Broken Spark Plugs - Help!!

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Jan 8, 2014 | 01:20 AM

#41

nfnsquared

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From: MAGA country

If the plug is still good, no reason you couldn't reuse it, but I wouldn't. There could be stress cracks in the porcelain or some other hidden damage to it that might become catastrophic if used. Play it safe and buy a new plug.

And you only need to replace the one plug. The Iridiums are plenty good to 105K and beyond.

It's hard to put oneself in your shoes, but I'd probably buy a new plug and make sure it still threads properly. If it does, then I might be inclined just to put it back together with a new coil and run it. You could also run a magnetic probe down into the cylinder just to be sure. Again, this is me. (I also have a scope, but even without it, I'd feel pretty certain the cylinder is clean based on what you are describing and assuming the magnetic probe picked up nothing).

Some others may weigh in with other thoughts. Weigh them all and do what you are most comfortable with.

P.S. Definitely check all the other plugs for proper torque...

Last edited by nfnsquared; Jan 8, 2014 at 01:27 AM.

Jan 8, 2014 | 01:55 AM

#42

The Blue Abyss

Two 3G TL Baller

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From: Coppell, TX (4 miles N of Dallas Cowboys' HQ)

Thanks for the advice. I sure hope the threading inside the cylinder isn't messed up. If it is, then can't threading be carved out again using a tap? And if that doesn't work for some reason, then can't you use a Helicoil insert which supposedly will hold in place just as strong for the life of the car (http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...repair/4212608)? Was reading the other thread from Acurazine related to this problem, and after it happened my car did sound like a lawnmower as the other guy described.

Jan 8, 2014 | 02:03 AM

#43

nfnsquared

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From: MAGA country

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Blue Abyss

...If it is, then can't threading be carved out again using a tap?

Maybe? Probably, depends on how damaged the threads are...

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Blue Abyss

...And if that doesn't work for some reason, then can't you use a Helicoil insert which supposedly will hold in place just as strong for the life of the car ...

Yes.

Jan 10, 2014 | 11:17 PM

#44

andresben

9th Gear

Joined: Jan 2014

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Recalls for 2013 RDX?

Does anyone know if there had been any recalls for 2013rdx?

Jan 11, 2014 | 02:55 AM

#45

Will Y.

Registered but harmless

Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Los Angeles, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by andresben

Does anyone know if there had been any recalls for 2013rdx?

No, according to the Service Dept./Garage stickied in the 2G RDX section at: https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-2013-2018-404/2nd-gen-rdx-service-dept-aka-garage-876661/.

Welcome to AZ.

Jan 17, 2014 | 12:14 AM

#46

nfnsquared

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From: MAGA country

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Blue Abyss

Updates?

Jan 17, 2014 | 07:56 AM

#47

YeuEmMaiMai

Suzuka Master

Joined: Sep 2006

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Quote:

Originally Posted by nfnsquared

There is no TSB for this that I have seen. Someone else can double check the TSB list, but I don't see it.

That being said, assuming those are factory installed plugs and you know no one has ever touched them since the car left the factory, I'd press Acura very hard to explain why you have to pay for damage on something that was factory installed and not scheduled for maintenance until 105K miles.

I'm also curious what kind of damage could have been caused to require a whole new engine. Very suspicious. Since they have it apart, I'd ask them to let you bring in another mechanic for a second opinion.

if the plug tip broke off it could do all sorts of damage to the cylinder lining and piston/valves as it bounced around in there....

Jan 19, 2014 | 09:37 AM

#48

photog

Advanced

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 92

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Blue Abyss

Looks clear to me. To be safe, I probably should have it towed to whatever repair place I wind up taking it to (cheaper than risking driving it further and potentially needing new engine). Will call around to see how much they'll charge to fix it roughly. Guessing dealership will want a lot more than some local car repair places.

Thought I read that our cars can go 100k miles before needing new spark plugs. If that's the case and these are the factory spark plugs, I wonder what kind of negotiating I could do with an Acura dealership?

I found a loose spark plug in my middle rear cylinder. turns out this happens all the time, it backed itself out and damaged the plug as well as let too much heat escape up to the coil/tube gasket and started a slow oil leak past the valve cover. these TL plug issues are no joke! This happened after I had installed all new plugs with antisieze and proper torque. and yes, I triple checked my torque values.

Oct 29, 2014 | 08:34 PM

#49

Kav70

1st Gear

Joined: Oct 2014

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So I recently experienced the same issue as chen3837 with my 08 TL. I have the extended warranty through Acura Care. I had the car towed to a local Honda dealer where I have service done. They found That plug for cyl #5 was loose and electrode broke. Around 6 grand in damage. Acura Care is denying the claim saying it was due to spark plug failure and spark plugs are not covered. The loose plug is what caused the plug to fail. I've been bounced back and forth between Acura customer relations and Acura care. Anyone have any suggestions on who to contact from Acura?