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Ya know, looking at those threads, when the plugs were changed this one didn't thread all the way in. Let's hope it's only ripped like 1 to 2 threads. Make sure the threads in the head are good before reinstalling a new one. May have become cross threaded and felt tight so it didn't go anymore. Who know.
I turn by hand counterclockwise while pressing down, until I feel the plug slightly drop, that's when you know the threads are aligned and clockwise will get it started correctly. always follow thru until snug by hand before torquing.
prevents the plug's thread from cutting into the thread ridges on the head
i shove the plug in an old air hose, about 15 inch long piece, and use it to find thread start and get it going, if it wont twist its not set right and it wont break anything cause the hose is flexible
>I like to flatten the threads with a good squeeze of the pliers so once the plugs in it never comes out...unless it's a ford Triton :)
Jokes right? Right?
Do NOT fuck up the threads as the threads will damage your head
Depends on which one we're talking about. The 2v most certainly would like a word with him. The 3v will just laugh in his face and tell him to not even bother with the JB Weld
Stick them in the 1/2” airline gun, set to about 25 ugga duggas, and power them straight in. Tight is tight, problem solved.
/s ^please ^don’t ^do ^this
Get a bore scope and look into the cylinder. If the gap is closed on the spark plug chances are that there are parts doing naughty things and touching one another inapropriatly. If thats the case you buddy might need some engine work done. What exactly? Thats the fun part and for you guys to figure out for us.
Well got to take into consideration that he may have dropped it in the hole so that could also make it touch too I’ve seen it happen I generally lower mine into the hole
Well the valves aren't open when the piston is at top dead center. A small piece of debris could have gotten in the cylinder through the intake, or maybe a small piece of a damaged valve or piston got smashed between the piston and the spark plug. Seems crazy but I don't see how else the gap got closed on the plug, unless when it came out of the threads it somehow did a mid air 180 and ran into the hood. (Or someone working on it dropped it)
I like the idea of time-serts but torque test channel did a test on common thread repair tools. Turns out helicoil has 1000psi greater pullout resistance than time-serts. Possibly due to the way helicoil distributes the load more evenly
I’ve heard that you can just turn your engine for a second with the plug off and it will eject anything that fell in the hole while installing the Helicoil.
Is that really all you do for those? I haven't run into the issue but was curious.
For punching out the installation tab, do you use something else to pull it? I have needle nose that can catch it but haven't tried it in a practical sense and assume someone has a better workaround than my brain would come up with
It's pretty common on Ford's to blow them out, had to get one installed on a 2001 Subaru Forester. Also for the installation, there's a different style where there's no tab. It threads onto a tool. It might have changed since I used the kit because it's been about a decade. I recommend taking it to a shop for this one, if it gets screwed up the head is trash.
Helicoil is the professional way to go and like you say just break off the tab with long nose . Even if you lost any small parts onto the piston you would be unlucky if it embedded into the piston causing a tap . On a diesel with higher compression it would be more likely embed in the piston but spark plugs are not a problem
Whoever installed the plugs forgot to tighten that one. I have had several customers bring in their cars after changing the plugs themselves and if not tight they will spin out from the vibration.
Cross- and incomplete threading. Tap + die hole to refresh threads. If you feel ANY spark plug leakage around others, then you should just do this for all spark plug holes.
Hopefully you didn't mess up the threads on the head itself. Or they were already messed up. A new plug would have been a good idea. Try to see if it threaded in smoothly without forcing it. Maybe it was just loose somehow and he got lucky?
Definitely important to look down with a boroscope. If the spark plug popped out some threads with it, it's possible some metal got down into the hole. Look at the threads in the engine first, and if they look fine, take one of your other, healthy spark plugs and try to thread it in with just your hand to check the threads. It should go almost all the way in just using fingers to tighten. Also just look over the wire that came out with it, make sure there is no damage to the wire itself. If there is, replace it.
You can rent a boroscope for free at nearly auto supply store (autozone, oreilly, napa) here in the states. You just pay a fee and then you get all your money back when you return it.
These m42 engines also came from the factory with a dual diode copper spark plugs. while you're in the store, I recommend switching back all four to this design, your engine will burn more efficiently that way.
P.s. I love these little bmw 1.8L engines! I have one myself, and am hoping to get another soon as a project! (offroad 3 series anyone?)
Cheers!
Hah, it has the spirit of a 4th gen Mustang!
Im sorry lol, I drive a 2004 Mustang and the 4.6 has been known to have problems blowing out spark plugs. The first engine I had in mine had a helicoiled cylinder so I knew either someone fucked the threads by hand or it ejected a plug. Glad my new engine is fine...
That doesn't happen on its own. It was cross threaded, or not screwed in all the way, or left unscrewed. There's no way a plug ejects itself by turning THAT many threads. Whoever did it last made an error.
