help: spark plug went loose

[johnnash]

98 camry, about 89000 miles. I was driving a little longer distance than I usually do today for 1+ hours. Then one of the spark plug together with its rubber cap became loose and popped out a little bit. I pressed it back down somewhat hardly. Waited an hour, then after another 2 hours driving, it popped out a bit again and at slow speed, the car ran rough. So I pressed it down again and drove about half an hour and it seemed fine.

So do I just press it down or there's a more complicated way to tighten it? And do I just need to go easier on the car in the future like letting it sit and rest for a while after some distance or it needs some fixes. The car generally runs quite smoothly but I guess today, I've reached its limit?

[ProjektCamry]

have you tried turning it upside down? this isnt a serious post is it.

[LynchburgCSI]

The spark plug screws in. The spark plug WIRE just pops on.

[johnnash]

@ProjektCamry. Never owned a car, so sorry for the noobie question.

@LynchburgCSI: Thanks for the answer. So that means I should replace the spark plug wire and see if that solves the problem right?

[Rattlin_Steele]

First off, I am assuming you are talking about the spark plug boot. The spark plug itself is not something that's just going to pop out and you are going to press back in. If the spark plug were to somehow pop out, it would likely put a hole in your hood. The boot is the long rubber tube that has a square rubber cap, and which snaps onto the end of the spark plug way down inside the metal tube.

Boots can pop up when there is a buildup of pressure inside the tube. The pressure increase happens because something is leaking into the tube, either combustion gases or oil. If it is due to oil, then you would likely find oil on the end of the boot if you pulled it out of the tube and inspected it after it popped off, with engine turned off by the way. Combustion gases may leave a smell of fuel in the tube. In any event the cause needs to be remedied as it is not normal. It could be as simple as the spark plug not being screwed in tight enough or as drastic as a fracture in the engine "head". A likely cause is the seal at the bottom of the metal tube has given way and needs to be replaced.

If the tube is not filling with oil, you could get by in the short term by puncturing a tiny hole in the square cap as long as it is within the area that covers the round hole of the tube BUT NOT CLOSE TO THE CENTER WHERE THE WIRE RUNS and then inserting an inflation needle (like what is used to pump up basketballs) into the hole, keeping the larger end of the needle on the outside of the cap. This will allow the pressure to release so it can't build up to the point of popping the boot out. THIS IS ONLY A SHORT TERM TEMPORARY SOLUTION until you can get the problem remedied.

[LynchburgCSI]

Edit: andddddd ^ +1

[johnnash]

@Rattlin_Steele, LynchburgCSI: Yeah, it's the rubber boot that is coming out. I'll check if it's oil leak or gas leak tomorrow moring. Are the seal "spark Plug Tube Seal (ie. would the replacement part be: Felpro Spark Plug Tube Seal Set or Beck/Arnley Valve Cover Gasket Set)? I think the spark plug and the wire has never been replaced, so it's very probable an aged seal then? You don't have to bother to answer the above questions. I'll look into the spark plugs first and let you know what's inside and see if I need the replacement.

[JohnGD]

Spark plug tube seals:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=476994

Buy them as a part of the Valve Cover Gasket Set is cheaper. $14.10-16.10 rockauto.com. Otherwise a set of seals is about $12.93:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=260561

Or $2.89 each:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=476835

You'll also need a few dabs of RTV for joints and bends. I'm sure there is a DIY for valve cover gasket set. Or try the free repair guide on Autozone (with registration). Or just get a Haynes manual at Pep Boys.

[Rattlin_Steele]

Spark plug tube seals leaks are a common problem, but it's hard to say what your exact problem is at this point. It could also be leaking at the bottom of the tube where the tube itself threads into the engine.

Here's a past thread for reference:

3sfe spark plug tube oil leaks

It discusses the 3SFE engine. Yours is a 5SFE, assuming you have a 4-cylinder, but it still gives you an idea of what you're dealing with.

Spark plugs and/or plug wires, and their frequency of replacement, would really have no bearing on whether the tube is leaking from it's top seals or from it's bottom threads, although a loose spark plug could allow gases to enter the tube. If you're not sure when the plugs and wires were last changed, you might consider replacing them, but doing so won't likely fix this issue.

[Rattlin_Steele]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

Edit: andddddd ^ +1

I saw what you did there!

[LynchburgCSI]

^ Tired, and he was right and gave explanation.

[skewe]

change the spark plugs and wires.. ur all good then.

It is a easy DIY.

Get DENSO plugs and Denso wires. NGK wires are OK too and a bit cheaper

[73sport]

I was gonna say the same thing. Confirm the plugs are seated and properly tightend in their holes. Confirm the plug boot makes a firm and solid "click" when seated. It could be the metal connector just lost its shape, meaning replace the wires.

Unsupported wires coupled with loose connecter and vibrations and Pop. It comes off. . .