I'm replacing the plugs and wires on my 242 gt, i'm using the NGK Double Platinum spark plugs (pt# 7084) and the Duralast wireset (pt# 9830). While removing the spark plugs in the second cylinder i realized it was a lot harder to remove then the other three. Im pretty sure that the previous owner has cross threaded the spark plug (as this is my first time switch the plugs out on this vehicle). My question is what the hell do I do. i did a little research and saw that an option i have is removing the head and taking it to a shop for them to remove and re-thread it. Any advice would really help! Thank you!!

 

1st, those are totally the wrong plugs for the Volvo 240 ignition system, its setup for old fashion copper plugs. NGK BP6ES is a suitable plug, or Bosch W7DC (those are both non-turbo numbers, if your GT is a turbo, the heat range is probably off by 1)

best plug wire sets I put on my volvos were either OEM Volvo, or Bougicord(*). again, these are what the ignition system was designed for.

re: a stripped plug, you can use time-serts or helicoils without removing the head from the engine, if you are careful, and use plenty of grease to catch the metal chips. if you've never done it before, it might be best to get someone who has done it. time-serts are generally better than helicoils.


(*) edit: I had written Beru here, that was for my Mercedes the Volvos all got Bougicord wire sets.

 

Do we assume you still did not remove the plug. If not I would suggest you start by try to remove it a 1/4 turn at a time and spraying a good lubricant like Aerokroil and let it soak. Take your time as you don't know if it is cross threaded or just partially seized. If you manage to get it out with not to much damage then get a spark plug tap and load it up with grease and try to clean up the thread. Good luck worse case is to have an insert installed.

 

You can sometimes use a spark plug thread chaser to clean up the threads. However, I agree with the above post that you need to use the base simply plugs and not the fancy stuff.

 

Use NGK copper, Bougicord wires. Try running the car, get it hot, then try to get the plug out--it may just be tight. What Jagtoes suggests is a good way to go.

 

I did exactly this and it worked, after using a generous amount of pb blaster and letting it soak for 5about 5 minuets I slowly turned the plug with a breaker bar until it was loose enough to turn with a 3/8th ratchet and then eventually with my hand. The threads on the plug didn't seem damaged, I put some cleaner on a shop towel and cleaned the threads in the block and tuned a new plug in slowly until I determined that the plug was seized instead of cross threaded. Is thread locker okay to put on a plug? If so do you recommend I do?

 

No thread locker. You want to put anti-seize on the plug thread. You should also get a spark plug thread chaser and use a little grease on it and chase each spark plug thread.