I changed most of the plugs on my '06 hemi ram 1500 a while ago but when I got to the back cylinder on the passenger side I was unable to free up either plug. The truck has 163k miles on it and I'm pretty sure those are the original plugs in there, the others I was able to replace were in pretty bad shape and now I'm occasionally getting an error code for the bank 2 cat operating below efficiency. I tried hitting the plugs with PB Blaster and various other products but to no avail. I also took it to a shop and had them give it a try but they couldn't free them up. My concern is that if I try any harder the plugs may snap, so I think I'm at the point where I need to remove the intake and cylinder head so I can remove the plugs safely. I'm thinking if I go to that point I might as well pull both heads and replace the gaskets. Does anyone know of any special tools I'll need along the way, or anything I need to be aware of in particular? I've done this a couple times before with chevy 350s when gaskets or heads were bad and it's pretty straightforward but I just want to make sure I am fully prepared before I dig into this project. Any input is greatly appreciated! thank you

 

If you are thinking about pulling the heads, just to change plugs, does it matter if you break them off?? Think I would get the engine up to temp, hit the plugs with some more chems, then try and remove them. Generally works fairly well.

If you break 'em off, pull the heads. Easy to get the leftovers out with the head on the table.

 

@HeyYou Thanks for the tip, I'll try soaking them and working them out while they're warmed up.. I was thinking if I pull the head it would be much easier to get a socket straight on and soak them from both ends so I'd avoid a trip to the machine shop, but as you said I guess could get them out either way if the head is off so I might as well keep trying first.

 

Tranny fluid might help break them lose if you let it soak in for a bit.

 

Yes, as HeyYou said, might as well try to get them out. If one breaks and you need to pull the head you're prepared for that. Otherwise you might be pulling the head for no reason if they do come out.

 

Do this while the engine cold (helps to stop from stripping threads). Spray a good amount of penetrating oil into cylinder...enough so it pools. Wait half an hour then try loosening to the point where it binds, then torque it all way back down, loosen again... should get you further out, tighten all the way again... keep repeating till out. When new plugs are installed, run engine for a few minutes, then change the oil and filter. Hope those plugs aren't cross threaded.

Every time I see a thread debating the use of antiseize on spark plugs, I shake my head. I know the frustration of a stuck plug, helping a few buddies out. Yeah, the plugs come with that zinc plating and all, but antiseize won't hurt... at least, not for the people that know how to torque by hand and use a sense of feel to know when to stop. It can hurt the folks that blindly dial up the torque setting and wait for the click, all else be damned... LOL I never use a torque wrench on plugs and I always use high temp antiseize. The copper stuff.

 

UPDATE: I got both plugs out finally! Thanks to the tips from all you guys here I got it done. Here's what I ended up doing: With the engine cold I sprayed some white vinegar around the plugs and let it soak overnight. That stuff cuts through grease good as anything and removes rust (works great with rusty tools too). The next day I blew out the vinegar as best I could and then poured some transmission fluid in around the plugs and let that sit overnight. After letting that sit I put the coil pack back on and drove the truck long enough to bring it up to temp and work it in. Then with the engine hot I pulled the pack off and started wrenching on the plugs, one came out fairly easy but the other still had me wondering if it would break. I got about 10 degrees of a turn and let it sit for a minute then turned again until it finally started to free up. ... And I put some anti-seize on the new plugs going in, and no torque wrench I really appreciate the help, good support on this forum as always!

 

Glad we could all be of help .