IceBlue8 Posted October 3, 2012 Report Share Posted October 3, 2012 After a service, my independent Audi specialist advised that one of the plugs is stuck (number 5). Apparently it's not seized, as it moves a little, but they reckon it's cross threaded and the swarf in the threads is preventing removal. They recommend taking the head off and sending it to an engineering shop, which will cost a shed load and take up to 2 weeks! Is there an easier way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Bangle Posted October 3, 2012 Report Share Posted October 3, 2012 If a garage can't remove it then your options are pretty limited. Does the plug need to be removed? leave it alone (if it can tightened) if there isn't a problem with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IceBlue8 Posted October 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2012 I have a feeling there's a misfire. Nothing shows on VagCom but, at a cruising speed of around 70 or so, if I put might foot down, there seems to be a very slight 'miss' as it picks up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbie_n Posted October 3, 2012 Report Share Posted October 3, 2012 After a service, my independent Audi specialist advised that one of the plugs is stuck (number 5). Apparently it's not seized, as it moves a little, but they reckon it's cross threaded and the swarf in the threads is preventing removal.They recommend taking the head off and sending it to an engineering shop, which will cost a shed load and take up to 2 weeks! Is there an easier way? A similar situation happened to one of the guys at work. Fortunately we were able to work it loose with brute force which did result in us totally destroying the thread in the head. Was then just a case of drilling oversize and tapping for a helicoil into which we then screwed the new plug (after hoovering the cylinder using some 6mm ID pipe attached to the Hoover with good old gaffer tape). Was as good as new for about six months until the rust finally got the better of the car Think the big difference for you might be that this was on a 13year old 406 diesel and it wasn't mine but in theory it should be possible. If it doesn't work you'll have to take the head off so you haven't lost anything by trying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted October 3, 2012 Report Share Posted October 3, 2012 A similar situation happened to one of the guys at work. Fortunately we were able to work it loose with brute force which did result in us totally destroying the thread in the head. Was then just a case of drilling oversize and tapping for a helicoil into which we then screwed the new plug (after hoovering the cylinder using some 6mm ID pipe attached to the Hoover with good old gaffer tape). Was as good as new for about six months until the rust finally got the better of the car Think the big difference for you might be that this was on a 13year old 406 diesel and it wasn't mine but in theory it should be possible. If it doesn't work you'll have to take the head off so you haven't lost anything by trying. Diesels don't have spark plugs, but the principle is the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinspark Posted October 3, 2012 Report Share Posted October 3, 2012 Diesel glow plugs only work on cold starts, so your misfire at 70mph is some other issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chasdrury Posted October 4, 2012 Report Share Posted October 4, 2012 Diesel glow plugs only work on cold starts, so your misfire at 70mph is some other issue. The A8 is petrol - cruiser was referring to the Pug 406 diesel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IceBlue8 Posted October 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2012 Diesel glow plugs only work on cold starts, so your misfire at 70mph is some other issue. My car isn't a diesel; it's a V8 petrol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanG Posted October 4, 2012 Report Share Posted October 4, 2012 I've had similar. Unfortunately the thread had damaged, so even after the plug was forced out, it was a head off and then drilled out and a helicoil put in. Mine was an old Porsche, which is an engine drop, cam / carrier removal, head removal and rebuild. Not cheap. Yours could be a lot simpler with the head coming off relatively simply with engine in situ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbie_n Posted October 4, 2012 Report Share Posted October 4, 2012 Diesels don't have spark plugs, but the principle is the same. Very true, obviously was a long day yesterday. You are correct that the car in question was petrol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinspark Posted October 4, 2012 Report Share Posted October 4, 2012 Oops, seems the long days driving be robbed me of sense of comprehension on forum posts. I thought we were asking about Dr. Diesel's evil inventions" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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