Phil Posted December 10, 2013 Share Posted December 10, 2013 Hi My 7 broke down yesterday, a loud bang and then a misfire, the middle of the spark plug had come out at speed resulting in a dent in my bonnet, I removed the metal body of the plug left in the head, replaced the plug, problem fixed. I changed the other three plugs today only to find lots of water down the holes, messy long job to remove and clean. No sign of a leak or loss of coolant so the water must have come in from the top, either having used it a lot lately while it was pissing it down, alternator gone on other car, or from washing it. In case the water has caused the plug to come apart, please could you check yours and let me know if you are suffering from the same. Thanks Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birkin S3 ZA. Posted December 10, 2013 Share Posted December 10, 2013 I have seen this on a Opel motor that was fitted with pirate NGK plugs, all four came apart when they tried to remove them. Just left the threaded parts in the motor that I had to remove for them. Locost high risk 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene Posted December 10, 2013 Share Posted December 10, 2013 I have added drain holes at the front of the cam cover, as the cant of the engine is wrong for the standard drain holes. Simple process, and no more water in with the plugs. I do use NGK Platimum plugs - but only purchase from what I hope are reputable sellers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted December 10, 2013 Share Posted December 10, 2013 Always use copper grease on threads & never really use the car in the wet. Always dry after washing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted December 10, 2013 Share Posted December 10, 2013 Quoting zetec: Always use copper grease on threads & never really use the car in the wet. Always dry after washing.Craig ... . It's a car, not a paper bag !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Posted December 10, 2013 Author Share Posted December 10, 2013 I had the original Ford plugs in that came with the engine so they should have been good. I sell NGK plugs so I was gutted at paying £25 for a set from the nearest place to my car. I found two drain holes at the back of the cam cover, did not think about the front, if the car is washed and not taken out for a spin, the water as you suggest may not drain, do you have any photos of the front drainage holes and what made you drill some? Has anyone checked their cars yet? Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 Quoting SM25T: Quoting zetec: Always use copper grease on threads & never really use the car in the wet. Always dry after washing.Craig ... . It's a car, not a paper bag !! They corrode quicker than an old austin allegro !!! 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mankee Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 My pal once had a loose spark plug knocking away in his head. He thought it was a lifter, so he spent tonnes of money on bigger cams, a new set of lifters and a remap to "cure" it. If it's broke, upgrade it! 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 was he a seven owner??? I knew a seven owner who had a water pump issue- changed the engine- gearbox- diff- prop- wheels- radiator- ignition system & carbs! Works ok now!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Deslandes Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 or the owner who's car wouldn't deliver the power and had two rebuilds plus a re timing at Caterham Cars. All up cost- thousands. Answer: Air filter full of crap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted December 11, 2013 Share Posted December 11, 2013 I always carry a spare (old) plug with me. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Lowe Posted December 12, 2013 Share Posted December 12, 2013 Quoting Eugene: I have added drain holes at the front of the cam cover, as the cant of the engine is wrong for the standard drain holes. Simple process, and no more water in with the plugs. I dont get water on my plugs because I have a Raceline BLING cover Simple process Edited by - Guy Lowe on 12 Dec 2013 16:30:42 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 Unfortunately the Bling cover doesn't stop the water fully. Does help though. I'll see if I can take some piccys of the extra drain holes, but may not be able to post them (or anything else) as my memberships runs out shortly. But anyway, they were easy to do, and it was suffering with water in plugs 1 and 2 that made me look into the problem. No problem at all since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Lowe Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 The cover works fine for me, I have been in some pretty torrential downpours (Le Mans Classic 2008 ) and never had a problem 😶🌫️ As Eugene says, the engine tilts forward in a Caterham so all you need to do is drill a 4mm hole either side at the front of the cover in the same place as the 'standard' holes that are at the rear. Probably best to drill them with the cover off rather than trying to drill through the pulleys 😬 Guy Edited by - Guy Lowe on 15 Dec 2013 17:22:53 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Plato Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 same on the duratec - drill two holes at the gearbox end of the cover Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 I have a bling cover waiting at raceline Just need tution on how to make it fit! ( please) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 I didnt take my seven to awesome today in fear of my spark plugs 🙅🏻♂️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Lowe Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 Quoting zetec: I have a bling cover waiting at raceline Just need tution on how to make it fit! ( please) You need a couple of black cap head bolts from Margnor Fastners in Jacobs Well & some spacers. I'll get them for you next time I'm over there and then you can bring your car over & we can do it, a bit of cutting is needed to fit it to the Black Top. Guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 Thanks Guy, your a top man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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