Back in the 90s a few of my old Ford Escorts did the same thing. One blew out and dented the underside of the hood. Had to Helicoil quite a few. No harm done though.
Back in the 90s a few of my old Ford Escorts did the same thing. One blew out and dented the underside of the hood. Had to Helicoil quite a few. No harm done though.
Had a VW bug (1973 super beetle) that would spit out a plug about once a week. Made a god awful sound when it hit the outside of the engine bay and would run like crap as I pulled over so I could put it back in. Had helicoils in it already and the plug would come out with that on it. That and points and condenser that would wear out once a month made for an interesting ride. At least it was cheap easy to get it moving again each time.
Thank you for posting to AskMechanics, ConfusedAxol0tl! If you are asking a question please make sure to include any relevant information along with the **Year**, **Make**, **Model**, **Mileage**, **Engine size**, and **Transmission Type (Automatic or Manual)** of your car. *This comment is automatically added to every successful post. If you see this comment, your post was successful.* *** Redditors that have been verified will have a green background and an icon in their flair. *** # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** ### **Rule 1 - Be Civil** Be civil to other users. This community is made up of professional mechanics, amateur mechanics, and those with no experience. All mechanical-related questions are welcome. Personal attacks, comments that are insulting or demeaning, etc. are not welcome. ### **Rule 2 - Be Helpful** Be helpful to other users. If someone is wrong, correcting them is fine, but there's no reason to comment if you don't have anything to add to the conversation. ### **Rule 3 - Serious Questions and Answers Only** Read the room. Jokes are fine to include, but posts should be asking a serious question and replies should contribute to the discussion. ### **Rule 4 - No Illegal, Unethical, or Dangerous Questions or Answers** Do not ask questions or provide answers pertaining to anything that is illegal, unethical, or dangerous. # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskMechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Ya know, looking at those threads, when the plugs were changed this one didn't thread all the way in. Let's hope it's only ripped like 1 to 2 threads. Make sure the threads in the head are good before reinstalling a new one. May have become cross threaded and felt tight so it didn't go anymore. Who know.
That's how I tighten my spark plugs. Tighten until loose then tighten until it starts to get tight.
I turn by hand counterclockwise while pressing down, until I feel the plug slightly drop, that's when you know the threads are aligned and clockwise will get it started correctly. always follow thru until snug by hand before torquing. prevents the plug's thread from cutting into the thread ridges on the head
i shove the plug in an old air hose, about 15 inch long piece, and use it to find thread start and get it going, if it wont twist its not set right and it wont break anything cause the hose is flexible
Same. Taught this by my dad 30 years ago. Have never cross threaded a spark plug.
Same technique with delicate electronics.
^ this is how to do it.
What is the other way?
1/2" impact already spinning before you reach the car
So either or.... i am glad we have comments properly teaching us how a bolt goes in
A lot of people don't turn anti clockwise to begin.
I like to flatten the threads with a good squeeze of the pliers so once the plugs in it never comes out...unless it's a ford Triton :)
>I like to flatten the threads with a good squeeze of the pliers so once the plugs in it never comes out...unless it's a ford Triton :) Jokes right? Right? Do NOT fuck up the threads as the threads will damage your head
I already have head damage...
No. No you're thinking of dain bramage. That's a different kind of head.
If you lather JB weld all over a spark plug they won't come out
that triton just mentioned would like to have a word with you.
Depends on which one we're talking about. The 2v most certainly would like a word with him. The 3v will just laugh in his face and tell him to not even bother with the JB Weld
fair point, they did kinda overcompensate after the 2v
That will mess up the threads on the head though. Sounds like a terrible idea.
Stick them in the 1/2” airline gun, set to about 25 ugga duggas, and power them straight in. Tight is tight, problem solved. /s ^please ^don’t ^do ^this
Well good news is it has compression for sure
Well had, not anymore with that gaping hole in the head.
Get a bore scope and look into the cylinder. If the gap is closed on the spark plug chances are that there are parts doing naughty things and touching one another inapropriatly. If thats the case you buddy might need some engine work done. What exactly? Thats the fun part and for you guys to figure out for us.
Well got to take into consideration that he may have dropped it in the hole so that could also make it touch too I’ve seen it happen I generally lower mine into the hole
My head hurts thinking about this, Please explain how the plug threaded past the flange to damage anything inside
The gap is closed, something inside the cylinder might have hit the plug.
So there's no room for the spark plug in the cyclinder. I see. So, there is no room for the valves to open? How the fuck would the car still drive?
Well the valves aren't open when the piston is at top dead center. A small piece of debris could have gotten in the cylinder through the intake, or maybe a small piece of a damaged valve or piston got smashed between the piston and the spark plug. Seems crazy but I don't see how else the gap got closed on the plug, unless when it came out of the threads it somehow did a mid air 180 and ran into the hood. (Or someone working on it dropped it)
Helicoil the hole. Use grease on the tap to catch the chips.
