Cylinder 4 mishap- Advice needed (1 Viewer)

[LXneewb]

I was changing my spark plugs and the coil in cylinder 4 was stuck. There was an oil stain around it. I figured it was maybe the valve cover gasket. I had to pry the coil loose and this is what came out:

I tried to put the new plug in, but the threads are damaged and it’s unable to seat.

What do I do now? Can I drive it to the mechanic with a loose plug in cylinder 4? Can i rethread the cylinder myself?

I am really bummed. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[riffman12]

did you try GENTLY threading another spark plug into the head to see if the threads are salvageable? Stick the plug on the end of a a piece of rubber hose (like fuel line) - it can help you reach down there but still have enough feel to turn it without damaging anything further.

I would not drive it if you can't get a plug to seal in there. I'm no expert on what happens next, but I believe a competent mechanic can put a sleeve in there.

We're hearing more and more of this. Check those spark plugs! Ticking time bomb TICK TICK TICK: Spark plugs Alert Alert Alert! - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ticking-time-bomb-tick-tick-tick-spark-plugs-alert-alert-alert.1045750/

 

[Trunk Monkey]

You will likely need to use some type of insert - Timezert or Helicoil, to replace the threads. Bunch of videos on Youtube on how the install.

 

[Malleus]

Timesert is Toyota's recommendation. You have to pull the head.

 

[2001LC]

I'd, run a borescope in, to inspect:

1. Spark plugs capture threads. (Assume toasted)
2. Cylinder wall.
3. Piston top.
4. Valves & seats

Based on condition:
All in great condition. I remove head to install Time-Sert.
Damaged valves or seats. Remove head, have machined.
Valves, seats, piston good but cylinder wall damaged. Time-Sert in suti.

I use every possible means. To clean & keep cylinder chamber. Be creative.
Compression test after repair. Recheck over the years.
Watch fuel trims.

 

[Mauser]

I repaired one of these a couple weeks ago. #8 plug. I used the helicoil kit and did not remove the head. The helicoil kit comes with a tool that bores out the hole and threads it at the same time using a ratchet. No drill needed. I dipped the threading tool in red grease, made one full turn in the hole, removed the tool, cleaned it,dipped again in grease and another full turn. Repeat until the hole is completely done then clean, thread in insert according to instructions and reinstall spark plug and coil. I am sure I did not get any shavings in the cylinder.

If I did happen to get a small shaving in the cylinder it doesn't really worry me too much. Aluminum is a lot softer than the steel cylinder walls and will most likely be sent out with the exhaust.

When I was a kid I did a lot of stupid experiments.
I remember holding the throttle open and dropping all sorts of things into the carb of an old work truck. It was strange that a grasshopper dropped onto a running engine could come out the exhaust almost whole and still barely alive.

 

[LXneewb]

I repaired one of these a couple weeks ago. #8 plug. I used the helicoil kit and did not remove the head. The helicoil kit comes with a tool that bores out the hole and threads it at the same time using a ratchet. No drill needed. I dipped the threading tool in red grease, made one full turn in the hole, removed the tool, cleaned it,dipped again in grease and another full turn. Repeat until the hole is completely done then clean, thread in insert according to instructions and reinstall spark plug and coil. I am sure I did not get any shavings in the cylinder.

If I did happen to get a small shaving in the cylinder it doesn't really worry me too much. Aluminum is a lot softer than the steel cylinder walls and will most likely be sent out with the exhaust.

When I was a kid I did a lot of stupid experiments.
I remember holding the throttle open and dropping all sorts of things into the carb of an old work truck. It was strange that a grasshopper dropped onto a running engine could come out the exhaust almost whole and still barely alive.

Thank you this is exactly what I plan on doing

 

[Mauser]

Thank you this is exactly what I plan on doing

I bought the Helicoil kit at Oreilly's. Make sure the threading tool will accept a 3/8" extension.

 

[LXneewb]

I bought the Helicoil kit at Oreilly's. Make sure the threading tool will accept a 3/8" extension.

We don’t have O’Reilly’s here in Delaware. AutoZone doesn’t carry it, advance Auto has it on back order so I’m waiting for Amazon to deliver in 2 days. I will change the back rotors while I’m waiting

 

[Mauser]

We don’t have O’Reilly’s here in Delaware. AutoZone doesn’t carry it, advance Auto has it on back order so I’m waiting for Amazon to deliver in 2 days. I will change the back rotors while I’m waiting

Cool. If you can, make sure it has this tool. Some of the kits have the tool that can only be used with a socket and it won't fit down the hole.

 

[mkivtdi]

Just did this to the one I picked up a few months ago. Went with the time sert kit -- no issues since. There's pics on my thread -- but at least yours is on the pass side! Probably easier access than the driver's side.

 

[LXneewb]

Did it with the save a thread kit. No boroscope and no taking out the head like some had suggested. I Didnt even need to remove the valve cover. Its running great now. In hindsight I always used to have this faint shudder every 30 seconds or so while idling. That was probably a sign that the plug/coil was going.

Dont ignore any faint shudders and check the torque on ur plugs atleast once a year is the lesson I learnt.

 

[bigredmachine]

It was strange that a grasshopper dropped onto a running engine could come out the exhaust almost whole and still barely alive.

i dont think the grasshopper expected that either