What would cause damage to the spark plug tip? Could this lead to engine failure?

SUEBEE1

MEMBER
2002 MAZDA TRIBUTE
80,000 MILES

Dealer found #4spark plug damaged at tip. They had replaced #4 coil a year ago.. Ran better but not great. Last week started stalling and barely could get to 30mph. Engine light came on. Found codes P0354, 0301, 0303 0305. Said something in combustion chamber caused damage. Recommends tear down to inspect heads. Will cost in the range of $3000 to fix. Could the damage on #4spark plug have something to do with the coil replacement the year before.

5 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

How is compression on that cylinder?

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Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 AT 4:30 AM

SUEBEE1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I don't know. Said they scoped it and it was damaged. Not working?

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Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 AT 4:56 AM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Cylinder not working/ probably broke/dropped a valve so engine could be seriously damaged. Might be cheaper to just get a good used engine installed.

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Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 AT 5:43 AM

SUEBEE1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

What would cause a cylinder to break? We always kept up with oil changes but live in Anchorage AK and car has not been garaged last few winters. No block heater but did have auto start. About 18 -20 months ago started running rough and losing power. No engine light though until about 13 months ago. Took it to dealer and code indicated that #4coil needed to be replaced. Was better but not great. Would strain on hills and not shift. Had Transmission checked but it was fine. Had a tune up and seemed ok just not as zippy as it used to be. Couple weeks ago it got very bad, no power stalledcatveverybstop engin light on. Basically not driveable. That is when we got the news. Just wondering what we did wrong or do some engines just not go past 80000?

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Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 AT 6:04 AM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Couple of things to clarify. What was damage to tip of plug? What is meant by cylinder not working? Which is why I asked about compression. If compression is good then try a new plug? 80k is too low of mileage for things to be worn out/funky. However, it is possible a valve dropped/broke due to spring or stem defect. It is rare that this kinda thing happens though. You need to get more details. Where is vehicle now?