Glow plug tip fell into engine

1995 TOYOTA
250,000 MILES • 3.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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ONTHEROAD
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Hi

While changing my glow plugs the ceramic tip broke off one of the plugs and fell into the cylinder chamber. I did not realize this until starting the engine up which ran for no longer than a minute, It would run fine then really lumpy then fine again.

My question is what can I do now, I know that with the tip in the cylinder head I shouldnt drive the car and I assume the head needs to be removed to assess this further. However by running the car is there a possibility that the tip is now inaccessible and the engine is pretty much dead? I dont want to spend time and money removing the head if this is the case.

Thanks very much for your time if you get a change to read this, much appreciated.Cheers, Matt
Jan 17, 2015 at 8:34 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Are we talking about diesel glow plugs or petrol spark plugs here?
Jan 19, 2015 at 12:15 AM
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ONTHEROAD
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Hi, its Diesel glow plugs.
Jan 19, 2015 at 12:19 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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The glow plug sit in a pre combustion chamber in the head, and not direct into the cylinder, pending how small the bits are they should sit there but if small enough they will make there way into the cyl, with this said, they will be small enough to probably either be discharged out the exhaust or get embedded into the piston crown. I feel that the chards have been taken through the exhaust as with the engine running rough for a while then clearing may have been then passing the exhaust valve being ground up and holding the valve open for a while, if the engine is not running rough now and has stayed the same all may be ok, but a comp test will show any valve seat damage practically a leak down test will be more accurate.
Jan 19, 2015 at 12:28 AM
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ONTHEROAD
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Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, really appreciate it. I will get it tested and take it from there.

Cheers, Matt
Jan 19, 2015 at 12:33 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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OK, re post if you have any more questions, cheers..........
Jan 19, 2015 at 12:36 AM