A few small pieces of a broken spark plug remain in one of the cylinders?

Tiny
DRTUCK318
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 FORD F-150
  • 3.7L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Was changing spark plugs and discovered one closest to firewall had broken. Have small porcelain pieces inside. Removed one piece using double-sided tape. I have blown air into cylinder and tried to use shop vacuum but discovered by using a camera (after the fact) a few small pieces remain. I have received some advice to start the engine with plug out in hopes of blowing out the remaining pieces. I have also been told that I may need to remove the cylinder head.
Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 AT 1:29 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
BRENDON S
  • MECHANIC
  • 653 POSTS
Good morning, DRTUCK318@GMAIL. COM,

I'm sorry to hear that happened.

You could try maybe some flexible hose, something like a clear tube. Then use electrical tape around one end of it so it fits inside of a small vacuum hose like a small car vacuum depending on how big the pieces are. You might be able to use a shop vac with a small orifice tool to get the bits out as well. Just make sure the intake or exhaust valve are open for airflow.

One the bright side I did find that Porcelain is typically made at a temperature of between 2381 and 2455 degrees Fahrenheit and cylinder temperatures are typically about 2800 degrees but can reach around 4500 degrees. So, it might just disintegrate into dust. Obviously, it depends on how big the pieces are. Just a thought.

If you can't get in there with some sort of vacuum your only other choice is to pull the head unfortunately.

Thank you,
Brendon
2CarPros
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Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 AT 5:49 AM
Tiny
DRTUCK318
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I tried once more to capture loose pieces using a flexible, flat device with electrical tape wrapped inside-out on it with no success. Determined that no larger pieces existed. Reinstalled spark plug and upper manifold gasket. Started vehicle with no negative results.
Thank you.
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Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
BRENDON S
  • MECHANIC
  • 653 POSTS
Good morning, DRTUCK318@GMAIL. COM,

You're Welcome. I am glad you were able to get it back together and it has no issues.

If you need any more help just let us know.

Thank you,
Brendon
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Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 AT 3:44 AM

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