Bent electrode on spark plug

[mrcarson2]

I have been researching this issue on here for a while. So I recently had some work done on my p5 (2003 84k). Back story: I had a local shop put on new endlinks, new rear calipers, timing belt, spark plugs, and one front wheel bearing. I had it back for around two weeks and then while I was on the highway, the CEL came on and the car was running like crap. I made it home (drove it about 5 miles) and had it scanned at autozone, which returned that cyl #4 was misfiring. I pulled the spark plug in #4 and the electrode was bent down. I had remembered seeing this issue while browsing the past posts and I was really worried. I found that the shop I took my car to had put in Autolite spark plugs and the guy at autozone told me that they were not the correct spark plugs to be used in my car, that I needed a "hotter" one. I purchased 4 new plugs and replaced them all. The car does not misfire anymore and I never noticed any rattling sounds like others have sine the misfire. Is it possible that the screw if it was loose inside the piston made its way out? I have since drove it around 30 miles and have not had any issues with it. I really would not like to be doing damage to it if something is really wrong. I also don't like the idea of spending $1000+ to fix this since I just put over $1000 into it. I did my research before purchasing the car (about 1 year ago) and figured that since it had 77k on it that if the car had this issue would have presented itself already. I really don't know what to do about this, if anyone can shed some light on this, I would be grateful!

 

[P-Funk!]

Unless the other plugs were bent as well - i would strongly suspect you sucked a VTCS or VICS screw and now it is on the screen of the first cat.

Pull the intake and inspect. If they are all there - red loctite and re-torque.

If the VCTS lost a screw - see the VTCS-less removal posts.

If it is VICS - replace the screw and document any damage for a possible Mazda coverage.

 

[nickster]

Isn't there a recall for this loose screw in the VTCS on the 03 p5? If there is, then you should be able to roll up to any Mazda dealership and have them fix it for free.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Recall is for certain stretch of 03s for VICS screws falling out. Search for recall thread & check your VIN to see if it is included.

 

[P-Funk!]

Yeah, but if they find the screw in the cat...They should cover it. You may have to go up the corporate chain though.