD DAMAGE. SPARK PLUG REMOVAL SHOULD ONLY BE ATTEMPTED AFTER THE ENGINE HAS COOLED TO AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
PERFORM THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE WHEN THE SPARK PLUG IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE OR SEIZED, BUT NOT BROKEN
1. Ensure that the engine has cooled to ambient temperature before attempting spark plug removal.
2. Using Rotunda Hot and Cold Tester 134-ROO25 or equivalent, direct the cold air air discharge at the spark plug shell until the shell is thoroughly chilled (frosted). Cooling of the plug shell reduces the bond to the cylinder head.
NOTE:
PERFORM THE NEXT STEP QUICKLY TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF THE CHILLING EFFECT ON THE SPARK PLUG SHELL.
3. Remove the spark plug using a 13/16" spark plug socket. Be sure to remove the spark plug gasket from the plug bore in the cylinder head.
CAUTION:
WHILE PERFORMING THE NEXT STEP, DO NOT ALLOW THE ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND TO CONTACT THE BOOT OF THE SPARK PLUG WIRE OR THE INSULATOR OF THE SPARK PLUG, AS BOOT DAMAGE AND ENGINE MISFIRE MAY RESULT.
4. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize lubricant (Permatex # 133AR or equivalent) to the gasket, shell and threads of four new AGS32C Motorcraft spark plugs.
5. Install the spark plugs and tighten to 20-30 N-m (15-25 lb.ft).
6. Reinstall the spark plug wire(s).
Parts Block
PERFORM THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE WHEN THE SPARK PLUG IS BROKEN
1. Ensure that the engine is at ambient temperature before attempting to remove the broken spark plug shell.
2. Using Rotunda Hot and Cold Tester 134-ROO25 or equivalent, direct the cold air air discharge at the spark plug shell until the shell is thoroughly chilled (frosted). Cooling of the plug shell reduces the bond to the cylinder head.
NOTE:
PERFORM THE NEXT STEP QUICKLY TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF THE CHILLING EFFECT ON THE SPARK PLUG SHELL.
3. Remove the broken spark plug by inserting a straight-fluted extractor (E-Z Out or equivalent) into the shell and rotating counterclockwise. Be sure to remove the spark plug gasket from the plug bore in the cylinder head.
CAUTION:
WHILE PERFORMING THE NEXT STEP, DO NOT ALLOW THE ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND TO CONTACT THE BOOT OF THE SPARK PLUG WIRE OR THE INSULATOR OF THE SPARK PLUG, AS BOOT DAMAGE AND ENGINE MISFIRE MAY RESULT.
4. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize lubricant (Permatex # 133AR or equivalent) to the gasket, shell and threads of four new AGS-32C Motorcraft spark plugs.
5. Install the spark plugs and tighten to 20-30 N-m (15-25 lb.ft.).
6. Reinstall the spark plug wire(s).
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under The Provisions Of The Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage And Emissions For 1992/93 Models, Basic Warranty Coverage For All Other Models
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
932415A Replace Seized Spark Plug 0.3 Hr.
- Broken Or Unbroken
932415B Replace Seized Spark 0.6 Hr.
Plugs (2 or more) - Broken
Or Unbroken
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
12405 84
OASIS CODES: 499000