What to do if you cross threaded a spark plug
Discovering a cross-threaded spark plug during maintenance creates immediate concern over how to fix it properly. This leaves you unsure of the right steps to take without causing further damage to the threads.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1researching online and planning to change the valve cover and spark plug sealsDid this help you?
- 2replace the faucetDid this help you?
- 3file off the starting threads with a flat fileDid this help you?
- 4Applying penetrating oil and letting it soak overnight.Did this help you?
- 5using a magnet or thin pliers while twisting to pull the spinning plug outDid this help you?
- 6drilling and tapping the damaged thread on the vehicle using wheel bearing grease to catch shavingsDid this help you?
- 7removing the engine head to address the stripped thread professionallyDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I got through about half before getting to the three stuck ones. I don't really know of any good way to remove them myself, if they're really stuck, and I'd rather not break the cylinder head.”source ↗
“Would it be worth paying the (most likely) $200-$400 to call in a mobile mechanic, or should I try to still finish it myself?”source ↗
“I'm concerned I cross threaded my spark plug, and I'm not sure what to do.”source ↗
“what should I do if I cross threaded the spark plug?”source ↗
“trying to get the first park plug out and i'm using a 5/8 plug socket was very hard at first but than fell like it broke loose or snapped but now i can screw the plug but it wont go in or come out”source ↗
“the plug won't screw in or out Like it turns, but it won't get fully tightened into the engine”source ↗
“I accidentally overtightened it i got the others out... so how would i go about getting this plug out thats just spinning freely”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 3Spark plug thread spinning in place
- 5Why is my car misfiring and stalling after changing spark plugs?
- 6Why do new spark plugs look worn or have buildup?
- 2First time changing spark plugs
- 3Why does my car keep blowing ignition coils on the same cylinder?
- 17Why am I paying for broken bolts during a car repair?