MINI2

NHRef · Nov 27th, 2005, 04:21 PM

Hello!

First the number one spark plug blew out of my 2002 MCS (last December, just before Christmas). Yesterday the number two blew out.

The first I blamed on poor workmanship on my part, not torquing the spark plug tight enough.

Lesson learned and applied. But now, I'm not so sure . . .

So why did a second spark plug blow out? And what are the odds of numbers 3 and 4 coming out as well?

I'm not the first, from what I can tell, to have this problem. Are you aware of any MINI recalls?

I am running Bosch Platinum+4 plugs.

Right now, the S is at the shop waiting for it to open on Monday. Immediate plan is to have them install a helicoil.

Maybe there's a better, long term solution . . . especially since I like to track the car (drivers' ed, not racing) a few times a year?

Thanks,

Pete

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2002 MCS R/W
BMP air filter, Alta pulley, Alta waterless intercooler cover, Borla exhaust
EBC slotted/dimpled rotors with green pads; Goodrich braided brake lines
Moss rally light bar, custom body side stripes

Mike Edwards · Nov 27th, 2005, 04:27 PM

Unless the plug took the thread with it, helicoils won't help?

Ryephile · Nov 29th, 2005, 05:52 AM

Well, I've seen plugs loosen due to inadequate crush-washer seating and thus improper torquing, I hate to say that's why you've had problems, but it's a possibility.

NHRef · Nov 30th, 2005, 02:08 AM

The service manager at MINI of Peabody (MA USA) told me he's had at least 5 cars come in with this problem, all but one using after market plugs.

Suggested frequently checking the plugs to ensure they're at the correct torque.

obehave · Nov 30th, 2005, 02:15 AM

I've run aftermarket plugs for over 2 years.
A retorque 2 weeks or so after initial install and mine have been fine.

Nov 27th, 2005, 04:21 PM	#1
NHRef Play On! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Hampshire Local Time: 04:21 PM Posts: 896 Offline	Spark Plug Blows Out - Twice Now Hello! First the number one spark plug blew out of my 2002 MCS (last December, just before Christmas). Yesterday the number two blew out. The first I blamed on poor workmanship on my part, not torquing the spark plug tight enough. Lesson learned and applied. But now, I'm not so sure . . . So why did a second spark plug blow out? And what are the odds of numbers 3 and 4 coming out as well? I'm not the first, from what I can tell, to have this problem. Are you aware of any MINI recalls? I am running Bosch Platinum+4 plugs. Right now, the S is at the shop waiting for it to open on Monday. Immediate plan is to have them install a helicoil. Maybe there's a better, long term solution . . . especially since I like to track the car (drivers' ed, not racing) a few times a year? Thanks, Pete ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2002 MCS R/W BMP air filter, Alta pulley, Alta waterless intercooler cover, Borla exhaust EBC slotted/dimpled rotors with green pads; Goodrich braided brake lines Moss rally light bar, custom body side stripes http://cooperpedia-swicki.eurekster.com A swicki harnesses the power of community. No ads, just search results that are relevant to you.

Nov 30th, 2005, 02:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
NHRef Play On! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Hampshire Local Time: 04:21 PM Posts: 896 Offline	The service manager at MINI of Peabody (MA USA) told me he's had at least 5 cars come in with this problem, all but one using after market plugs. Suggested frequently checking the plugs to ensure they're at the correct torque. http://cooperpedia-swicki.eurekster.com A swicki harnesses the power of community. No ads, just search results that are relevant to you.

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Nov 27th, 2005, 04:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mike Edwards MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Herefordshire Local Time: 09:21 PM Posts: 767 Offline	Unless the plug took the thread with it, helicoils won't help?

Nov 29th, 2005, 05:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ryephile Deals Gap Junkie Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Metro-Detroit Local Time: 05:21 PM Posts: 421 Offline	Well, I've seen plugs loosen due to inadequate crush-washer seating and thus improper torquing, I hate to say that's why you've had problems, but it's a possibility.

Nov 30th, 2005, 02:15 AM	#5 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 04:21 PM Posts: 9,315 Offline	I've run aftermarket plugs for over 2 years. A retorque 2 weeks or so after initial install and mine have been fine.

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