mike77

Any tips on getting these out?

I have tried penetrating oil but still no joy. The problem is the only tool I have that I can fit in there is an open head spanner and I can't get enough leverage on it and the bar I usually use won't fit over the end. Need to try and find a bigger bit of pipe from somewhere I think.

Ducman82

Don't put to much force on there if you can't get a good fit. Easy to round the corners.

PHIL928

Try this, they are a B**ch to get loose.
Double the length and you'll double the force applied according to M=F*d (torque=force*distance)

G8RB8

Run it up to operating temp and loosen then wait for it to cool down to remove.

Randy V

Tap briskly on the head with a hammer to break the threads loose.

Then go at it with your wrench.

When they break free while turning, they make a sound just like a bolt snapping off - has lead to a few heart stoppages by folks doing this job.

Mrmerlin

an alternative is to use a 3/8 drive breaker bar and a 6 point 13mm socket, this will affored the max grip to the plugs,
warming the engine should make them come out easier

whatudrivin

I guess I had it easy when I removed mine. I think I sprayed some PB Blaster on them and had a 6pt socket.

Quick question... Will it do damage to have a block sitting w/o water in it for long periods of time after draining it?

Mrmerlin

whats a long period of time?
remember that HGs are going to dry out and this could possibly damage them after they have been soaking a liquid environment.
Though it could also depend on if the water pump is installed and how/ where the engine is

Bill Ball

How long are you talking? I've seen a lot of damage from engines stored for years with water/coolant not drained from the block.

whatudrivin

I would say it's coming up on a year since I drained the coolant from the block. The coolant didn't have any off coloring or particles in it but it was the green stuff. Came out looking new. As far as I know this coolant had been sitting in the car for 10+ years. The water pump is installed still and the car is kept in a garage. Not the best garage but it keeps it out of the elements.

Mrmerlin

what year is the engine

whatudrivin

One in my '82. Haven't pulled the codes from the block yet.

Randy V

Definitely never use the 'green stuff'.

Always use phosphate-free orange or pink stuff.

whatudrivin

Already have a few gallons of that to put back in. Just relaying what came out when I pulled the plugs. I'm hoping there isn't damage from it being left in there so long but I've seen the pictures of what the coolant can do and it is a bit worrisome. I was just wondering if it would be good to get liquid back into the block, even if it is just distilled water, for the time being.

mike77

Thanks folks, all good tips.

Phil your spanner trick did the damage and the plugs came straight out no problem. I'll remember that one for the future.

Randy, yes they made a horrible noise when they broke loose but all was good and I was sprayed with a celebratory shower of old coolant.

Cheers
Mike