Removing spark plug chip - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

msteel · 04-13-2007, 07:03 PM

Hi,

My 1990 Geo Prizm (Toyota 4A-FE engine) had a spark plug fail. The ceramic insulator became loose and was actually moving in and out about 1/4" as the piston moved up and down. When I removed the plug the ceramic around the electrode was cracked, and a chip about 1mm by 2mm is unaccounted for. I presume it is still in the cylinder.

Has anybody had success cleaning out a cylinder without pulling the head? If I have to pull it, I can do it myself but would rather save the time and expense if there's another way. It sounds like the job requires removing the camshafts and that's something I've not messed with before...

As a side note, when I checked the other plugs they all had oil on the outside (some had a surprising amount). I hope that just means the seals at the top of the plug wells need replaced. But if these two are related it would be good to know...

***toyomoho*** · 04-14-2007, 01:43 AM

Might get a flexable rod with something sticky at the end and start probing the cylinder to see what you find. Maybe a smaller hose that can fit down the cylinder attached to a vacuum. Most likely the upper seals are leaking. Get one of those strong LED snake lights, you might actually be able to look down the hole and find it. Move the piston up and down to get a better prospective.

msteel · 04-14-2007, 10:40 AM

Well, I can't see anything with my mini maglite, in any position of the cylinder. I tried a shopvac rigged down to a hose that fits through the hole, and didn't get anything out. It does seem to run OK with a new plug, but I think I'd better pull the head. That will give me peace of mind to still drive the car anywhere, as well as the opportunity to see if there's any damage already.

The car has been very reliable, and while it has been down for maintenance, this is the first time it's broken down on me in the 9 years/80,000 miles I've owned it. Seems to me it's worth taking care of it.

Flashmn · 04-14-2007, 10:52 AM

The particle would most likely be blown out from the exhaust pipe and if its done damage its done it already.

toyotaspeed90 · 04-15-2007, 11:07 AM

pull your spark plugs, make sure there's no fuel entering (pull the line if carb or pull the efi fuse if efi) and crank the motor over for 10-15 seconds.... if it's in there it could get thrown out the spark plug tube....

Flashmn · 04-15-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

(pull the line if carb or pull the efi fuse if efi)

Theres still plenty of fuel in the float bowl even if you pull the line.

msteel · 04-16-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyotaspeed90

pull your spark plugs, make sure there's no fuel entering (pull the line if carb or pull the efi fuse if efi) and crank the motor over for 10-15 seconds.... if it's in there it could get thrown out the spark plug tube....

Well, before I knew there were pieces of the plug missing I did crank it over without the plug in it. I was considering driving it a short distance on 3 cylinders, so I had the plug wire off and unplugged the injector wire too. That was before my first post. Today I replaced the upper plug seals (very brittle! probably original 17 years old!) and valve cover gasket and drove it 1-2 miles so far. If it dies, I'll let you know....

***toyomoho*** · 04-16-2007, 06:14 PM

If the engine runs OK, don't bother with it.