I am trying to replace the plugs on my W210 and after following the great DIYs here, I can get the plug boots off.

However, the plugs are not easily coming out. I've turned them about 5-10 degrees ccw but they feel as tight as ever. I keep checking my wrench to be sure I am turning them ccw!!!

Do people use a squirt of penetrant on these typically to help them along?

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2004 E320 4matic
2000 E320 wagon
-- in the past---
1992 190E 2.3 5-speed! (European Delivery Baby)
2000 ML320
1978 240D - 340k mi

I had difficulty getting my plugs off the first time. I just took my time and eventually got them off (i.e. don't put alot of force to snap off the plug). When I put the new plugs in I used anti-seeze on the threads and dielectric grease on the plug boots.

Since then I have read that using liquid heet on the plug threads will have the most difficult plug come out with ease. I havn't tried this but if you do please let me know how it works out.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

Since you can turn them about 5-10°, I give hope to using the penetrant. Work the plug back and forth, turning the plug out a little more each time. The back and forth motion will work the penetrant into where it's needed and may save you.

Typically we don't use penetrant, but as Ray mentioned the threads are coated with an antiseize compound to help the next time around.

Another trick I heard is to warm up the engine (I haven't tried it). Aluminum expands more than steel under applied heat.

Well I got them all out (and didn't end up using penetrant). I think the previous owner used something on the plug threads which I understand is a bad idea.

New plugs in, all is good.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
2004 E320 4matic
2000 E320 wagon
-- in the past---
1992 190E 2.3 5-speed! (European Delivery Baby)
2000 ML320
1978 240D - 340k mi

I had a similar issue with the glowplugs in my suburban. I used a u-joint and an air ratchet and they came out without incident. Glow plugs are more difficult as carbon builds on the tip and they are much thinner then spark plugs and snap off in the pre injection chamber.

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". . .back before accountants designed cars"

-Current Stable-
'78 MB 450SL-C 107.024.12.020783 #3840 <Kayleen>
'85 FORD F250 6.9L Diesel <Allison>
'98 Lexus ES300 <Rachel>
Long Gone...
'74 Chevy G10...........................'99 GMC Yukon 4X4
'83 Chevy Suburban 6.2 diesel .....'99 SAAB 9-5
'90 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS............. '01 Chevy Tahoe
'98 Nissan Altima .......................'02 MB ML320
'88 Chevy Suburban V2500 4X4 6.2 diesel

as long as they are being swapped and the area is cleaned afterwards, penetrating oil or brake fluid would have been a good idea to help.
since plugs have washers you dont really have to get too tight

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