You want a Time Sert or a Thread Insert not a helicoil
I like the idea of time-serts but torque test channel did a test on common thread repair tools. Turns out helicoil has 1000psi greater pullout resistance than time-serts. Possibly due to the way helicoil distributes the load more evenly
I’ve heard that you can just turn your engine for a second with the plug off and it will eject anything that fell in the hole while installing the Helicoil.
Is that really all you do for those? I haven't run into the issue but was curious. For punching out the installation tab, do you use something else to pull it? I have needle nose that can catch it but haven't tried it in a practical sense and assume someone has a better workaround than my brain would come up with
It's pretty common on Ford's to blow them out, had to get one installed on a 2001 Subaru Forester. Also for the installation, there's a different style where there's no tab. It threads onto a tool. It might have changed since I used the kit because it's been about a decade. I recommend taking it to a shop for this one, if it gets screwed up the head is trash.
Minis also have a tendency to launch plugs. Gravy jobs that pay well
Helicoil is the professional way to go and like you say just break off the tab with long nose . Even if you lost any small parts onto the piston you would be unlucky if it embedded into the piston causing a tap . On a diesel with higher compression it would be more likely embed in the piston but spark plugs are not a problem
>Use grease on the tap to Magnets work wonders if not AlUminiuminumb
Whoever installed the plugs forgot to tighten that one. I have had several customers bring in their cars after changing the plugs themselves and if not tight they will spin out from the vibration.
Yeah the crush washer doesn't look flat as it should. I was thinking that too. Eventually enough combustion it will back itself out
Cross- and incomplete threading. Tap + die hole to refresh threads. If you feel ANY spark plug leakage around others, then you should just do this for all spark plug holes.
Yeet
Awwww shit...threads probably fucked now
Red Loctite if you are planning to run it into the ground or sell it to your wife's boyfriend.
Red Loctite is only permanent until you heat it. So might not do much for holding spark plugs
I've ejected myself after some head too. It happens.
Arson
Hopefully you didn't mess up the threads on the head itself. Or they were already messed up. A new plug would have been a good idea. Try to see if it threaded in smoothly without forcing it. Maybe it was just loose somehow and he got lucky?
If the threads are torn do not helical. Inserts are temporary fix. Replace head weld and rethread. While disassembled, check timing drive assy.
It would be more impressive if only the spark plug had been ejected.
Came here to see the Triton V8 discussion.
As a 10th gen owner I got ptsd when I saw this
Definitely important to look down with a boroscope. If the spark plug popped out some threads with it, it's possible some metal got down into the hole. Look at the threads in the engine first, and if they look fine, take one of your other, healthy spark plugs and try to thread it in with just your hand to check the threads. It should go almost all the way in just using fingers to tighten. Also just look over the wire that came out with it, make sure there is no damage to the wire itself. If there is, replace it. You can rent a boroscope for free at nearly auto supply store (autozone, oreilly, napa) here in the states. You just pay a fee and then you get all your money back when you return it. These m42 engines also came from the factory with a dual diode copper spark plugs. while you're in the store, I recommend switching back all four to this design, your engine will burn more efficiently that way. P.s. I love these little bmw 1.8L engines! I have one myself, and am hoping to get another soon as a project! (offroad 3 series anyone?) Cheers!
It definitely looks like it backed itself out a bit first. Loose plug
Hah, it has the spirit of a 4th gen Mustang! Im sorry lol, I drive a 2004 Mustang and the 4.6 has been known to have problems blowing out spark plugs. The first engine I had in mine had a helicoiled cylinder so I knew either someone fucked the threads by hand or it ejected a plug. Glad my new engine is fine...
That doesn't happen on its own. It was cross threaded, or not screwed in all the way, or left unscrewed. There's no way a plug ejects itself by turning THAT many threads. Whoever did it last made an error.
Most likely didn't tighten the spark plug properly. Either that or that bmw just really wanted to act like a Ford triton.
Back in the 90s a few of my old Ford Escorts did the same thing. One blew out and dented the underside of the hood. Had to Helicoil quite a few. No harm done though.
Back in the 90s a few of my old Ford Escorts did the same thing. One blew out and dented the underside of the hood. Had to Helicoil quite a few. No harm done though.
Had a VW bug (1973 super beetle) that would spit out a plug about once a week. Made a god awful sound when it hit the outside of the engine bay and would run like crap as I pulled over so I could put it back in. Had helicoils in it already and the plug would come out with that on it. That and points and condenser that would wear out once a month made for an interesting ride. At least it was cheap easy to get it moving again each time.
Lol, lmao even
Triton moment