3rd gen piston problem? I think

[gumbii]

Ok, so I have an 02 T4R with about 185k on it. I replaced the spark plugs myself about 2 year (20k) ago. Now I swapped the plugs out in the summer of 13 and have given it some pretty rough off roading since then, so I dont think its something that would just suddenly pop out.

Last week I noticed a weird tic from the engine while at work and popped the hood. I was able to identify it pretty quickly as the ignition coil pack for the #2 piston was bouncing with every stroke. Ill try to get a video tomorrow, but I have no idea what would cause this, or how to fix it. As an additional factor, I know that I have a cracked head gasket set, so the seal between the engine block and the intake manifold, but I dont know if this would cause something like the coil bouncing I saw. Its my understanding that the spark plugs bolt into the engine block so that the manifold shouldnt have much to do with it.

Anyone have an experience like this before?




--On a side note, with an 02 with stock parts, should I consider replacing my radiator? I dont want a pink milkshake and its on my short list of concerns. Im keeping this rig until they stop making parts for it. :bounce:

 

[02SE]

Ok, so I have an 02 T4R with about 185k on it. I replaced the spark plugs myself about 2 year (20k) ago. Now I swapped the plugs out in the summer of 13 and have given it some pretty rough off roading since then, so I dont think its something that would just suddenly pop out.

Last week I noticed a weird tic from the engine while at work and popped the hood. I was able to identify it pretty quickly as the ignition coil pack for the #2 piston was bouncing with every stroke. Ill try to get a video tomorrow, but I have no idea what would cause this, or how to fix it. As an additional factor, I know that I have a cracked head gasket set, so the seal between the engine block and the intake manifold, but I dont know if this would cause something like the coil bouncing I saw. Its my understanding that the spark plugs bolt into the engine block so that the manifold shouldnt have much to do with it.

Anyone have an experience like this before?




--On a side note, with an 02 with stock parts, should I consider replacing my radiator? I dont want a pink milkshake and its on my short list of concerns. Im keeping this rig until they stop making parts for it. :bounce:

The spark plugs are installed in the cylinder heads. If the coil is bouncing, the spark plug is loose.

Now if it's just loose, and the threads in the cylinder head are ok, then you can simply tighten it. If it's loose because it was over-tightened, and stripped the threads in the head, then you have a bigger problem. But it could still possibly be fixed without removing the cylinder head, with a Time-Sert kit.

+ TIME-SERT® SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR KITS + spark plug stripped thread repair kits for spark plug problems, thread stripped spark plug repairs in damaged threads in spark plug hole stripped out approved thread repair, aluminum head spark plug repair

How do you know you have a cracked headgasket set?

If the cooling system has been neglected, which most are, then preemptively replacing the radiator isn't a bad idea.

 

[4eigner]

Are you losing coolant? Check the spark plug threads in the head. Either the spark plug backed itself out (unlikely but best case scenario), or the threads have been striped from overtightening or blown out from a cracked head and or head gasket leak. If you're losing coolant, then the latter is most likely the cause.

Be ready for a head repair when you pull the plug. If you keep driving the vehicle the way it is, you risk not only being stranded, but also increasing the cost of repair by destroying the ignition coil and possibly the piston/cylinder/valve/head.

 

[gumbii]

The spark plugs are installed in the cylinder heads. If the coil is bouncing, the spark plug is loose.

Now if it's just loose, and the threads in the cylinder head are ok, then you can simply tighten it. If it's loose because it was over-tightened, and stripped the threads in the head, then you have a bigger problem. But it could still possibly be fixed without removing the cylinder head, with a Time-Sert kit.

+ TIME-SERT® SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR KITS + spark plug stripped thread repair kits for spark plug problems, thread stripped spark plug repairs in damaged threads in spark plug hole stripped out approved thread repair, aluminum head spark plug repair

How do you know you have a cracked headgasket set?

If the cooling system has been neglected, which most are, then preemptively replacing the radiator isn't a bad idea.

Took it in for a service a month or so ago. There is oil splatter leaking out of the junction between the engine block and the manifold. You can see it start at the head gaskets and leak down on one side. I want to do the fix myself but need the time to do it (this isnt my daily driver). Cooling system has been flushed semi regularly (twice in 100kish). I want this car to last as long as I do. Im somewhat new to vehicle maintenance and am using it to teach myself whatever I can.

 

[4eigner]

If you're needing to repair the sparkplug threads, you'll need an extended (longer version) repair kit.

02SE mentioned Timesert brand, and their kit runs $345 on amazon. Link: M14x1.25 spark plug thread repair Kit with Assorted length inserts p/n 4490 Time-Sert

The kit I used to repair my rig 5000 miles ago is made by Lisle and currently costs $86 on amazon. Link:
Lisle 65000 M14 x 1.25 Spark Plug Hole Repair Kit with Deep Hole Aluminum Head

 

[gumbii]

If you're needing to repair the sparkplug threads, you'll need an extended (longer version) repair kit.

02SE mentioned Timesert brand, and their kit runs $345 on amazon. Link: M14x1.25 spark plug thread repair Kit with Assorted length inserts p/n 4490 Time-Sert

The kit I used to repair my rig 5000 miles ago is made by Lisle and currently costs $86 on amazon. Link:
Lisle 65000 M14 x 1.25 Spark Plug Hole Repair Kit with Deep Hole Aluminum Head

Ok, so how do these things work? Whats more likely, that a spark plug came loose, or that I broke something and will need to repair the plug hole? Additionally is there a way to tell the difference? Is it as simple as trying to screw the plug back in and seeing if it catches?

 

[4eigner]

The kits rethread (retap) the cylinder head for the oversized insert sleeve, which the spark plug fits into.

It's pretty simple and straight forward to tell the difference between stripped sparkplug threads and a sparkplug that has backed itself out. Wrench out the spark plug and inspect the threads. If all appears to be well, attempt to thread the sparkplug back in and if it doesn't torque down you know your threads are gone. IF this is the case, to get it back to a "normal" running condition the spark plug threads will need to be repaired at the very least or the head will need to be replaced.

Keep in mind that if you're losing coolant, the spark plug blowout could only be a symptom of a different problem.

 

[gumbii]

The kits rethread (retap) the cylinder head for the oversized insert sleeve, which the spark plug fits into.

It's pretty simple and straight forward to tell the difference between stripped sparkplug threads and a sparkplug that has backed itself out. Wrench out the spark plug and inspect the threads. If all appears to be well, attempt to thread the sparkplug back in and if it doesn't torque down you know your threads are gone. IF this is the case, to get it back to a "normal" running condition the spark plug threads will need to be repaired at the very least or the head will need to be replaced.

Keep in mind that if you're losing coolant, the spark plug blowout could only be a symptom of a different problem.

About to check the coolant levels. If I am loosing it, what would this mean?

 

[02SE]

Took it in for a service a month or so ago. There is oil splatter leaking out of the junction between the engine block and the manifold. You can see it start at the head gaskets and leak down on one side. I want to do the fix myself but need the time to do it (this isnt my daily driver). Cooling system has been flushed semi regularly (twice in 100kish). I want this car to last as long as I do. Im somewhat new to vehicle maintenance and am using it to teach myself whatever I can.

Take a picture of the leak. I think you might be mistaking a valve cover leak, for a headgasket leak.