spark plug cracked heeeelp!!!!

[ptcruz311]

i made the biggest mistake today. i went to autozone for a torque wrench to change my spark plugs. i asked for a inch pound wrench and they got me one. without double checking i bought it and used to. it was a foot pound!!!!! i set it to 156 FOOT pounds and the spark plug cracked in 2. the thread part is stuck in the engine. is there a way to get it out????

[Sci-Fi]

Surprised the spark plug didn't strip out the threads at that torque setting. Hopefully the spark plug isn't rounded off and a socket will still grab the spark plug. Probably need a big breaker bar and a long pipe added/slipped on the end to give you the leverage to get the plug loose. I'm guessing the porcelain part broke off the spark plug. If that doesn't work and/or if the spark plug flats are rounded off, then you have to use a screw/bolt extractor, probably easier to pay to get it removed at that point. If the threads are messed up, you have a choice of heli-coil or a screw-in sleeve/insert.

[GTSteve]

My advice is to get professional help even if you have to tow the car to a shop. Hopefully they can remove the broken plug without having to pull the head. Removing broken plugs can be a very tricky job especially when you are dealing with aluminum.

This advice comes from a retired mechanic who has screwed a number of times. Unfortunately, we often have to learn by our mistakes. You were just trying to do the right thing by using a torque wrench.

Please post what it takes to get your car back on the road. All of us who screw up will learn from your unfortunate experience. Thanks.

[ptcruz311]

wow i'm surprised, i got it out just about as easy as i got it in using a screw extractor, i think the threads of the engine might be slightly stripped cause the new spark plug went in with a little bit resistance unlike the others, but everything is back where it belongs and the car is running with no problems....so far. i used a vacuum cleaner to get the metal shavings out of the hole

[Grouch]

I'm very surprised you didn't strip it out completely. With that much force it should have given way long before you got to 156 foot pounds. 15 " pounds feels like it's not even tight so consider yourself VERY lucky if you didn't do permanent damage.

[ptcruz311]

oh yeah, way before 156. it was a first timers mistake. i shoulda practiced on my explorer