hey guys, new here! i have a 1992 toyota pickup ext. cab sr5 3.0 v6. the spark plug in cylinder 5 is backing out but really tight like its cross threaded. i dont want to screw up the threads as this is my daily driver. what should i do?

thanks!

 

Have you gave it a shot of something like PB Blaster or other good penetrating lubricant? Then try alternating tightening and loosening in small increments to get it carefully backed out.

 

no but i can try that today! thanks

 

What he said. Be careful and gentle, or you'll have a big mess on your hands. The plug is steel and the threads in the head are aluminum. Aluminum likes to "gall" or stick to the steel threads and, if forced, will roll up inside the plug threads and eventually strip out if you apply enough force. Then you'll have to drill out the hole and put in a heli-coil. You don't want to get to that point.

By gently working it back and forth it will eventually come out. May take 5-10 minutes, but patiently keep at it, working a little further each time.

Put anti-seize on the plugs when you reinstall them.

 

What they said. Also, make sure the engine is cool. They don't like to come out without bringing the threads with them when hot. Out and in. Out and in. It'll come.

 

^ I see what you did there.