weird spark plug removal question (with pic)

[GuyM]

went to change my plugs at the weekend and when i pull any of the leads off, the small metal end bit of the plug remains wedged inside the end of the lead!
see pic (slightly out of focus - sorry)but you can just make it out stuck down the end of the lead

i can then remove the plug from the block fine, but i am left with the small metal end bit that is normally screwed onto the top end of the plug, wedged in the end of the lead with no way of getting it out!
any suggestions on how to remove it from the lead?
the small screw threads at the end of the plugs have stripped and won't grip the bit wedged in the lead
Dont really want to have to spend £50+ on new leads if i can help it!
any sugestions appreciated

[Theo]

You could just replace that particular lead, what number is it?

[tunnyx]

needle nose pliers?

[Ranchero]

I've just changed my spark plugs this afternoon. Unscrew the nipple (Is that the right word?) from the new plugs using pliers to loosen and finishing with your fingers. Screw 'em in , pop on the lead and you're good to go.

[DHFiS]

If you buy new plugs the thread wont be stripped, can you not screw one of the new plugs into the piece wedged in the lead to remove it?

Otherwise use a normal wood screw that is long enough to reach into the cap to grip the piece you want to remove.

Or long nose pliers.

[Ranchero]

Hang on. Isn't it normal to remove the nipple ( There, I said it again)? All of my leads were like that. They can't all have been threaded, can they?

[GuyM]

all the leads are like that, so i kinda figured there might have been a problem with the last batch of spark plugs.

didn't want to to use the old plug ends in new plugs, Ranchero, as i figured i would not get a nice snug fit.

woodscrew and long/needle nose pliers could do the trick....come to think of it i might have a few old plugs lying around in the shed, perhaps i could take the end off them and try and use them to thread into the old end stuck in the leads and see if that could pull them out.

will give the ideas a go!

[Theo]

I think you're confused and in actual fact what you're looking at is part of the lead and not part of a sparkplug. All three of my 325's have spark plugs without a 'nipple' part.

[Ranchero]

I'm confused now. Initially, looking at the leads, I thought like you, that part of the plug was stuck inside. After a quick google I came across this article. The guy says to remove the nipple before inserting the plug.

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74816

It's a long thread but if you scroll down about 1/6th of the page you'll find the part I'm referring to.

EDIT: This post is aimed at the OP, not the last post.

[Brianmoooore]

I think you're confused and in actual fact what you're looking at is part of the lead and not part of a sparkplug. All three of my 325's have spark plugs without a 'nipple' part.

And the prize goes to Ranchero!
I spotted this thread before anyone had answered, but thought I'd leave it and see how long it would take for someone to come up with the right answer!

[Ranchero]

So wasn't I right Brian? Where's my prize?

[Brianmoooore]

Ooops! Post amended!

[GuyM]

Well you learn something new every day! Many thanks for all your help chaps. Had not come across this arrangement before. Nipple removal on the new plugs it is then!
This zone is bloody fantastic...... Saved me hours of head scatching (and cocking things up!)