I generally check spark plug torque when I change my oil every 5000 miles. Even though I switched to Denso’s about 20,000 ago (at the same time Kingsborne wires) there has never been an issue with a loose plug on Artoo.

This time my socket didn’t catch the #1 plug. I looked down the hole and there seemed to be a piece of plastic there. The other plug holes were fine.

I had a difficult time getting the piece out and if I didn’t have an alligator forceps around (VERY handy tool like a hemostat but only a little pincher at the end) I am not sure how I would have handled this. I vacuumed out the small bits of plastic and now all is well. That said I can’t figure out what went in there or how. I can’t figure out what the piece is or where it came from. it is not the insert from the plug socket and there doesn’t seem to be anything missing from the plug boot. And it was around the plug so it connected and fired so I had no idea this as there as Artoo has been running like a top.

I am not a novice at this and frankly I am scratching my head as something clearly just couldn’t have fallen in there. I attach photos of the piece to see if there is any wisdom out there.

Thanks in advance.

Rich

PS-I have never had any problems with the Densos getting loose. I attribute that to only installing them or torquing them with the heads stone cold before it is started first thing in the morning. Any other thoughts on that matter?

 

that looks like a end piece to the old wires. check ur old wires if you still have em and see if there intact

 

Some spark plug wrenches have a rubber boot in them to hold the spark plug as you lift them out of the spark plug tube. That could have fallen out as the spark plugs were being installed.

 

also a good answer....but i noticed those are a small thin ring to fit in the socket, that piece of rubber looks to big for that, but u never know.

 

My vote is also for the 'retainer' that holds spark plugs inside of spark plug sockets. It's not uncommon for this plastic or rubber piece to fall out or remain gripped to a spark plug after removing the socket. All 'true' spark plug sockets have this. It's function is twofold, one is to hold the spark plug in the socket so it does not fall out when maneuvering the plug into position, the other is to help prevent damage to the ceramic insulating part of the plug. Without it, the likelihood of chipping or breaking the insulator if it scrapes against the metal wall of the socket is much greater.

 

He already wrote it's not the retainer from inside the spark plug socket. Maybe 1/2 the retainer broke off and the other 1/2 is still in the socket. However, my guess is that something broke off the previous plug wire.

Cheers,

retroom

 

anything on this issue yet???

 

guess not.