Cylinder #4 misfire and problems

[jajwrigh]

Here is my situation...the other day I was getting onto the interstate and once I got to about 80mph a CEL came on. The car started running poorly so I went to Advance Auto Parts and had them run the code. I figured it was plugs so I got new ones and limped it home. When I was pulling the old plugs I noticed the last cylinder had a damaged plug. The top was bent down actually touching the electrode, so I assumed I threw a rod or something. When I start the car there is a chattering sound and the CEL remains on. What could I be dealing with?

 

[rickrock]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123619298&highlight=vics+recall

That looks like a VICS screw failed in your cylinder... It actually bent your plug causing the misfire. I am 100% sure it is that. Happened to 3-4 of my friends.. all the same problems..

It is really important you make a compression test on the block after the repair, and if your VIN is out of the recall you can kick Mazda's ass to get your new intake manifold and manwork time paid!