Interesting Part Failure

[Achto 27,609]

This did not happen on a small engine, but an engine just the same. I've never seen a spark plug come apart like this. This happened with in the first 1/2 hour of run time. Just don't feel like I got my $13 worth of use from it. 

 

[rmaynard 15,518]

1/2 hour of run time? That plug looks older than 1/2 hour. What am I missing? However, I've never seen one come apart like that. 

[AMC RULES 37,132]

Did the rest of the engine grenade too?

[ebinmaine 67,671]

I have seen them come apart like that over the years but they were well used, to say the least.

Half hour of run time, I'd say you got you a warranty issue there. That's a bad bond for sure.

 

[Achto 27,609]

3 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

That plug looks older than 1/2 hour.

 

I think that compression blowing through the plug base and insulator is what made it look so bad. Melted the plug wire boot as well.

[Achto 27,609]

2 minutes ago, AMC RULES said:

Did the rest of the engine grenade too?

 

Engine survived.

[WHX?? 48,833]

3 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

I've never seen one come apart like that. 

Really how bizarre. Did chunks of porcelain drop down in the jug?  Chumponions were known for porcelain cracking but never that bad. 

[rmaynard 15,518]

Yeah, I guess the black on the porcelain is melted rubber boot.

[pacer 3,174]

Another plug story, and this thing dealt me SOME misery!!  06 F150 with - of course - the COP's. At 110K was getting the typical 'juttering/shuttering' (slipping in/out of overdrive) usually caused by bad COPs. Replaced them and new plugs - ran worse.... Doing research found I DID NOT have Motorcraft COPs which was STRESSED that you HAD to have! (but did have Motorcraft plugs) Was driving the truck during this and had accumulated some few hundred miles doing the research. Replace COPs -- showed a misfire on #4 cyl  -- replaced that COP, which was  - of coarse under the computer next to the firewall, no change. So finally decide to switch another known good COP to that cyl (3rd time) This time I think, ya know, I might oughta check that plug while Ive got it opened up.....

 

Yep, plug on the right -- had to have happened shortly after install!! Ran just fine after the one on the left was installed....

 

[lynnmor 7,309]

Any chance that you had severe detonation?  Wrong heat range spark plugs, low octane gasoline, high temperatures and advanced timing can cause it.

[squonk 41,161]

I used to run into those on GM 4 bangers a  lot. I had one where the metal broke below the hex. I had to shatter the porcelain and easy out the threaded part. Then one of those flexible grabber thingy's and a inspection camera to clean out the cylinder.

[ebinmaine 67,671]

3 minutes ago, lynnmor said:

Wrong heat range spark plugs

That was actually the biggest cause of the Champion Plug failures, according to some in the industry.

They tried to consolidate too many part numbers into one and obviously it didn't work out...

[Lane Ranger 10,968]

Yes I had that happen on Champions several times.  Disappointed me ! 

[Achto 27,609]

50 minutes ago, lynnmor said:

Any chance that you had severe detonation?  Wrong heat range spark plugs, low octane gasoline, high temperatures and advanced timing can cause it.

 

No back fire or other noticeable issue. Correct heat range, natural gas, with 20 some pounds of boost from the turbo's. It past emissions, so the fuel/air mixture was correct. Same configuration that we run many times over. 

[roadapples 6,983]

Maybe dropped before you got it and the porcelain was already cracked 

[WHX?? 48,833]

Prolly right 'Apples ... got dropped on the floor at the factory. 

Guessing this was on a genny at work Dan? 

[Achto 27,609]

2 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Prolly right 'Apples ... got dropped on the floor at the factory. 

Guessing this was on a genny at work Dan? 

 

Yep. The other 11 spark plugs in the 33.9L engine were fine.

Edited December 30, 2021 by Achto

[pfrederi 17,741]

I broke a plug once, i was using a plain deep well socket and it was a bit worn and sloppy let the socket off line enough to break the porcelain.