Changing my spark plugs when I notice one of them (cylinder 1) is cracked and missing a big chunk of it. Look around and can't find it. Install the new spark plugs, turn my car on and it makes some weird ass noises, then just keeps chugging like it's ready to die.
Weird smell, too.
In the pic below, you can see the cracked NGK plug on the left; new AC Delco plug on the right.
CEL came on and flashed non-stop. Codes are P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303.
I'm assuming the piece fell inside the engine somewhere. I could've sworn I heard a strange pinging noise when I initially went to start the car, but the sound went away immediately.
Contemplating removing the new plug and the coil, starting the car and revving it a bit to see if anything will fly out (possibly destroying my hood).
Honestly, I am at the end of my wits with this car. I love the LNF when it's working, but it rarely does that properly these days.



Idk if pic is working for anyone. It is on my mobile, but here's the link in case it's not working for you guys:
http://imgur.com/fdAKhvf

 

I wouldn't run that engine anymore if I was you plus pic doesn't work

 

How about you get a long magnet and stick it in the cylinder through the spark plug hole to see if the piece is still there. It's likely not and could have easily damaged something.

Calm the hell down and donn't blow a $2k engine because of impatience.

 

Man that sucks I have you way beat though. Im on my 3rd clutch and 2nd transmission this summer. Due to TOB failure combined with shitty mechanics

 

I'm not starting the car again. Contemplating my options:

a) Attempt (with my lackluster mechanic skills) to remove the cylinder head and check for damages; buy new head if necessary.

b) take it to the mechanic and blow the last of my savings on this car. I'm a broke college student, so this seems less likely.

c) part it out. I don't have much garage space, so this could be a long, painstaking process.

d) Sell it. Someone on FB offered me $4000, but when I said sure, he seemed to back out, saying he needs to get his funds together. Not sure how serious he is.

or

e) Junk it, which is only a final resort.

I could also keep it parked in the garage and slowly work on it, making it my official project car, but again, I'm a broke college student and funds are very limited.

I'd need a replacement vehicle, too.

 

Edited OP with link to pic.

 

Is the car payed out?

 

Ohh I see the ceramic broke. Didn't you notice the chunk was missing when you took it out?

 

Oh I thought he was saying the tip of the spark plug broke. Both would do damage but completely different pieces.

Hmmmm

 

I did notice it broken. Looked around but didn't see anything.
When I installed the new plugs and turned the car on, I heard some rattling noise. I bet that was the ceramic piece falling deeper inside.

Car is paid off and has been since Feb 2015. Just my luck, right? 4th ******* CEL since Jan of this year. I'm at a loss for words. I really love this car, but I can't keep putting money into it.

 

curous as to why cylinders 1-3 are misfiring, but not the 4th

 

Idk. I'm confused by it, too. Checked all the coil connections, and they seem fine. Not sure what the issue is there.

 

Buy a borescope ($20 off amazon) and check the inside of your cylinders. You will be able to see if the broken off piece is down there.

 

disconnect battery, check plugs, injectors, seals and everything plugged in correctly

 

The missing ceramic isn't in the coil on plug is it?

Also let this be a lesson in slowing down, take your time check things out. Don't rush because thats when mistakes happen, I know it's just plugs but more than likely the ceramic broke into the socket when you removed it

 

I don't understand why u would start ur car knowing u had a broken plug, why would u not do everything possible to check if it's in the cylinder before starting. This is totally due to a lack of patients and failure to do it right before u start her up. Lesson learned.

 

i hate to say it, but they are right.

you knew a missing chunk...you don't proceed and ignore it.

 

Lesson learned. I'm a ******* retard. Fully aware. Barely mechanically inclined.
I don't know why I started it knowing a big chunk of the spark plug was missing, but you live, you **** up, you learn.

 

correct
now, unfortunately, you gotta pay the piper (a mechanic would do in this case for diagnosis)

 

Thats where i was getting to, i hope damage isnt that big tho

 

I would keep looking around for other causes. If on the off chance it did fall in there, there is no reason that it would throw misfires on other cylinders. Double check your work

I saw you said you gapped these plugs at the store. Iridium/platinum plugs need to be gapped with a tool that does not contact the electrode. Which I doubt the place had at the counter. You may have damaged ALL the electrodes when doing this with an improper tool, thus causing your multiple cylinder misfires

 

Improper tool being a regular socket. Do you have a spark plug socket? They have a rubber insert that prevents stuff like this from happening. Get one of those and a borescope. Pull the plugs and check out the combustion chambers. You may find something when you pull the coils though.

 

Okay, guys. I'll buy new AC Delco plugs again tomorrow and this time put them in with the pregap (I think it was .35).
Turn the car on and see if it'll still act shitty. If yes, it's a more serious issue obviously.

 

That's what I would do. Report back

 

Find the missing piece of ceramic before considering starting the car again.