TDi Heater Plug Removal

[MTyrrell]

Tried to remove the heater plugs on the 110 today (TDi) which ended in skinned knuckles .

 It one of the plugs is seized in the block, the force that I was applying could no longer be considered genital, was more along the lines of destructive resulting in the spanner slipping and skinned knuckles.

 The question is how to I get it out with out snapping something?

Tried drowning it in industrial amounts of penetrating spray but it still won’t budge. The manuals no help, just says disconnect cable and remove heater plug.  :roll:

[MTyrrell]

Got the little sod out in in the end, long socket and tommy bar.

[pritch]

the force that I was applying could no longer be considered genital

That's where you're going wrong.  I'd have used my hands.

[hobbit]

If you get that problem again, try using a socket on a knuckle bar and extension piece, put some tension on the turn, and then tap the end of the bar to help it on its way

[Matt_H]

first of all use a 6 sided socket (or wall drive depending on who you speak too).  don't use a normal drive on the corner socket.. The same applies to any tough nut really..  Impact sockets are 6 sided, but look out don't use the 'duo metric' sockets as they aren't a perfect fit.

If it doesn't budge, before you round it out, take a lump hammer and give the nut/bolt/plug a smart tap on the end dead square and perpendicular to the thread.  This will break any corrosion and should allow the offending item to become free.

A rapid in crease of force with a socket or spanner may help but also is as likely to round the thing if it's made of finest swiss cheese.  Good quality tools are worth their weight.

Matthew