Questions and Answers
Blew A Plug
Q. I have a 1991 Buick Regal 3.1 liter engine. I had the plugs replaced by the dealer about 50,000 miles ago and now one plug blew out. It is stripped so the plug will not go back in. Does this engine have an aluminum head and if the plug was overtightned would that not cause the plug to fail some time later?
A. That engine has cast iron heads. If the spark plug blew out, it is more likely due to the mechanic working on the car forgetting to tighten it. If this is the case, then chances are it's only the first couple of threads that are damaged. You can get a spark plug thread cleaner to restore the threads and install a new plug.
I think you would be hard pressed to prove the mechanic made a mistake here. You can try going back to the dealer and stating your case. If they value your custom I'm sure they will help you out.
