Foreign object in cylinder...
I need some advice quick! I have to have this job done by Monday and I am kind of at a loss for what to do.

I was removing the spark plugs on my 2006 f-150 5.4L and of course one breaks... Well it was the very back plug on the right side (looking at the truck from the front) anyway I used the puller system and was able to remove the spark plug but when I got it out I noticed that the aluminum end was missing. Basically where the aluminum bridges up and over the probe, that piece is missing. It's very small, I would say maybe 2-3/8th of an inch....

I tried the following:
1) magnet (was trying everything but since the part is aluminum that didn't work)
2) sticky tape, I used tape on the end of a magnet but couldn't get it small enough to fit in the spark plug hole...
3) blew air down in the cylinder (this might have worked, but it didn't notice anything flying out)
4) I put a home vaccume down to it and I feel like I got really good suction but didn't hear anything rattle it's way up (it might have been impossible to hear, but in don't know for certain it's out ether)

The last thing I am thinking about trying is getting all the other plugs replaced (they are all already pulled) and booking them up, but leaving one cylinder open (no spark plug) and running it for a minute or two and try and blow the little bit out that way.

The other thought is what do I risk realistically if the little bit stays down there, I put the plug in and fire it up? Would the bit blow out the exhaust because it so small? Or could it just rattle around in there doing damage foreve and I risk the piston or block or head or valves?

Anyway I need advice on what to do, let me know if running it without a plug is a good way to insure nothing is down there, or if I am making a big deal out of nothing.

Thanks in advance!!!!!

 

I'm not sure what the clearances in the heads are, but if that little bit smashes against a valve, it's probably hosed. If it gets stuck between the valve and its seat, you're more hosed. You're looking at pulling the head to remove it in that case, and possibly having the valve seat refinished if it scores the surface.

Again, I don't know what the tolerances are, so I could be taking the worst case a little far. I certainly wouldn't try firing it up without having some damned solid data to back myself up. That's potentially a much more expensive mistake than having to pay someone to get it out. Sorry I don't have a good answer, I just wanted to harp on the risks so you don't end up worse off only to find the advice you needed right after you started it.

 

Please don't make duplicate posts on the same topic across multiple forums.

 

Harbor Freight sells a inspection camera that has a lens on the end of a length of hose that would probably work. As usual for HF, it is not very expensive at all. Better yet, maybe you know someone that has one you could borrow for a few minutes. I know seeing it doesn't get it out, but maybe it is already gone from your previous efforts, or if you can locate it, you can develop a strategy for removal. Good luck on finding it.

 

Thanks for the tip, but I got different responses on both threads and more views and advice because I did.

I would suggest some breathing exercises if two posts on an issues that needs to be resolved right away really gets your panties in a bunch.

 

Thanks a ton! Yeah I was thinking about it later and valves catching the little part popes into my head, I think I'll get the camera that someone else suggested and make sure it's 100% gone before putting a new plug in. Thanks again!

 

Awesome! I am going to pick one up today

 

I would suggest some common courtesy and adherence to forum rules. There's a reason they exist. Because you posted in two different places, you are likely to get opposing and confusing answers. Nearly every forum has this rule, but perhaps you are new to the internet?

 

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/foreign...4/#post3727044