Joined: Apr 2018 Posts: 4 Threads: 3
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The (low comp) head on my RP always features a little puddle around the plugs - I cannot stop this however many new water inlets and gaskets I try. It doesn't normally bother me (the water boils off quickly) but recent coronavirus inaction has resulted in the plugs gluing themselves in with - presumably - rust. Only number 4 will shift. I've tried releasing oil but nothing works. I have a good-fitting box spanner and a longish (12") bar but they are stuck solid. Any suggestions?
Thanks
John
Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 1,160 Threads: 68
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Location: Nottinghamshire. Robin Hood County
Car type: Austin Ruby Mk1 1935
Hi John, Have you tried taking them out whilst hot. Take you car for a run to warm the engine up then try removing the plugs whilst still hot. Also rubbing around them with a wire brush may remove some of what is making them tight. If all this fails making a small puddle of diesel fuel around each plug in the same place you usually get the water and leave it over night to soak through. That may release them.
John Mason.
Would you believe it "Her who must be obeyed" refers to my Ruby as the toy.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,642 Threads: 23
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Location: The village of Evenley
Car type: 1934 Austin Seven RP Deluxe
The water maybe travelling up one of the head studs, or even running along the drip rail under the bonnet.
John Mason’s suggestions are spot on though, that should should shift them, you can even try tightening the plugs a little before backing them off, that often helps.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 3,004 Threads: 168
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Location: Sherwood Forest
Car type: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
Or a longer bar on the box spanner ...
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 725 Threads: 38
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Location: Herefordshire
The benefit of hindsight, but it sounds as though they must have been over-tightened in the first place. I only ever give my plugs a light "nip" with a standard spanner once they've reached the limit of finger-tightness.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,462 Threads: 26
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Location: North Yorkshire
If you've ever tried to remove an exhaust manifold lambda sensor plug that's been fitted/tightened when it's cold but the manifold is hot you'll have experienced a similar problem. Try removing the plugs with the engine hot.
Steve
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 131 Threads: 11
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Location: Herefordshire
I was always taught the correct torque is a comfortable 1 finger pull on a 12" bar
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,230 Threads: 33
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Location: Salop
Car type: '28 GE Cup. '28 AD Chummy '30 RL Saloon. '34 RP Saloon. Too Many toys!
longer bar. Itll come undone. I always put some graphite mixed into a paste with some steam oil on the threads.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 83 Threads: 9
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15-08-2020, 09:40 AM
(This post was last modified: 15-08-2020, 09:43 AM by Albert S.)
Generally assemble with a touch of NeverSieze as insurance. I’ve recently brought an Induction Coil Heater, great piece of kit, presently disassembling a prewar Ford engine that’s spent thirty odd years exposed to the elements.. plugs literally jumped out.
John..
If you’re anywhere about the Worcestershire area, happy to drop along with said tool.
