1996 Honda Accord Broken Spark Plug

HONDA ACCORD
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DOITRIGHT
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  • 2 POSTS
I have a '96 Honda accord with 255000 miles. It started missing and I checked the plugs. One plug wiire had completely popped off. I took out the plug and noticed the electrode had broken off plus the ceramic portion had broken off half way inside the bottom portion of the plug. I plan to get a magnet and see if I can find any metal shavings, but what about the ceramic portion that broke off? Are they still sitting on top of the piston? Disentegrated or what.

Thanks
Feb 12, 2007 at 2:33 PM
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GARFIELD
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 197 POSTS
use a vaccum to suck the broke parts out of the opening before you try and remove the plug.
Feb 12, 2007 at 9:25 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Garfield is correct. I would use a shop vac and make an adapter to reduce the hose to tube capable of fitting in to the hole. Even if it won't suck the part up it should have enough suction to hold an object on the tip.

Good luck!
Feb 13, 2007 at 12:30 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
You have been given a good advice is to how to take it out.Now here's my do or die-leave the plug out, put 2 tbl spn oil in it and crank the engine over maybe it might come out with it.

Or take a chance again with the valve overlap-meaning the time the intake and exhaust valve opens for a short period of time. Am not worry about the ceramic, it'll burn off, but the electrode is the question.

Good LUck!
Feb 13, 2007 at 8:58 PM
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DOITRIGHT
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Thanks for all the replies. I did make a suction with my shop vac and didn't notice anything coming out. I also took a magnet to see if I would find any shavings but still came up empty. I replaced all the plugs. The Honda started up fine and is running great. I do plan to change the oil. Maybe some of the reminants from the plug will come out in the drain, or maybe not. I really appreciate the assistance.
Feb 14, 2007 at 3:36 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
You may have avoided a problem. Remember, that system tries to clear itself out the exhaust. Something small can be swept out the valve and down the exhaust system. That is my only fear that the items left would get stuck in a valve and harm one of them but it appears to have blown free. Good job!
Feb 15, 2007 at 2:47 AM

Suggested Repair

Before removing a broken spark plug, use a shop vacuum with a reduced hose tip to try to extract ceramic and metal debris from the plug hole. Replace the plugs, change the oil, and monitor for valve damage if any pieces remain; small debris may pass out through the exhaust.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Honda Accord with high mileage began missing after a plug wire came off and a spark plug electrode and ceramic insulator broke. Experts advised vacuuming debris from the plug hole before removal, with oil-and-crank as a last resort, and noted ceramic may burn while metal is the greater concern. The owner vacuumed and used a magnet without finding debris, replaced all plugs, and the car ran well. An expert said remaining pieces may have cleared through the exhaust but could still damage a valve if trapped.

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