Help! Compression tester stuck in spark plug hole.

[denisizzle]

So I was running a compression test and then the tester would not come out at all. It broke and this is what I'm left with:



What the heck do I do now?

[mikeinaus]

screw extractor might work?

[denisizzle]

is that like an easy out?

[davmac]

I'm sorry this happened to you. The pressure tester piece might be cross threaded.
Easy out is same as screw extractor. Both are essentially left hand threaded so after you have drilled a hole in the pressure tester piece you just turn counter clockwise by hand and the piece should back out. Problem I think is that the screw extractors are too short - and a normal drill bit will put metal into the cylinder. Measure length you'll need and try to find a left hand drill bit that is long enough to reach. The very act of drilling a hole with left hand bit will probably unscrew the piece. Coat the drill bit with oil when you drill so most of the metal shavings will stay on the bit.
When using the extractor or if you have to chase the spark plug threads with tap be sure to get a tap handle and only turn by hand. Putting those in the chuck of a drill can be disastrous.

[denisizzle]

Yeah I'm not sure, I didn't tighten it down much just snug. After the test it must have pushed the tester against the threads so when twisting it the tube broke I will buy the extractor and give it a shot. Thanks for the help.

[Sleeper6]

You may also want to pull your VC off to get a few mm closer as well. GL that is a frustration right there

[denisizzle]

So do I drill a threads into it first (There arent threads in that little post) and then screw the extractor in by hand counter-clockwise and it should lock in place then I just turn it to get it out?

[MrMazda92]

If it makes you feel any better, you're lucky this was in the forward VC... You should be able to get it out with minimal effort =) Just use a vacuum or strong magnet to remove as much of the metal shavings as you can, prior to removing the tester.

[mikeinaus]

the screw extractor should have a recommended size of drill bit that youd start the hole with first. the fact that this is a nipple and not solid metal id just try with the screw extractor and see if it gets you anywhere. you dont want to tap threads into it.

[denisizzle]

I can't find a screw extractor with a drill bit that I can use an extension with. So I'm thinking of drilling some threads and then firing a screw in there with red loctite.

[SBR]

Drill + extractor bit + extensions. Saved my a-- once when Bosch plugs broke off (mind you fresh plugs and antiseize on threads).

[davmac]

Find a left hand drill bit that you can use with a drill bit extension. Drilling a hole in reverse will probably be enough to extract the pressure tester fitting.
Where are you located? A Sears with decent tool selection or a good hardware store should have bit extension and some left hand bits. On line tool sources will definitely have these if you can wait for it to be shipped.

[denisizzle]

I got it. Turns out there were threads on the piece (couldn't see this) and hammering a deep socket in there got it out. Thanks for the help.