05-13-2024, 09:16 PM | #1 |
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Ask your opinions on spark-plug cross-threading issue
Hi folks,
I kept a 2014 BMW 328i (sulev engine) for about 4 years as 2nd owner (drive it from 85K to 160K mi), bought it from a non-BMW big dealer, but never recognized and knew the existence of the suddenly-coming spark-plug problem --- Most recently I found the car suddenly shook while driving and there was big noise from engine as well as exaust pipes, but still drivable (slowly at only 20+ mph) with an error msg "drivetrain malfunction". Then a technician found 3 of 4 spark plugs have had cross-threading issue and stucked. COULD THIS BE FIXED? I still hope to keep the car since already having spent several grands to maintain it well as I can (despite minor issues, it has been a working horse daily!). THANK YOU A LOT, many great users here, for your suggestions and advice! ---Andrew Last edited by sfgeese; 05-13-2024 at 09:24 PM.. |
05-14-2024, 06:14 AM | #4 |
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Drives: '18 F80 M3 ZCP, '14 F30 328i
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Location: Raleigh, NC ITB
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This thread should be merged with the ones where people are asking if they should use the tubing to slowly feel the spark plug get threaded
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05-14-2024, 07:45 AM | #5 |
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Three out of four wow. Who was working on that car. It would probably be easier just to swap a used cylinder head on. For that motor you could probably find a used cylinder head for a few hundred bucks. I'm not sure why this happens so often. Of all things to be careful with. Go left a little before you go right and they seat right in.
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05-14-2024, 10:32 AM | #6 |
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Whether swapped or tapped the head would have to come off anyway, so for me the deciding factor would be which is less expensive, having a machine shop tap the existing head or putting on a used one.
How it happened is simple, some idiot forced the plugs in with a wrench without first screwing them in with hand pressure only. |
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05-15-2024, 06:45 AM | #7 |
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Hi. This has been covered elsewhere on the forum:
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1993508 If the thread can't be re-tapped, then you can get the shop to put a helicoil insert into the plug hole (those may have a different name across the pond). I've had these on a few old motorcycle plug holes and a couple of sump plugs and they last. I'm not sure there's enough space in the head to tap for a larger diameter plug - if one is available with the correct heat range and length. |
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05-20-2024, 05:05 PM | #8 | |
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Thank you!
Thank you for the informative notes.
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05-20-2024, 05:07 PM | #9 | |
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Thanks
Thanks, right it must be due to the prior owner and related work.
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05-20-2024, 05:08 PM | #10 |
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