Spark Plug Stuck: Worn Hex Head.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by JonK

N62 Engine has a plastic nipple (rubber tube extension which is not connected to anywhere in front of the radiator) that I believe it is for vent. He also suggested some part is missing because of that.

You're correct ab the vent tube. Not that it makes him a bad mechanic for not knowing, but he has certainly not spent a lot of time with this motor. Looking elsewhere is a good idea.

[ECS Tuning]

Hamming on a slightly smaller socket is going to be your best bet. Good luck, it can be incredibly frustrating to remove anything rounding off in a deep socket such as a spark plug, but it's very sweet when you have success!

[steelheader]

Why did you change the plugs ?

[mgbmwx5]

The spark plugs are good for 100K, why change them so soon?
In any case, THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP, prior to removing the BAD plug,
insert a magnet down the spark plug well to pick up any metal shavings
that may have collected. This should prevent any future problems with that cylinder.

Originally Posted by JonK

On Sunday afternoon, I was doing routine Spark Plug replacement, 40k or so on my 05 4.4i N62 engine.

Cylinder 4, need confirmation, close to the driver's side with the least clearance my 5/8" won't grab anything. So I couldn't get it out. Rest of plugs I replaced it with ease. Put them back together now cylinder misfires....

I used the giant dentist mirror and flash light to see what's going on and I was able to to the plug is in there.

I ended up bringing it to a local German Mechanic Store, the older gentleman took a look at it with better flash light with his helper and diagnosed that "THE HEX HEAD HAS WORN OUT and NOTHING OTHER THAN PULLING ENGINE APART CHASE OUT FROM INSIDE WILL HELP.."

It was like a DEATH SENTENCE to my beloved(!?) X5. I have done some extensive web search but not much I could try. Smaller sockets, Kroil Pernetrating oil, perhaps break the head and use screw extracting tool?

On my previous E46 I was able to pull out plug when the top broke off but this time I have a worse clearance, and the top is still intact.

Any suggestions?

[jyosh]

to get better cleaerance, remove the two nuts that holds the cabin filter housing and remove the housing. you should be able to almost look straight into the plug.

[JonK]

Thanks for chipping in folks!!

What Helped: a List of Magic Workers
1. Kroil Oil (WD40 could kiss Kroil's a$$)
2. Irwin Bolt Extractor

What didn't help:
1. El Cheapo EndoScope ($30 from eBay) Takes pictures and videos well though
2. Local German Mechanics...

It turned out the hex-head wasn't damaged after all, which is very strange. But myself and the the mechanics couldn't get any grip with 5/8" socket. As you can see you could see the chip where Bolt extractor left the bite marks.

3" vertical clearance didn't help either. Thanks again all.

[ECS Tuning]

Glad you got it out finally!

[steelheader]

That plug appears to look fine to me wow !! add that socket to Your collection of stuff you will never use agine, but might someday HAHAHAH

[JonK]

Originally Posted by steelheader

That plug appears to look fine to me wow !! add that socket to Your collection of stuff you will never use agine, but might someday HAHAHAH

Can't agree more. Hahaha

[SlickGT1]

I don't get how your German mech couldn't get that out, really odd if you ask me. I bet it was a function of wrong or cracked socket.