[TR] Sparked out

[Mark Hooper]

Not an LBC issue, but still I call upon the massed minds of the list. Oh list,
hear me in my agony. My trials and tribulations overwhelm me. Without your
help, surely walking shall await me all the days of the winter.

While getting my winter Buick ready (somewhat late since there is already 4"
of snow on the ground in Montreal) I managed to shear off a spark plug. It is
off right at the edge of the head, so all that is left is the threaded section
that actually screws in. What is the best method of removing this?

Thankfully it is the number one plug (on a transverse V-6) so I can actually
access it to a degree without having to pull the radiator. If it was the rear
side which desperately needs new plugs then it would be game over and toss the
car. The car is just not worth paying somebody to remove the head and it's too
cold in the garage to do more than short-term heating with my Mr. Heater
propane blower.

I can start the car and, of course, it chuffs and hisses, but runs. I am,
however, afraid to drive it far to a shop, as I am assuming that the fuel
injection would rapidly fill the engine bay with an explosive fuel-air mixture
more resembling an IED than a mode of transport.

Is there a known screw extracter size, or a specific device? Left-hand drill
and tap? I'll spend a little on a tool or whatnot, but not too much. The
timing is brilliant since I just made up all new rocker panels and lower door
edges by hand from #16 galvanized and replaced the whole lot.

Mark Hooper
72 TR6
2006 DTS
1991 Buick (mostly dead it seems)