Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

[John H.]

The engine is a '01 LS with 125,000 mi and the plugs may be the ones that it was born with. The heads are aluminum, and I know to crack the plugs open and spray some PB blaster to lube the threads. I also plan to 1/4 turn out and then back in, and repete on my way out. Anti-seize when I replace. The question is , should I warm the engine before I start, to expand the threads, or should I remove cold. I have had both suggestions. Thank you in advance-John

[Edward J.]

Re: Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

John, Should remove when cold. sounds like you have the right idea with the pb blaster, the factory plug threads are plated or are stainless to help ward off corrosion.

[Patrick N.]

Re: Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

john, Always cold- otherwise the aluminum when heated will expand to make it a very tight fit on the threads. in a worst case you could damage the threads on the head.

good luck
Pat

[Clem Z.]

Re: Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

when you go to break them loose use a sharp blow with the palm of your hand to the wrench not a steady pull as the shock will break them loose

[John D.]

Re: Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

Two more tips to reinforce the ones you have/had John, Follow Clems tip above but instead of using your hand on the wrench try nice HD dead blow hammer. Clem must have a hard hand aka head.

Also instead of PB Blaster try my new favorite penetrating oil. Aero Kroil. Not easy to find.
Good luck, JD

[Joe R.]

Re: Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

John,

Here's one place to get Aerokroil:

http://www.amazon.com/Kano-Aerokroil-Penetrating-aerosol-AEROKROIL/dp/B000F09CEA

Joe

[Alexander C.]

Re: Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

John,

Here's one place to get Aerokroil:

http://www.amazon.com/Kano-Aerokroil-Penetrating-aerosol-AEROKROIL/dp/B000F09CEA

Joe

NAPA stocks AeroKroil too.

[Paul J.]

Re: Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

Why not order it direct from Kano Labs. I do.

http://www.kanolabs.com/

Paul

[Edward C.]

Re: Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

Aerokroil is amazing stuff. Great on rust too. Ed

[Gary C.]

Re: Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

Have had good luck getting steel studs out of aluminum manifolds using CRC Freeze Off, which is available at most big auto parts stores. Spray every 5 minutes over a 30 minute period and then use Clem's wrenching procedure. Gary.... p.s. Kroil oil is great, but Dr. Mike says he now prefers Torq CB from Kimball Midwest

[John H.]

Re: Removing old plugs from aluminum heads

The warming of the engine came from a service manager at a GM dealership this morning while I was picking up some parts. I had never heard of that, but I thought I would post on the forum. I will get the solvent and I have the freeze-off already. Thank you for all the input. - John