P0303 code '05 Corolla

[richsmit]

Got a code and then car shook and lost power. Opened up the engine cover, the number 3 cylinder coil/tube is half melted and spark plug blown to bits. I have 168,000 miles on this car. I sucked out the debris, installed a Heli-coil thread replacement and new spark plug/coil extension, still get same code and no power. Now what ?? My son's auto shop instructor says this is a common problem on these engines (ZZ-FE) and is always the #3 cylinder. Help !

[winkzoot]

I would start with a compression test to see what issues you might have.

[richsmit]

The number 1,2, and 4 cylinders show about 160. The number 3 is around 60.

[MasterTecInSTL]

Valve damage for sure. Could have been from spark plug debris or it could have been what CAUSED the spark plug to come apart like that. You'll need to have the head redone or find a replacement engine.

I had a coworker once who bought a Celica dirt cheap with the 1ZZFE. He got it for $200 because it ran like junk and we fixed it by cleaning the Mass Air Flow sensor. Even with almost 200k on the clock it actually ran quite well!

Shortly after we had to put a converter on it for the P0420 to get him through emissions.

Then about 30 days later he was driving it hard and the same exact thing happened. It dropped a valve in #3 cylinder. I thought he was crazy driving a 200k car as hard as he was but he was young and stupid.

Shortly after the he quit his job for unrelated reasons. Last I heard he tore the head off and then ended up giving the car away because he never got around to finishing the job.

[richsmit]

I think you are right for sure, MastertechinSTL. My son is taking it to his auto shop tonight because the instructor wants to use it as a diagnostic tool for the students, but my son already figured it was the valve. We went through this last year with my 1991 Toyota 2WD P/U ( 150,000 miles ). Had to have the head re-ground, new valves, gaskets, etc. I was hoping to avoid this.... Thanks, Guys !!