I kept getting a misfire cylinder 5 from the code reader, changed plugs and wires and did a tune up. After approx. 15 miles it started running REALLY bad and eventually died. I was able to drive the car home. I pulled the spark plug after getting the code again and it was smashed. What would cause this and what is the cure? Is it possible to put a shorter neck plug in and drive for a while longer before changing motor%26gt;
Why is my spark plug smashing in my car and can a shorter spark plug be used%26gt;?
You put the wrong plug in, so the cylinder smashed into it on it's way up.
Also, don't just put in a random shorter plug - there is more than just length to worry about.
Make sure you get the correct plug size for your vehicle, and make sure the gap setting is correct for your engine (any autoparts store will have a book to look up your car and engine to find the correct one)
the gap setting can be found online or in a repair manual (such as Haynes) - most plugs are preset to the range when you buy them though - just good to make sure.
Why is my spark plug smashing in my car and can a shorter spark plug be used%26gt;?
Ouch, some cars require shorter plugs, pull one of the good plugs or check your manual...good luck
it is possible that was the wrong plug somehow to begin with. check with the dealer about correct spark plug, and make sure and get the right one, take the smashed one with you. ( I hope just the electrode was pounded flat) put in the new spark plug and see how it runs,
if you havent already poked a whole in the piston, you can use a shorter plug, but, the best fix for this to purchase an anti fouling adapter at any parts house. simply install this extender in the hole first, then put your normal size plug into it.
not sure what type of car you have but, go to you parts store and see if they have any header plugs. They work well and are shorter.
