Spark plug snapped
#11
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Certified GM nut
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Crisis mode off.
A little lube, a little more careful ratcheting, and the rest of the plug came out. The plug had actually snapped in half; the porcelain snapped at the top of the metal. Turns out either myself or my friend overtightened them, as the topmost two threads were completely mashed.
Fortunately, I didn't throw away my old plugs (as they turned out to be long-life platinums with at least 10,000 miles left in them). I grabbed one and plugged the hole.
She'* still running a bit rough, but with five copper plugs, one platinum plug, and worn-out wires, I suppose I couldn't ask for more. Obviously looking at doing a full tune-up and oil change this weekend.
Fortunately, I didn't throw away my old plugs (as they turned out to be long-life platinums with at least 10,000 miles left in them). I grabbed one and plugged the hole.
She'* still running a bit rough, but with five copper plugs, one platinum plug, and worn-out wires, I suppose I couldn't ask for more. Obviously looking at doing a full tune-up and oil change this weekend.
#13
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Really? Yikes.
What would cause a piston to chip? The fact that one spark plug may be stronger or weaker than the others?
What would cause a piston to chip? The fact that one spark plug may be stronger or weaker than the others?
#14
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If the car is running rough, possibly misfiring, I would not think it a good idea to be driving it. Especially since spark plugs can be purchased almost anywhere fairly cheaply. Why take the chance?
#15
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Lets talk overall torque...15LBS no more!! (with anti-seeze) you should be fine..3/8" torque wrenches were made for drainplugs and spark plugs...Yet, before I used a 3/8" torque wrench on spark plugs, on a L36 I snapped spark plug torqueing it...best of luck getting the old plug out....a machine shop should be able to get the old plug out...
#16
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Good point. My paychecks are sporadic, so that'* why there aren't new plugs and wires under my hood right now.
I can catch a ride to work tomorrow, but if I need to take my car in an emergency (i.e., not a beer run), would it be safer for the piston if I unplug cylinder 3'* spark and fuel injector wires again?
I can catch a ride to work tomorrow, but if I need to take my car in an emergency (i.e., not a beer run), would it be safer for the piston if I unplug cylinder 3'* spark and fuel injector wires again?
#18
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Good point. My paychecks are sporadic, so that'* why there aren't new plugs and wires under my hood right now.
I can catch a ride to work tomorrow, but if I need to take my car in an emergency (i.e., not a beer run), would it be safer for the piston if I unplug cylinder 3'* spark and fuel injector wires again?
I can catch a ride to work tomorrow, but if I need to take my car in an emergency (i.e., not a beer run), would it be safer for the piston if I unplug cylinder 3'* spark and fuel injector wires again?
If you drive normal, you should be OK, just stay off the gas. nice and easy.
As for torquing plugs. I have never used a torque wrench on spark plugs. Antisieze, turn in by hand, then 1/16th of a turn, that'* 1/16th turn. Just enough to compress the seal.
#19
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I have become a fan of torqueing everything due to my boss who needs everything to be torqued to OE spec.
#20
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Congrats on getting the plug out.
Did you happen to get a picture of the remnants? I'm interested on how the tip looked, mashed, beated or hit?
Did you happen to get a picture of the remnants? I'm interested on how the tip looked, mashed, beated or hit?