Broken Spark plug question

[BJG32]

I forgot to remove the spark plugs during manifold removal. I just took them out now and i am unsure if i broke one and what to do if i did.

Pic below. The line in the ceramic i can feel with my nail. Is it broke? If so do i replace only the broken one or all 10? Any tips?

20170117_204445.jpg

[Viper Girl]

Merged threads

[Space Truckin]

All 10, cheap insurance....

[BJG32]

I guess the bellanger instructions are making me nervous about swapping out all 10. Apparently putting the same ones back in in the wrong order can cause missfires.

Is it as simple as getting 10 new plugs, ensuring correct gaps, and install?

[SADVIPER]

Number them and put them back in, I did the Bellanger and had no issues with the plugs, they were relitavely new at the time like 6 months old. Change all 10 don't change one, just because it is cheap insurance as someone just said.

[Fatboy 18]

I would just stick a spare plug in there (depending when the plugs were last changed). If you have never changed them, then swap them all out and keep a couple of old ones as spares (providing they are in good condition).

[Jack B]

That is not true, they are probably talking about plug wires. Usually there is no need to remove the plugs, they are recessed and why take a chance of getting debris in the cylinder.

I guess the bellanger instructions are making me nervous about swapping out all 10. Apparently putting the same ones back in in the wrong order can cause missfires.

Is it as simple as getting 10 new plugs, ensuring correct gaps, and install?

[BJG32]

Good point.

Ill read the instructions again, but 99.9% positive it told me to make sure I mark the plugs with the correct holes or it could miss fire.

I think you would have to be blindfolded to install plug wires out of order.

[bluesrt]

those are definatly tracers from fire leakage/spark

[BJG32]

those are definatly tracers from fire leakage/spark

Thanks! What exactly does that mean? Do they need to be replaced?

[AZTVR]

The line in the ceramic i can feel with my nail. Is it broke?

those are definatly tracers from fire leakage/spark

Thanks! What exactly does that mean? Do they need to be replaced?

The lines could just be deposits on the surface due to arcing, perhaps from wetness under the boot. If you can remove them with your fingernail or rubbing compound or toothpaste and then see and feel nothing, then it's not cracked. If you still feel the lines after attempting to clean it up, the ceramic is cracked which caused arcing, which caused the dark deposits in or on the cracks.

[texasram]

The lines could just be deposits on the surface due to arcing, perhaps from wetness under the boot. If you can remove them with your fingernail or rubbing compound or toothpaste and then see and feel nothing, then it's not cracked. If you still feel the lines after attempting to clean it up, the ceramic is cracked which caused arcing, which caused the dark deposits in or on the cracks.

This is what i was going to say, doesnt look like cracks to me

[Jack B]

Again, it does not matter where the plugs go. If you do pull them, check the color of each plug insulator and note which cylinder it came from. Ideally you want the insulator a light brown color. Post a pic of of insulator which we are discussing.

Good point.

Ill read the instructions again, but 99.9% positive it told me to make sure I mark the plugs with the correct holes or it could miss fire.

I think you would have to be blindfolded to install plug wires out of order.

[bluesrt]

Thanks! What exactly does that mean? Do they need to be replaced?

yes replace the plugs, that plug is leaking spark from the tip where the porcelain seals the tip

[BJG32]

yes replace the plugs, that plug is leaking spark from the tip where the porcelain seals the tip

Thanks!

[Dr.Ron]

It would matter where each plug came out of and goes back into? Why is that?

[BJG32]

Not sure, but read step one...

20170118_165643.jpg

[Space Truckin]

It doesn't matter, the combustion chambers/ heads could care less....
Probably a misprint "plug wire"

[Martyb]

Pull all plugs and replace with new ones.

[bluesrt]

then drive car like you stole it

[ACR]

Also mark the orientation of the spark plug ground electrode relative to the cylinder head. If you screw the spark plug back in and it's oriented 180 deg opposite of how it was initially installed, your timing for that cylinder will be 180 degrees out. Be very careful with this. I typically use organic plugs because they remember how they were oriented, even if I put them in wrong they straighten themselves out

[Jack B]

Some people do index their plugs. As a point of interest, the ETec two stroke outboards will not idle correctly if the plugs are not indexed.

Also mark the orientation of the spark plug ground electrode relative to the cylinder head. If you screw the spark plug back in and it's oriented 180 deg opposite of how it was initially installed, your timing for that cylinder will be 180 degrees out. Be very careful with this. I typically use organic plugs because they remember how they were oriented, even if I put them in wrong they straighten themselves out

[ACR]

Some people do index their plugs. As a point of interest, the ETec two stroke outboards will not idle correctly if the plugs are not indexed.

I'm aware of that, however, for this application it's not necessary

[donk_316]

Lol this entire thread reads like some sort of kindergarten level shade tree mechanic discussion..

[jaxtk]

Lol this entire thread reads like some sort of kindergarten level shade tree mechanic discussion..

I agree!