Spark plug blowout?

[imblown-ru]

What does the loose spark plug in the head sound like? Is it a constant ticking, or only at certain speeds? is it fast? I have a noise that sounds like a rattle in the dashboard up by the firewall, and i cant figure out what it is, just wanted to make sure it wasnt a plug...

 

[mrvax]

If a spark plug blows out...you'll know it. It will sound very loud like a motorcycle under the hood.

 

[imblown-ru]

i know i will be able to tell it if it happens, but the noises leading up to that.

 

[stangGT97]

well, when i installed my plugs, i didnt torque cylinder 5 enough, and it was a constant tick that went with RPMs... there was also a noticeable misfire. The best way to be sure is to take 20 minutes of your time, and retorque the plugs with a torque wrench. It sure would be a shame to have to buy new heads when the whole problem could be avoided with some simple checks. good luck

 

[Mike97gt]

there are ticking noises BEFORE the plug blows out. it sounds like a tapping and canbe heard outside of the car louder than it can be inside. it's louder as you get into the gas.

if you catch it at this point you can retighten the plug down.

 

[01Steeda]

COULD IT BE COMPARABLE TO THE SOUND OF A HEADER LEAK? i HAVE A TICKING THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE HEADERS.. I BETTER DBL CHECK THEM PLUGS LOL. SRY CAPS.. I AM AT WORK AND IT IS ALWAYS CAPS.

 

[imblown-ru]

i would go check my plugs, but it seems like such a damn hassle. Is it a pain in the ass to get to them? It sounds like a rattle in the dash, but who knowwsss...its driving me nutzzzz

 

[Mike97gt]

it's better to be safe than sorry. the plug are easy to get to. one 7mm holds in each coil. remove the 7mm and the coil pulls right out. you don't have to take the fuel rails out.. the coil is flexible

 

[imblown-ru]

you can do it around the fuel rail? ok i will see what i can do tom. Are there any common cases of rattling in the dash board?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

My Mustang has more squeaks and rattles than any car I have ever owned...

 

[Mike97gt]

kilgore you have a vert. those have even more squeeks and rattles than a regular mustang

 

[jasonh_86]

my car has a few rattles but there's 1 main rattle.. it's in the dash somewhere between the glove box and the center part of the console.. deep down in there somewhere.. sooooo aggrivating on long trips

The other's are in various places and rarely rattle, none are ever really constant

 

[imblown-ru]

i think thats where mine is

 

[Kilgore Trout]

kilgore you have a vert. those have even more squeeks and rattles than a regular mustang

Yeah, I know...

It is worth it though

 

[HercFE]

I just tossed a plug in my car, I thought I had a small exhaust leak from the right side of the motor, then it blew, you will know when it happens. Smelled fuel and had no power at all, had to keep my foot on the gas to keep it running. The tech at Ford tried to blame my aftermarket plugs, said one was loose, which is , I put them in and know they were tight. I would check your plugs to be safe though!!

 

[Mike97gt]

I just tossed a plug in my car, I thought I had a small exhaust leak from the right side of the motor, then it blew, you will know when it happens. Smelled fuel and had no power at all, had to keep my foot on the gas to keep it running. The tech at Ford tried to blame my aftermarket plugs, said one was loose, which is , I put them in and know they were tight. I would check your plugs to be safe though!!

they loosen up first then blow out. that "exhaust" leak was the plug ticking away. thats the noise i have been talking about on here for atleast a year.

don't feel bad they loosen up even when toruqed down to factory spec.

a lot of people put antiseize on the plugs ( i do to now) but that does nothing to help to prevent blowouts. the problem is not the plug seizing. it's the oposite the plugs loosen on there own. the antiseize will help to keep the threads from getting screwed up when removing the plugs later. and mangled threads will only make it easier for the plugs to come out.

to this date there is nothing that can be done to prevent them from loosening, ford did have us locktite some lightings in the 2003 model year and the plugs stay tight that way. BUT the threads become damaged when you remove the plugs. I tested this on a set of heads and the threads on the head were damaged after cracking the plugs free. so close but no cigar on that one.


the only thing that does work. is install the plug with antiseize at the top end of the tourqe spec and recheck them every other oil change.