You are possibly correct because each time I gave up, thinking it was frozen, I had to whack the socket in order to pull it off, It was not coming off easily.  You are probably correct.  Great info.

Probably had to do with the socket - if you don't get it straight on it can bind in the hole.  Happens to me in at least one hole almost every time I change plugs.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Reply to all of you.  This morning I figured i'd give the frozen spark plug another shot of penetrant oil.  When I put the socket on the plug IT WAS FINGER TIGHT.  My first thought was that I was on the wrong plug, so I took all the rest out with no issues,  Now, im sure that I was on the same plug as before but cant explain why it was practically finger tight,,,,,,,,and it was clean, no carbon and no rust.  I cant explain it.  Ive done engine work before and im sure it was frozen.  I do believe in miracles.....what else can I say.  Thanks for your help..    Next, on to the incorrect head gasket installation.  Thanks

Standard sockets do work.  It's the same drive size.  They just aren't intended for the shock of an impact wrench.  While you should always wear safety glasses when using an impact wrench, definitely use some if using a standard socket.


Lawrenceville, GA

Most ordinary deep sockets will work with an impact gun.   I do it all the time.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Engine still intact.  I will wait till I pull the heads, if the penetrating fluid does not work..   Thanks for all the good tips and the explanation of water flow through the block.  Charlie.

There are thin wall impact sockets.  I got one for the axle retainer bolts of a 9"  It's about the same size as a standard socket.  However, I have found that standard sockets are sometimes even too big to fit in the spark plug bore of the head.

Presumably, the car is still together.  It will probably be easier to get a wrench on it once out of the car and may come loose more easily when you have better access to it.


Lawrenceville, GA

Try to leave the plug in until after remove the head so you can soak it from both sides?

Besides soaking with plenty of penetrant, you might try that impact wrench on it.  Use an impact socket if it will get on the plug as the thinner walled spark plug socket may break using that impact wrench.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks Ted..Looks like I have work ahead.. Impact gun will make quick work of it. Any thoughts on frozen spark plug. Thanks Charlie.