Worn out sparkplugs

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7 May 2011
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Can spark plugs damage engines?

Someone told me that the tips of irridium plugs can fall off and bugger the engine
 
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Any foreign object bouncing on top of a piston can cause lots of damage.....I’ve never heard of an iridium plug failing though!
I have seen a side electrode come off and be stamped into the piston crown (Ford CVH) and the mess was considerable.
John :)
I’ll edit.....it is possible for an incorrect heat range plug to melt in extreme conditions.
 
Yikes!, i could take a plug out to check but looks tricky to get it out. Is there a standard torque setting when putting it back in? It's that zetec with exhaust problem i posted about
 
Nothing to be particularly bothered about but you will need a slim 3/8” drive spark plug socket with an extension. I’m fortunate to have a magnetic socket that makes removing and refitting plugs a breeze.
You have to be very careful removing the coil packs on top of the plugs, lift them off square after turning them a fraction.
Mighty expensive things, iridium plugs but they do last ages. I don’t use a torque wrench because you can feel the washer compressing and then a slight twist more is enough.
John :)
 
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Thanks again john, i take it the engine would just misfire if worn plugs rather than damage to engine?
Im trying to get things sorted before tier 4 reaches us
 
Yes, that’s about right....it isn’t unknown for a dud plug to take out the coil pack though which is why you shouldn’t crank the engine over without the plugs being grounded.
John :)
 
If your having problems getting the plug out, undoing it then refitting the coil usually enables it to be lifted out.
 
Yeah, I always use the plug leads to fish out plugs that are set deep into the head.
I use an old piece of servo hose from a 1976 Victor for that. I use it to both remove the plugs and to replace them. I only use the socket to slacken and to tighten the plugs, the rest is done with the servo hose as it gets a good enough grip to do the rest.
 
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