I'm missin'.....Plug problems?

[ChickStang02]

ok, so, my car has a mis in it, so, I change the plugs this morning. I remove the boot, and it's full of sand. I'm assuming because I just bought it from MI. and everythings sand up there. BUT there's one spark plug that I can't seem to get out. And it's the most corosive and has hardened sand around it, so I'm assuming the last person to change them, didn't change that one either, because it's a bitch to get out. Dunno. I'm hoping the new plugs will make her run better, but I can't seem to get the last one out, any idea's?

[meteorachick]

holy crap, i live next to the beach and i don't have a bit of sand in my car lol

[Thomas91169]

im guessing its the passenger side closest to the firewall.

a couple wobble head extensions should be able to get you the right amount of leverage and work better at delivering the maximum amount of torque to the nut than a universal.

[1234]

Put the tool on and put some force behind it. It will break loose.

[rocknbronco]

Get some good penitration oil once the car is warmed up spray some heavy coats on there and maybe even a light coat or two before it gets hot should let it sit over night and then try it the next day if at all possible if not wait thirty minutes and try again.....

[SpectorV]

definatly put some penetration oil on it, breaking bolts is not fun.

[Kiljosh]

Yea like he said, I would get the motor a little warm, not operating temperature, spray some pb blaster on it, use the right tools to get enough leverage and it will pop loose. The easiest way to move a stuck bolt is instead of putting a constant force on the ratchet, set it on the plug and kind of hit it quickly. Like a quick push, stop, quick push, stop. Just make sure its on there nice and tight and keep doing quick pushes.

[bbunt302]

Also remember: Longer handle on wrench = more torque.

Put a piece of pipe on the end of the wrench and then give it a shot.

[rocknbronco]

Yeah a cheater pipe might be needed but dont brake the plug.

[ChickStang02]

Ok guys, did almost everything you all suggested, and after a couple hit and misses, I GOT IT! Thanx for the help, I also changed my air filter, OMG if i don't think it was the original. It was so flippin' black, I don't know how the car was breathing at all! I've never seen anything like it. Bad news, It's still missin' any suggestions what should come next? Coils maybe?

[Thomas91169]

check the fuel filter. if that fails, seafoam it.

[SpectorV]

make sure you dont over tighten the plugs and you use antiseeze! (youve got it all back together now... but just fyi)

[silverstangboy]

blow the plug holes out really good with compressed air, I had a lil bit of moisture in one of mine that I had no idea was there, was enough to arch the load to the block instead of through the plug though.

[ChickStang02]

Hmm...never thought of that silver. I think maybe I'll try a new gas filter next. It's just pretty depressing to just get my car, pay a good chunk for it, and have to work on it right away. The mis seams to get worse, instead of better.

[bbunt302]

I'm going to put my money on the coil pack again. They seem to be a pretty common problem on the 99-04 3.8s. Have the local dealer check it out.

[1996stang]

Quote: Originally Posted by bbunt302 I'm going to put my money on the coil pack again. They seem to be a pretty common problem on the 99-04 3.8s. Have the local dealer check it out.

this car is a gt or atleast the one in the garage is.

[bbunt302]

And this is in the 4.6 Mustang GT section. You know... you may be on to something...

It still sounds a lot like the coil packs though.

[1996stang]

Quote: Originally Posted by bbunt302 And this is in the 4.6 Mustang GT section. You know... you may be on to something... It still sounds a lot like the coil packs though.

could very well be and i just happen to have a whole set for-sale

[Kiljosh]

Quote: Originally Posted by ChickStang02 Hmm...never thought of that silver. I think maybe I'll try a new gas filter next. It's just pretty depressing to just get my car, pay a good chunk for it, and have to work on it right away. The mis seams to get worse, instead of better.

I know it seems bad that you have to do all this work to the car just to get something like this to stop but just imagine when the car is actually running great. Like bbunt said the coil pack is definitley up next, I would put my internet cash down on it as well.

[ChickStang02]

Yea, It seems that's what it probably is, the hubby says we'll buy one and keep changing it to see which one it is. HAHA 3.8 pfft 4.6 power! haha. I'll let ya know what happens next, hopefully it will fix her.