My Rav Threw A Spark Plug

[louiseandi]

Hi Guys

Just wondering if anyone can give me a bit of advice, my Rav has just threw a spark plug we stopped driving it straight away and refitted the plug correctly then drove it home (about 2 miles). On lifting the bonnet we noticed it seemed really hot underneath at the moment it's just sitting there with the bonnet up cooling down. Will any damage have been done ???

Cheers Andrea

[Big Kev]

Hi Guys

Just wondering if anyone can give me a bit of advice, my Rav has just threw a spark plug we stopped driving it straight away and refitted the plug correctly then drove it home (about 2 miles). On lifting the bonnet we noticed it seemed really hot underneath at the moment it's just sitting there with the bonnet up cooling down. Will any damage have been done ???

Cheers Andrea

Hi Andrea,

I recently remarked the very same thing re the temperature under the bonnet to Anchorman a few weeks ago, and I feel reassured that they do actually run pretty hot as per the norm. Wifey's petrol Rav has warmed up in about the first 1.87 miles, compared to my diesel which takes weeks....

As far as ejecting a spark plug....new one on me.....somebody left it loose....serviced or messed wiff recently....?

Big Kev

[anchorman]

I've known spark plugs go clean through a hole in the bonnet complete with lead.

The thermostat is set at 82-88 deg C and with the pressure cap, the water won't boil until well over 100 deg C. The engine runs best when it is as near to melting as possible (locally) so it will feel hot.

Don't over tighten the plug just because it came out, that is an exception not a rule. It should be nipped up or you will never get it out or risk breaking it - then you've got problems.

Carry on regardless

[El Bee]

Don't over tighten the plug just because it came out, that is an exception not a rule. It should be nipped up or you will never get it out or risk breaking it - then you've got problems.

Can you see if the thread is damaged? It's worth a careful check - might need to get it Helicoiled if King Kong and Co did your last plug change.

Lee

[Jamesbelfast]

If an engine blows out a spark plug the plug should be renewed and the threads in the plug hole checked and cleaned. Not only may the thread be damaged but it may also be covered in carbon which can lead to future problems. A few simple checks now could save a lot of money later.

[louiseandi]

Cheers for the replies guys,

I've not long had the car so don't know when the plugs were last changed etc. I was going to buy 4 new plugs this week because I've also got to change the rocker cover gasket due to an oil leak. When we checked the other plugs another one was loose so glad it happened in a way. Will be fitting the new bits at the weekend and checking threads etc. Just glad no damage was done

[bothwell_buyer]

There we are - and you'll find you can go even faster after a set of new plugs fitted as above !!

[louiseandi]

Go faster !!!! it took some getting used to driving the Rav after driving a MK3 2.8d Hilux that couldn't climb a hill

Should be in for some more fun then driving round the little country lanes

[bothwell_buyer]

Go faster !!!! it took some getting used to driving the Rav after driving a MK3 2.8d Hilux that couldn't climb a hill

Should be in for some more fun then driving round the little country lanes

I took a Consultant Business planner around some pretty hairy local country lanes recently in one of my RAVs. Admittedly both my RAVs have the 3SGTE turbo engine pushing out 300 to 400 bhp compared to the RAVs stock 127bhp...he was stunned at how the car was able to cope with steep muddy tracks and even fields on the side of hills!!

The standard 3SFE 127bhp engine is no slouch either. Great cars !!! The lightweight of the car helps a lot.... when you start buying the more recent models, the weight of the cars goes up to the most recent Sherman tank proportions of the 5 door oil burners. If you are ever in my area, gies a shout and you are welcome to try one. I think I made the same offer to Big Kev but as he's used to pushing his diesel tractor about the main roads of Glasgow, he's too embarrassed to try !! :lol: