My girlfriend has a '97 SR5 with the 3.4L. A year ago the spark plug popped out while driving. Apparently the threads on the plug were worn down somehow so it was fixed. A year has passed, and now it's happened again, and Toyota is saying the head needs re-tapped which is around $2,000. Does this sound right? Can I tap it myself and change the oil a couple of times to eliminate any left over shavings? Any one else have this problem? Thanks.
Help. Spark plug came lose, thread problem
- Thread starter mcolliga
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
hairysrunner
New member
be careful
Same thing happen to me with my 98 expedition.
there are tap kits out there which I tried doing myself. Long story short. Something internal must had broke, and when I tried to start the engine the piston hit the plug, Ouch. That vehicle went on Craigslist as is.
If you do try to tap it out yourself my advice would be this:
1. Get as many parts out of the way as possible. Give yourself plenty of room to work.
2. Take your time with this. If you don't get it right the first time, then it's more then likely toast.
3. Look for a new or used engine. It might be the better option.
4. Good luck.
Same thing happen to me with my 98 expedition.
there are tap kits out there which I tried doing myself. Long story short. Something internal must had broke, and when I tried to start the engine the piston hit the plug, Ouch. That vehicle went on Craigslist as is.
If you do try to tap it out yourself my advice would be this:
1. Get as many parts out of the way as possible. Give yourself plenty of room to work.
2. Take your time with this. If you don't get it right the first time, then it's more then likely toast.
3. Look for a new or used engine. It might be the better option.
4. Good luck.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
I got lucky mine wasn't worse.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/56452-spark-plug-blew-out.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/56452-spark-plug-blew-out.html
jsmarine
New member
Happened to my 4runner too, I was not about to try and tap it myself. There are many things that can go wrong. I had my mechanic tap it, (he charged me about $850) he put a heli coil in and the spark plug holds just fine. Unfortunately, eventually (If I keep the car long enough, which I plan to) I will probably have to pull the cylinder heads and replace them. The heli coil is a good fix, but it really wont last forever.
Last edited:
psquared77
Member
Ouch!?! $2K? I had my #5 plug rattling and spit out while driving-heard a pop and then a hiss. My buddy was behind me and had his tool box-tightened and drove straight to Toyota. They rethreaded that #5 spark plug hole, checked the other plugs for $80. If it is feasible, I would take it to at least 2 other places-not telling them the quoted price from Toyota. Good luck!
SilverBullet01
Senior Member
mine popped out but i was lucky enough to just have a loose plug. messed up the wiring harness, so i just replaced that and all the plugs at the same time
