Blown spark plug solutions

[d_corston]

Hi all, new to the forum so first of all hello!

Ive got a 2003 Mini Cooper S and the other day it decided to blow one of the spark plugs. Before researching over the net I thought this was unheard of, but have seen quite a few topics and stories of this happening on Mini's!

Anyway I have organised with a local engineer that specialises in spark plug but I just need to get my car there! It was originally going to be picked up by a mate who has a recovery business but he's away until after Christmas. All I really need to know is - is it safe to drive/limp to the engineers as it is under 2 miles away from my house! I know it's certainly not adviseable and havent been using it, but is it do-able or could it potentially cause a lot more damage to the engine??

Just to clarify the spark plug has been blown out and stripped the thread.

Any advice would be appreciated!

[marque]

Hi

give these guys a call they will have what you need

Wrth UK Ltd. - Time-Sert

[d_corston]

Thank for the link, looks spot on but living away from home I have no tools here to carry out any of the work myself.

[marque]

hi

you can do it institute you only need to be able to get the spark plug out and buy the kit from them. grease the thread on the tap and go slow just keep removing it and cleaning it and regreasing it I have done a few its an easy job. the tap is self guiding it uses what was left of the old thread. just take your time anyway glad the li k may be of use

[d_corston]

Ok, I am fairly mechanically minded so am happy to give it ago! Do you have to remove the head or anything because the spark plug is so 'deep' in the Minis? I was worried that taping it myself may cause some shards of the cut metal to get into the engine? Is this a problem or does the thread on the tap move these shards upwards and away?

[marque]

If you talk to the guys when you het the kit they will advise you. I used a 3/8 socket extension or you can get a longer tap or a tap extension.
If you use a thick grease the swaf will stick to it as you cut the new thread if you go slow and bit buy bit and clean and regrease it as you go you will be ok.
I normaly use my vacuum cleaner with a long piece of hose that just fits in the spark plug hole to clean in the cylinder just Incase but never had a problem. Slow and steady wins the race :-)