Ignition coil tightening

Tiny
GNLBLNC150
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,000 MILES
Followed your video to change the spark plugs on my car (it was extremely helpful). All was good until I attempted to reinstall the ignition coil using the 10 mm bolt that screws into the engine block(?) For the far right (as you face the front of the car) spark plug. The bolt would not tighten down. The first 3 tightened down as expected, while the last one would tighten down and then loosen as I turned the bolt clockwise. I tried exchanging bolts between positions 2 and 4 (last one) and it was not the bolt but rather where the bolt threaded into.

The ignition coil for position 4 (far right as you face the car) is held loosely into position by the bolt while the other 3 ignition coils are held snugly into the place.

Is there any action that I can take to secure the fourth ignition coil into place? What problems should I expect if no action is taken?

Thanx for your reply in advance.
Tuesday, October 12th, 2021 AT 1:45 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the thread inside the valve cover is stripped out.
Was it loose when you remove that bolt first time as you changed the plugs?

Not having that bolt secured can cause the coil to 'walk back' from the plug. One good thing is that your engine does not produce too much vibration, so it might not do that depending on how tight is the seal between the spark plug and the coil boot.

You can try to use blue thread lock on the thread of that bolt. That could act as an adhesive between the threads.

Have you started the engine since the replacement?

Please let me know of any questions or concerns.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs
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Tuesday, October 12th, 2021 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
GNLBLNC150
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  • 3 POSTS
I did not pay attention to how tight the ignition coil bolts were after removing the first two, so I do not recall if it was loose for number 4 or not. Took the car for a 2-mile drive around the neighborhood and it ran fine after changing the plugs. Will try out the idea of the thread lock (Loctite) to see if that helps out. Appreciate your reply.
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+1
Tuesday, October 12th, 2021 AT 2:28 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome. Let me know how it turns out.
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Tuesday, October 12th, 2021 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
GNLBLNC150
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I ended up buying a slightly longer bolt with the same thread size (it was threaded all the way to the bottom unlike the OEM bolt). Added a couple of washers between the bolt head and the ignition coil flange. Was able to tighten the bolt into place and the ignition coil is securely held into position. Have one in one position but do not plan to do anything with it for another 100,000 miles, so am satisfied with the outcome.
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Wednesday, October 13th, 2021 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Appreciate you sharing the information. As long the bolt does not interfere with anything else it should be just fine. As you said another 100,000.
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Wednesday, October 13th, 2021 AT 9:38 AM

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