Changing Spark Plugs... oh crap

rustynail21 · #1 10-09-2010, 08:23 PM

Was changing spark plugs on my 2005 X5 today. All is good, on the third plug on the driver side. Think I've back the plug out, but it tightens again and I cant get the socket out? So I'm trying wobbles, needle noses, etc. Grab the wife's little compact mirror and boom... coolant has filled the spark plug hole.

I have no idea if I loosened the plug or not, although I saw the plug (without the socket around it?) at the bottom of the hole before the coolant got cloudy from me confirming with my dirty fingers.

What did I do? Did I crack the head? Did I break the valve cover? Is there coolant in the valve cover?

Any help would be appreciated!!!!

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hambone1983 · #2 10-10-2010, 01:04 AM

did the coolant connector hose break and spill out down there? not sure if cracking might leak the coolant so fast, not an expert myself but just thinking the setup. good luck buddy, im' sure someone will chime in shortly.

rustynail21 · #3 10-10-2010, 11:59 AM

Thanks for the thoughts. My worry is that I cracked the head, but not sure how you could unscrewing a plug...

Also concerned where the socket is.

Sucks, but I guess eventually I would mess something up when wrenching myself. Too bad I enjoy it. Guess I work on the Jeep only now!

c4racer · #4 10-12-2010, 02:34 AM

sounds like you have a V8? I bet your valley pan gasket is leaking. Meaning you are in for a bigger repair than just plugs.

FSETH · #5 10-12-2010, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustynail21

Thanks for the thoughts. My worry is that I cracked the head, but not sure how you could unscrewing a plug...

It is possible if the plugs have been in for a long time. It is also possible that they were not put in right in the first place.

rustynail21 · #6 10-19-2010, 12:58 AM

The results are in. The socket slipped off the plug, bent the plug and where it contacted the head it cracked it. 3/4 of an inch vertical crack. Just waiting to see if a machine shop can press in a sleeve or if we can get a used good quality head. Thanks to all those who offered help.

Incredible what I can do with a 3/8" socket and one hand on the handle, one on the head of the rachet. Either Im superman or these heads are stupid thin.

Sucks causing that much damage trying to change plugs.

mrBrigante · #7 10-19-2010, 01:06 AM

wow man, sorry to hear that unfortunate news

Bill K · #8 10-20-2010, 05:22 PM

Wow! I never heard of that happening before.

rustynail21 · #9 10-22-2010, 07:42 PM

This keeps getting better

They found a 'new' used head for a great price with less kms then my existing. Its delivered and ready to go. They order the head gasket and think we're ready to go. Find out today that the head gasket is backordered. 10 - 14 days max. Have to come in from Germany. Apparently BMW Canada doesnt talk to BMW USA.

Just checked ECS tuning, might have to urgently rush one up from there to get the X5er back on the road. Never touching the X5 again besides driving.

Had the mechanics check the price on doing the coolant o ring while they were in there, they said they have to pull the engine and tranny so its probably not worth it.

Also said that the oil separator on this thing is discontinued and they've intergrated it into the valve cover. Another $800 fix if I wanted to do it now. Again probably not worth it.

Guess I have to extend the extended warranty as this could be painful!!!

I will try to post pictures of the head if anyone is interested.

hunds02 · #10 11-13-2010, 02:14 PM

it sounds like when you were trying to take the plugs out you probably had the wrench at an angle that when you applied force to loosen it up, causing you to make a bend and crack the head...

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