Spark Plug Washer Stuck!

[perfectweb]

Hi All

Removed all three spark plugs this morning on my '06 S3, two came out with washers the third washer is still attached to engine and won't shift. I have tried to lift it with a telescopic magnetic thing but it looks as though it is corroded on.
It is on the left of the engine and partially obscured by the frame on that side, so tool access is not as easy as the other two. From what I can see the surface looks OK.
So should I:
1. Defiantly remove it, if so how?
2. Leave it and screw new spark plug in without new washer
3. Leave it and screw new spark plug in with new washer
4. Any other ideas?

thanks all!

[Doc007]

One chap had the same problem and resolved the situation by buying a cheap dental pick (a fine right angled pointy implement) that apparently was just the ticket for getting the washer out. It may have been on this forum or The Other.

[SKANK]

Go with the dental pick idea, remove it. You could spray a quick shot of carb cleaner down in the area to help loosen it up. A little wont hurt the engine but just don't let any grime fall onto the cylinder from the hole. That should make it eaiser to pick out. Do not just put a plug down there with the old and new washer together. That will screw up the spark in that cylinder and the bike may run poorly. The electrode location is an important part of how the fuel burns just a gap is. If it's impossible to get the old one out (nothings impossible) then as a last resort I would take the washer off the new spark plug and put the plug in on top the old washer. Be sure to use anti-seize on the threads. It will help prevent the situation from ocurring again.

[PhilM]

Clean the plug and screw it part way into the head then use a high pressure air hose aimed into the hole.
This may or may not loosen the washer but at least it will blow any grit out so when you use the pick you wont knock a bunch of junk into the cylinder.

[perfectweb]

Thanks for the replies, definitely seems it's got to come out. I'll try the dental pick idea or sacrifice a screwdriver by bending the end. Love the idea of using a part screwed in plug and air jet to clean out the tube as well.

I'll let you know how I get on.

[dblhelx]

I always BLAST the plug holes out with compressed air BEFORE I actually remove the spark plugs to prevent crap from falling in there when the holes are open.

I did just what you said....I had the same thing once and bent a skinny screw driver at the tip to create a right angle and eventually popped it out.

This time lightly lube the washer and plug threads to keep the next batch from corroding.