# 2017 Ford Escape - What causes a spark plug to break?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-ford-escape-what-causes-a-spark-plug-to-break/132220>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** escape, ford\
**Created:** [January 7, 2019, 11:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-ford-escape-what-causes-a-spark-plug-to-break/132220 "2019-01-07T23:14:58Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Debbie56](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Debbie56](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Debbie56)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2019, 11:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-ford-escape-what-causes-a-spark-plug-to-break/132220/1 "2019-01-07T23:14:58Z")

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What causes a spark plug to break off in the head

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**Author:** ![Yosemite](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/yosemite/32/643_2.png) [@Yosemite](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Yosemite)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2019, 1:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-ford-escape-what-causes-a-spark-plug-to-break/132220/2 "2019-01-08T01:41:37Z")

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If tightening…too long a wrench, used by someone that cannot tell when a spark plug is tight enough.

I use a 3/8 inch ratchet and I grip it so my thumb never leaves the head of the ratchet.

As a friend always says.  
Tight, tight…too tight broke.

If loosening, then the plug tas tightened too much last time.

But there can be a problem when using plugs that are not coated and installing them in an aluminum head.

Yosemite

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**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2019, 1:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-ford-escape-what-causes-a-spark-plug-to-break/132220/3 "2019-01-08T01:43:36Z")

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This is not an old vehicle so the plugs should not need changing. How about some more information as to why you are asking and did someone break the plug.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2019, 1:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-ford-escape-what-causes-a-spark-plug-to-break/132220/4 "2019-01-08T01:44:40Z")

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Trying to remove it while the engine is hot.

Tester

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**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2019, 2:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2017-ford-escape-what-causes-a-spark-plug-to-break/132220/5 "2019-01-08T14:22:43Z")

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The spark plug got bumped somewhere between the engine assembly plant and being installed in your car. Eventually it breaks off completely.