spark plug blown out of cylinder?
02-08-2014, 11:11 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 10-17-2013
Location: California
Posts: 34
I have an odd issue. My 07 hhr Lt has twice now had a spark plug blown out or ejected from the cylinder like a bullet. The weird thing is that the threading is intact so I can just screw in a new one but I have to replace the coil because it gets blown apart from the force. I had a camshaft position sensor error once before when my starter went out, I initially figured the error code was from the starter but now I wonder if it is actually going bad. Are the two things related? What would cause the spark plug to get shot out like that?
02-08-2014, 11:32 PM
#2
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Join Date: 06-30-2010
Location: Kannapolis NC
Posts: 25,739
Question time....
What brand of plugs are you using? (The only plug for non-turbo Ecotecs is an AC Delco 41-103 Iridium plug)
Are you positive that the threads are undamaged, have they been examined using a borescope, and are the plugs unusually loose when you thread them in?
A failing starter normally wouldn't trigger a code, but a weak battery can cause all sorts of havoc.
And to answer your question directly, when an engine fires out a plug it's almost always bad threads or the wrong plugs being used.
What brand of plugs are you using? (The only plug for non-turbo Ecotecs is an AC Delco 41-103 Iridium plug)
Are you positive that the threads are undamaged, have they been examined using a borescope, and are the plugs unusually loose when you thread them in?
A failing starter normally wouldn't trigger a code, but a weak battery can cause all sorts of havoc.
And to answer your question directly, when an engine fires out a plug it's almost always bad threads or the wrong plugs being used.
02-09-2014, 01:47 AM
#3
Platinum Member
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
And no correct spark plug "blows" out without damaging threads if it is torqued correctly on the install. If they have been installed with lubrication on the threads, even if torqued properly, it is conceivable that they will un-thread themselves and 'fall out" with force.
bigwillyg - if you mention that you had codes, you really need to detail what the actual codes were - else it's a guessing game. :)
bigwillyg - if you mention that you had codes, you really need to detail what the actual codes were - else it's a guessing game. :)
02-09-2014, 11:58 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: 02-19-2010
Location: Buffalo ny
Posts: 1,529
The threads are obviously stripped out, or you somehow have the wrong sized spark plug? (if thats even possible) if the spark plugs are torqued to specs, then they would never come out...I mean most people have trouble loosening (because they can break)when it comes to tune up time...
03-17-2014, 11:24 PM
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 10-17-2013
Location: California
Posts: 34
yeah, you all make valid points. I think this car is hosed. The second sparkplug/ignition coil that I replaced just had the same thing happen again but not as catastrophic. this time the threading wont even grab. I think I may have to give on it.
